Resources and Support for Military Pediatricians via DoD’s Military OneSource

As families journey through life, there are bound to be potholes or bumps in the road to navigate from time to time. For families with loved ones who have chosen to serve, the emotional strain of an upcoming move or a baby who will not sleep through the night can sometimes have more of an impact. As a pediatrician, you can learn about unique issues that can affect the health and well-being of the military-connected children in your care. Connecting their families with Military OneSource is an efficient and effective way to get them the help they need when they need it.

Military OneSource is a Department of Defense program that offers resources and support services through a 24/7 call center (800-342-9647), website (MilitaryOneSource.mil), and mobile app (My Military OneSource). The program provides comprehensive information, resources and assistance on every aspect of military life at no cost to service members and their families.

All services are free and available to active duty, National Guard and reserve service members regardless of activation status, Coast Guard members who are activated with the Department of the Navy under Title 10 authority, and their immediate families. Military OneSource is also available to survivors, transitioning service members and their families up to one year after separation or retirement.

Non-medical counseling through Military OneSource helps military family members of all ages navigate the rigors of everyday life, like stress or anger management, adjustment difficulties, relationship troubles and coping with grief and loss. Service members and families can speak confidentially with a licensed mental health provider for up to 12 sessions, on a given topic, to help address daily life issues and keep their military and family readiness intact. Eligible parents and guardians can receive non-medical counseling in-person, by phone, through secure online chat, or secure video sessions.

Military-connected children can receive non-medical counseling during in-person or secure video sessions Youth ages 6-12 can participate accompanied by a parent or guardian, and those ages 13-17 have the option to participate in family or individual sessions with the consent of a parent or guardian.

Military members and their families should know that Military OneSource is not designed to address emergency or crisis situations, including suspected child abuse and neglect or domestic abuse.

Military OneSource also provides targeted support in the following areas:

Parenting and Child Care

Expectant and parents of children up to age 5 can get individualized, confidential support through Military OneSource’s New MilParent specialty consultations. Sessions are available through video or phone on a wide variety of parenting topics, such as managing sleep issues, single parenting and addressing difficult behaviors.

The New Parent Support Program provides home visits for new and expectant parents. This is a voluntary program available to all new and expecting military parents. However, priority is given to parents who are at risk for domestic abuse and/or child abuse and neglect and referrals from pediatricians are key to ensuring families who could benefit most from home visits are notified about the program. Parenting classes and supervised playgroups are offered at some installations.

Finding childcare can be difficult for military families with unconventional schedules, which is why the Department of Defense now offers access to expanded hourly childcare options. Free access to a national database of caregivers makes it simpler to find quality hourly, flexible and on-demand childcare.

Teenagers can improve their eating habits, physical fitness, or stress through Military OneSource Health and Wellness coaching for teens. With the support of a coach, the teen will set and work toward goals, celebrate successes and learn lifelong healthy habits. Health and Wellness coaching is available for adults as well.

Education and entertainment options

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Digital Library offers free, online education and entertainment resources. Families will find e-books and audiobooks on any topic. Service members and their families can learn new skills and get homework help using databases and reference books.

Financial concerns

Military OneSource financial consultants are trained professionals who understand military pay, benefits and financial issues common to service members and their families. They can help with budgeting, debt reduction, taxes and more.

Spouse employment

Frequent moves can delay military spouses’ education and interrupt their career progress. The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program offers personalized support to help spouses overcome these obstacles. This includes free career coaching, resume review, access to scholarships for spouses and much more.

Elder care

Living in an intergenerational home or caring for an older family member can be overwhelming, particularly while balancing military life. A Military OneSource elder care specialty consultation can ease the strain by providing valuable information on resources and services.

Military families can learn more about these and other free services, resources, and tools by contacting Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or visiting www.militaryonesource.mil 

About Military Community and Family Policy

Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our guardians of country, their families and survivors be well and mission-ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These Department of Defense services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.