• Mental health impacts how people handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Oftentimes poor mental health goes hand-in-hand with other high risk behaviors. 
• Health habits and behaviors are established at a young age. It’s important to develop healthy coping habits and skills at a young age.
• It’s not uncommon for mental health issues to begin in youth. In fact, one half of all cases of lifetime mental illness begin by the age of 14. This is just one reason why early invention is critical.
• Mental health issues and disorders with youth related to anxiety, mood, attention, and behavior disorders are on the rise.
  • More than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40% increase since 2009.

You know your child or loved one. If you think they need help, start the conversation. In the same way you would seek preventive health screenings or treatment, early invention is ideal, but help at any point is best. 

Signs of possible mental health problems in youth can vary. They can be mild and brief or more serious and persistent. Common signs that children are experiencing stress may include:

• Emotional outbursts
• Persistent sadness that lasts two weeks or more
• Difficulty concentrating or sitting still
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in eating
• Trouble sleeping, change in sleep habits
• Increased irritability
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Changes in academic performance/avoiding or missing school
• Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
• Out of control behavior

What do these signs look like in the daily environment? You might see an increase in argumentative behavior like talking back and acting out. You may notice impulsiveness, difficulty focusing on tasks, or interrupting others. Your child may suddenly lack interest in activities that used to be of interest, like spending time with friends, participating in hobbies or sports or even attending school. 

Start the Conversation

• If you suspect your child could use help, take action.
• Communicate and engage with your child. Emphasize that it doesn't have to feel like this and help is available. 

• You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for any TRICARE-covered office-based outpatient mental health service (except psychoanalysis). This means that if your child is enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you can make an appointment with a TRICARE-authorized network provider for mental health services like individual or family counseling or therapy. If you have TRICARE Select, you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider, but you’ll lower out-of-pocket costs if you see a network provider. Learn more about TRICARE coverage at www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth. 
• If your child has a primary care provider, make an appointment. You can make an appointment with a TRICARE-authorized network mental health provider, no matter what plan you use. If you need help finding a provider, use the Find a Doctor tool at www.tricare.mil/findadoctor or reach out to your TRICARE regional contractor.
  • In the East Region, call Humana Military at 1-800-444-5445
  • In the West Region, call Health Net at 1-844-866-9378
  • Overseas, call your country-specific toll-free number at www.tricare-overseas.com.
• If you prefer to have your child speak with a mental health professional by audio or on video, your regional contractor has a network of providers who offer telehealth. Learn more at www.tricare.mil/coveredservices/isitcovered/telementalhealth.

• You can also seek help for your child outside of your TRICARE benefit. Military OneSource is a Department of Defense program with a 24/7 call center (1-800-342-9647), website (www.militaryonesource.mil), and mobile app (My Military OneSource) that provides comprehensive information, resources, and assistance on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty service members and their families.  Veterans and their immediate family members can access Military OneSource up to 365 days post-separation or retirement. 
• Non-medical counseling is available in person, by telephone, via secure chat, and secure video sessions. Non-medical counselors provide a safe place to speak confidentially with a licensed mental health provider for up to 12 sessions, per issue, to address daily life issues. This is separate from the MHS and military chain of command and is a confidential service. Visit www.militaryonesource.mil to learn more about eligibility and services, or call 1-800-342-9647, 24/7.  
• Military OneSource can also help connect you with a provider near you.
  • This provider isn’t connected with TRICARE, and sessions will be free of charge.
  • Your child may be able to get up to 12 free visits per issue.
• The Military and Family Life Counseling Program is offered at and near many military installations worldwide. Individual and family counseling options are available for you and your family members. Call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.mil to connect with your local Military and Family Counselor.