The Source for Navy News
FFSC Counseling: Proactive, Professional, Progressive
Story Number: NNS040210-05
Release Date: 2/10/2004 3:44:00 PM
From Fleet and Family Support Public Affairs
NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Americans in the civilian sector spend approximately $7-$11 million annually on professional counseling. Each session can cost between $50 and $150, or more. Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) offers counseling sessions as part of the military benefits package, and these sessions are offered at no cost to Sailors, their families and retired service members.
If service or family members are coping with the loss of a loved one, stressed about deployment or just want to improve personal skills, FFSC can help. Services include individual, marital and family counseling, support groups and crisis intervention.
“The proactive nature of the services and workshops makes the difference,” said Lt. Cmdr. Alyce Campbell, director of the FFSC at Naval Air Station New Orleans. “Lots of good people would fall through the cracks without our assistance.”
Campbell noted that FFSC services like counseling are not just for people going through a rough time, but for anyone who just needs some helpful advice.
“Sailors and their families can utilize counseling for common issues such as children having difficulty in school or problems at work,” said Terri Rau, program manager for FFSC Professional Counseling in Millington, Tenn. “A misconception some Sailors have about the program is that you must be mentally ill.”
When Sailors deal with stress-inducing situations, such as deployment or separation, there are many benefits from counseling. Talking to someone about problems – especially a professional who specializes in the challenges of the military lifestyle – can provide insight on how to deal with that particular problem and greatly reduce anxiety.
“An advantage of talking with a counselor at the FFSC is that they know and understand the Navy,” Rau said.
The FFSC provides one-on-one counseling scheduled at the Sailor’s convenience. A referral is not necessary. All records are kept private and are not shared with commanding officers unless the problem has the potential to endanger others or the client, or if the problem affects the Sailor’s duty. Otherwise, the information does not transfer to permanent medical records. Taking these precautions allows for the FFSC to safeguard information in compliance with patient privacy policies; it also fosters an environment for free expression by clients.
“Just because these services are free does not lessen the quality of professionals who conduct the counseling,” Rau said. “It’s a quality program that more Sailors and families should take advantage of.”
There are 55 FFSCs and 67 delivery sites worldwide. For more information on the FFSC and programs like professional counseling, or to locate the nearest center, visit FFSC on the Web at www.persnet.navy.mil/pers66 or call the center’s 24-hour information and referral hotline at (800) FSC-LINE.
For related news, visit the Chief of Naval Personnel Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnp.
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