TRICARE offers immediate counseling with 385-HELP

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  To help Airmen and families who are struggling, the 28th Bomb Wing recently started a new confidential counseling hot line, (605) 385- HELP (4357), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The phone line does this by automatically forwarding calls to the at (866) 284-3743.

Ellsworth leadership, who were inspired by the crisis line made available through TRICARE's Assistance Program, a web-based behavioral health program instituted in early August 2009.

Once dialed, the caller can receive non-medical confidential counseling from qualified counselors, said Lt. Col. Scott Krebs, 28th Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight commander.

Since its implementation, the crisis line has assisted with more than 13,000 phone calls per month.

The wing leadership wanted Airmen to have an advice line available that would be easy to remember; in the vein of (605) 385-SARC (7272) (a phone line used to report sexual assaults) and (605) 385-RIDE (7433) (an option for Airmen to help avoid driving under the influence), said Colonel Krebs.

In addition to counseling, members can also receive information about how to receive clinical consultations and other psychotherapy provided, referral for services, help locating medical providers or how to schedule an in-person or web-based appointment with a licensed professional.

"Calls made to this service are completely confidential and are usually answered immediately," said Tara Mogan, TriWest Healthcare Alliance beneficiary education manager. "Once connected, the licensed technicians provide a non-medical discussion of personal life issues, including relationships and stress management."

In addition to confidentiality, the service is also unlimited to servicemembers, with no strings attached.

"Eligible servicemembers and their families can use the Crisis Line any number of times without a referral or authorization," Ms. Mogan said.

Ellsworth vice commander praised the accessibility the program provides Airmen and their families,

"Our Airmen have been good wingmen -- watching out of other that need help," said Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28 BW commander. "But just as the threat of those at risk has increased over time, we have to raise our awareness to respond."

TRICARE Assistance Program is fully accredited by the American Association of Suicidology. For more information about the program, visit www.triwest.com/bh to chat live, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a TriWest Behavioral Health Contact Center representative or call 1-888-TRIWEST (874-9378).