The TRICARE Management Activity recently announced two new initiatives designed to utilize available technology to enhance Soldier and Family well-being. The first is the TRICARE Assistance Program that allows TRICARE beneficiaries to speak with a licensed counselor 24/7 from the privacy of their own home or any other location of choice that has a computer, internet and webcam.

Eligible beneficiaries are active duty service members, those eligible for transition assistance management program for six months following demobilization, members with TRICARE Reserve Select, as well as spouses and other eligible Family members 18 years of age or older. This program provides unlimited short-term, non-medical, problem solving counseling for individuals dealing with personal problems impacting their work performance, health and well being.

Mechanisms are in place to conduct warm handoffs, to medical providers if it is determined the individual needs more comprehensive medical care or if they are considered a danger to themselves or others.

The second initiative is TRICARE's development of a civilian network of telemedicine mental health providers to provide medically supervised, secure audio visual conferencing to link beneficiaries with offsite providers for all aspects of behavioral health services, including psychotherapy and medication management.

While most service members will still receive face-toface care in a military treatment facility, this program will enhance access to care by providing additional options for Soldiers and Family members. TRICARE currently has 251 originating sites and is working to expand both the number of originating sites and the network of online providers.

These programs became effective Aug. 1. Beneficiaries are encouraged to take advantage of these new opportunities.

Soldiers and Family members can get information about the programs through links to their regional TRIAP site http://tricare.mil/triap

A complete guide to the TRICARE and Department of Defense existing behavioral health services is available for download at the link http:// www.TRICARE.MIL/ TRICARESMART. Point of contact is Michael Reed, Army Substance Abuse Program Coordinator, Employee Assistance Program, (706) 791-5797.