Skip to main content

Military Health System

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources Provide Help: You Are Not Alone

Image of Military personnel posing for a picture. Military personnel posing for a picture

Recommended Content:

Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Suicide Prevention | Psychological Fitness

Life is full of ups and downs. But sometimes life events—financial strain, relationships, isolation, emotional or sexual abuse, stress, and misuse or abuse of alcohol or drugs—can lead to depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide for some. It’s important to remember that you are not alone. If you or a loved one need immediate help, you can call the Military & Veterans' Crisis Line by dialing 988 and selecting Option 1. Or start a chat online. The crisis line is free and available 24/7 to help you and connect you with the resources you need.

MentalHealth.gov defines mental health this way: “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.”

However, life’s challenges can affect how we think, feel, and act. And our mental health may also be affected.

Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, may interfere with your life and overall physical health. You can have symptoms that are mild and brief or more serious and persistent.

According to Dr. Krystyna Bienia, clinical psychologist and senior policy analyst at the Defense Health Agency, mental health disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible.

“TRICARE beneficiaries are urged to seek help as soon as they can when they notice something doesn’t feel right, or symptoms begin to present themselves,” Dr. Bienia said. “Early intervention is key, but help at any point is best. It’s okay to not be okay. But be sure to ask for help.”

What are some early signs of possible mental health problems that are interfering with your (or a loved one’s) daily routine?

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little.
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities.
  • Having trouble concentrating.
  • Having low or no energy. 
  • Feeling numb or like nothing matters. 
  • Having unexplained aches and pains.
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless. 
  • Smoking or drinking more than usual. 

Do you think you or a family member could benefit from mental health services? TRICARE provides a number of resources. If you need help finding a provider, including a mental health provider, you can use the Find a Doctor tool. You can also reach out to your primary care provider or your TRICARE regional contractor.

You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for any outpatient mental health (except for psychoanalysis) and substance use disorder care. This includes services like individual or family therapy. For example, if you have TRICARE Prime, you don’t need a referral to see a network provider for office-based outpatient mental health services. If you have TRICARE Select, you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider. But you’ll lower your out-of-pocket costs if you choose to see a network provider.

If you have TRICARE For Life, Medicare is the primary payer for your mental health services. You only need a referral or pre-authorization from TRICARE if your Medicare benefits are exhausted.

Are you an active duty service member? You should first seek nonemergency mental health services at your military hospital or clinic. You need to get a referral and pre-authorization for all civilian mental health services. You can go to the TRICARE website to learn more.

Keep in mind, you don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for emergency care. If you think you have a mental health emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room. You need immediate help if you’re experiencing any of these signs:

  • Thinking about hurting or killing yourself.
  • Looking for ways to hurt yourself.
  • Talking about death, dying, or suicide.
  • Self-destructive behavior, such as drug abuse or risky use of weapons.

Non Emergency Mental Health Services

Depending on your needs and diagnosis, many treatment levels may be available to you. How do you get nonemergency mental health services? It depends on the level of care you need, your health plan, and your sponsor status. Some nonemergency mental health services TRICARE covers are:

Did you know telemental health services are also a part of your TRICARE benefit? With your computer, or phone, you can connect securely with your provider. Go to the TRICARE website to for more on these mental health resources.

Additional Services

The Military Health System has additional mental health resources that are available 24/7:

You also may be interested in...

inTransition - Connecting, Coaching, Empowering

Video
1/31/2023
inTransition

The Defense Health Agency inTransition program is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance for active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans and retirees who need access to mental health care when: relocating to another assignment; returning from deployment; transitioning from active duty to reserve component or reserve component to active duty; preparing to leave military service; any other time they need a new mental health provider or need a provider for the first time. inTransition coaches are skilled counselors who understand military culture and who maintain privacy and confidentiality. inTransition services are available to ALL military members regardless of length of service or discharge status and there is NO expiration date to enroll. Learn more: https://health.mil/intransition

Recommended Content:

Psychological Fitness | inTransition | Suicide Prevention | Mental Health is Health Care

Older Adults and Mental Health

Video
12/12/2022
Graphic that says, 'Common signs include: Social Isolation

Mental health often goes undiagnosed in older adults.

Recommended Content:

Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Psychological Fitness | Mental Health is Health Care

Service Members and Mental Health

Video
12/12/2022
Graphic that says, "If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available."

TRICARE covers mental health services, including telehealth.

Recommended Content:

Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Psychological Fitness | Mental Health is Health Care

Suicide Prevention: A Message from CSM Gragg

Video
8/25/2022
CSM Michael Gragg

A message from CSM Michael A. Gragg regarding suicide prevention and how to get help.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Depression | Suicide Prevention | Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE

Suicide Prevention: One Mother's Story

Video
8/25/2022
Virginia Cooper holding picture of her son Joshua James Wood

Virginia Cooper's son, Joshua Jaymes Wood, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, was 30 years old when he took his life on November 7, 2021. This is her story.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Suicide Prevention | Depression

Seek Mental Health with TRICARE

Video
8/18/2022
Two blobs of color comforting each other

Mental health problems can affect your thoughts, mood and behavior. Watch TRICARE's latest video on how to take care of your mental health.

Recommended Content:

Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Psychological Fitness

July MHS Minute

Video
8/9/2022
Infographic for July MHS Minute

The July MHS Minute highlights a dedicated webpage for women's health to educate women and their partners on the health care services and resources available to them. Visit https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/Womens-Health to learn more. Additionally, learn more about the new national suicide and crisis lifeline, 988.

Recommended Content:

Women's Health | Suicide Prevention | Psychological Fitness

Managing Burnout

Video
5/19/2022
Person walking their dog outside

Burnout is really a state of extreme exhaustion caused by chronic overwhelming stress. Lt. Col. Catherine Callendar, Air Force Deputy Director of Psychological Health, gives some advice on coping with burnout. Learn more at health.mil/mentalhealth.

Recommended Content:

Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Psychological Fitness

MHS Minute | April 2022

Video
5/3/2022
MHS Minute

The MHS Minute highlights some of the outstanding work taking place across the Military Health System, including major milestones, events, notable activities, and much more. Help us get the word out about all of the unique, meaningful, and fascinating work taking place across the MHS by watching and sharing the video, which you can download from DVIDs: https://go.usa.gov/xuy7M. This month’s topic is mental health awareness. Check out the entire playlist: https://go.usa.gov/xtAAq

Recommended Content:

Mental Health: Seeking Care with TRICARE | Psychological Fitness

DHA SEL Talks About Suicide Prevention Month

Video
8/23/2021
Suicide Prevention

CSM Gragg talks about taking care of yourself, body and mind, and how to reach out for help or how to help a friend in need. Addressing your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention Spot (Evergreen)

Video
8/23/2021
Suicide Prevention

Lt. Gen. Ronald Place speaks to the audience about the importance of suicide awareness and prevention all year round.

Recommended Content:

Suicide Prevention | Suicide Prevention

PTSD: Help is Available

Video
6/24/2021
PTSD Video Infographic

PTSD can happen to anyone. The Military Health System can help you get diagnosed and provide you with evidence-based treatment so you can get your life back. If you're struggling with PTSD, reach out to your local military hospital or clinic and make an appointment today. Learn more at health.mil/ptsd.

Recommended Content:

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder | Psychological Fitness

4 Steps to Getting Care for Invisible Wounds

Video
6/23/2021
4 Steps to Getting Care for Invisible Wounds

When it comes to invisible wounds, you don’t have to go it alone. Take the first step and learn how you can get connected with a health care provider.

Recommended Content:

Psychological Fitness | Real Warriors Campaign

Avoiding Substance Misuse as a Coping Mechanism

Video
6/23/2021
Avoiding Substance Misuse as a Coping Mechanism

Military life is rewarding, yet often stressful. Learn five options to help you find healthy ways to cope with stress.

Recommended Content:

Psychological Fitness | Real Warriors Campaign

5 Tips for Better Sleep

Video
6/23/2021
5 Tips for Better Sleep

Sleep is important for staying mission ready and keeping your mind sharp. When possible, get the Zzzs you need with these tips.

Recommended Content:

Sleep | Psychological Fitness | Real Warriors Campaign
<< < 1 2 3 4 > >> 
Showing results 1 - 15 Page 1 of 4
Refine your search
Last Updated: August 17, 2022
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery