If you are a service member currently receiving mental health treatment and you will be transitioning out of the service, or to a new assignment, the new inTransition program is for you. Maintaining your psychological health is important. Often times during treatment, service members receive new orders, choose to separate from the military, or must retire as a result of an injury related or unrelated to battle.
inTransition is there to help you transition your mental health treatment after your move. To begin, call toll-free 1-800-424-7877 (continental United States including Alaska and Hawaii); 1-800-424-4685 (outside the United States); or 1-314-387-4700 (collect outside the United States). Your current mental health provider may also contact inTransition for you if you so choose.
Once you or your provider calls, you will be assigned a Transition Support Coach (TSC) who will coach you one-on-one by phone as you go through your transition. These coaches are licensed, master’s-level behavioral health clinicians specially trained and skilled in understanding today’s military culture. They will help connect you with your new provider and empower you with tools to continue making healthy life choices. They understand and respect the importance of your privacy and most importantly, will be with you from beginning to end, remaining with you until you transition to your new provider.
Transition Support Coaches will offer support through motivational consultation and action planning. They will provide detailed information on how to successfully change providers, assist you with referrals, and follow-up with new providers to ensure continuity of care. They will also provide information on community resources, support groups, and other resources available at your new locale. In addition, coaches will have the knowledge to assist you should you be transitioning your mental health care to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The principal goal of inTransition is to ensure you receive the help you need regardless of where you are or where you may be going. The number one priority for the Department of Defense (DoD) after all, is you. For more information, please visit the inTransition Web site at www.health.mil/inTransition, or contact your mental health provider.
Lt. Cmdr. Frazer is senior policy analyst for Psychological Health Strategic Operations, Force Health Protection and Readiness Programs