Behavioral Health Professionals Embedded with Montana National Guard

"Getting behavioral health information into the hands of our Guard members and their families is vital in helping them deal with any issues that arise during the deployment cycle," said the Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard, Maj. Gen. Randall D. Mosley. "By stationing providers at the armories, they will receive this information in a comfortable environment. The Montana National Guard is committed to providing these services to our service members and their families, both those returning from deployments and those who will deploy in the future."

Through TriWest's embedded behavioral health provider program, National Guard members have the opportunity to form a relationship with a professional with whom they can consult about mental health issues in a confidential, face-to-face setting. The providers will also participate in monthly unit level training and function as part of the unit team.

In addition to on-site counseling, providers can also make referrals to qualified local providers who specialize in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, grief or marital counseling when necessary or requested by the Service member.

The program was established in response to findings from the Post Deployment Health Reassessment Task Force (PDHRA) formed byMontana Governor Brian Schweitzer and Maj. Gen. Mosley. The task force analyzed the Montana National Guard's current PDHRA program, and identified issues and recommended solutions. To date, approximately 90 percent of the task forces recommendations have been implemented.

"Having access to information about PTSD and having someone on the ground to help our Guard members when they are in need is one more step in giving our men and women returning from combat the support they deserve," said Governor Schweitzer.

Currently, more than 3,600 citizen soldiers comprise the Montana National Guard and 80 percent of them have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Readjustment to civilian life following deployment to a war zone is a common issue amongMontana's Guard families.

According to the National Center for PTSD, one in six returning service members will develop PTSD or other combat-related stress disorders. Affected service members may suffer memory loss, irritability, depression, trouble sleeping and other challenges within 60 to 90 days after coming home, but these symptoms may occur earlier or later. If left untreated, symptoms could cause serious physical and mental health problems for service members and their families.

"Support for these brave men and women needs to continue so they get the services they need after they've returned home," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "This embedded provider program has the potential to save a life, a marriage or a family by making sure behavioral health professionals are readily available to discuss readjustment issues with service members and families at their local armories."

TriWest is committed to addressing the needs ofMontana's Guard members. Last fall, TriWest and the Veterans Affairs Montana Health Care System launched the first "Combat Stress Videoconference" to train nearly 150 community-based health care providers who care for Montana National Guard families throughout the state.

TriWest also provides a "Help From Home" video series that features military families who have faced the challenges of deployment and reintegration. Also available is a 24/7 telephone access and crisis intervention services courtesy of TriWest. Service members and their families inMontana can request assistance with a behavioral health crisis or with simple requests for behavioral health information by calling (866) 284-3743.

About TriWest

TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to do "Whatever It Takes" to support the health care needs of 2.9 million members of America's military family. A URAC-accreditedPhoenix-based corporation, TriWest provides access to cost-effective, high-quality health care in the 21-state TRICARE West Region, the 2007 TRICARE Region of the year. TriWest is a proud Corporate Team Member of America Supports You. Visit http://www.triwest.com for more information.

SOURCE TriWest Healthcare Alliance

Copyright © 2008, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2008, NewsBlaze, Daily News

Tags: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Health, montana

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