Guide For Pre-separation/Transition Counseling Session - 46 -
For members making a disability claim with VA, the exam requirement may be met by the
disability exam performed by the VA.
Members wishing to take advantage of this option are encouraged to begin the process 180 days
prior to their separation.
One service available to you is the DoD Mental Health Self-Assessment Program. This is a
mental health and alcohol screening and referral program provided for military families and
Service members affected by deployment and mobilization. It is a voluntary and anonymous
program offered online, by phone, and through special events held at installations and Reserve
units.
Anonymous, self-assessments are available for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol use, post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder. Individualized results and
military health resources, including TRICARE, Vet Centers and Military OneSource are
provided at the end of every assessment.
Active duty Service members can self-refer for mental health if seen at a Medical Treatment
Facility (TRICARE Operations Manual 6010.56-M, Feb 1, 2008 Chapter 16 Addendum B;
Tricare Policy Manual 6010.57-M, Feb 1, 2008 Chapter 7 Section 3.10.).
Each Service offers clinical and non-clinical prevention, education, and treatment programs, as
well as various campaign efforts, that address mental health and substance abuse disorder (SUD)
services for active duty and Guard and Reserve Components, as well as services for family
members. Additionally, TRICARE offers the full range of services for mental health and SUD
treatment options to include: acute psychiatric hospitalization, SUD inpatient/residential
detoxification and rehabilitation, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient
therapy and medication assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine or methadone, for treatment of
opiate use disorder, to include opiate treatment programs and office-based opioid treatment from
an authorized prescriber. Contact your TRICARE regional managed care support contractor for
your eligibility status for these services.
National Guard Service Members may also seek assistance regarding mental health and
substance use disorder counseling and treatment resources from the National Guard Bureau’s
Psychological Health Program. The website for the program:
https://www.jointservicessupport.org/PHP/Default.aspx contains a locator for how to contact
your State National Guard Director of Psychological Health and local psychological health
resources. Additionally, the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program promotes the well-being of
National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities by connecting them with
resources throughout the deployment cycle.
All Service members once deployed as part of a contingency operation are asked to complete
post-deployment mental health assessments for issues such as depression, PTSD, substance use
problems, and other mental health concerns at six months, one-year, and two-year post-
redeployment anniversary.
DoD’s inTransition Program is a confidential coaching program that answers questions about
treatment options, provides information about community resources, and secures and
appointment with a behavioral health provider at your new location.