Photo By Staff Sgt. Alexandra Singer | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John Thompson, 633rd Medical Group Mental Health flight...... read more read more
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In response to COVID-19, organizations on Joint Base Langley-Eustis are challenged with taking preventative measures to protect service members and their families. The Langley Mental Health Clinic is taking those measures into the virtual world.
Before COVID-19, the clinic offered face-to-face, group and individual therapeutic sessions but is now offering virtual conferencing to deliver mental health therapies for service members and their families.
“While the traditional stressors leading to the need for mental health care continues, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a host of new concerns,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Gross, 633rd Medical Group Mental Health Flight commander. “In addition to the novel stressors, people have either lost, or experienced diminished access to: social, familial, physical, spiritual, mental, and recreational coping mechanisms and resources. Given this, the importance of maintaining mental health treatment may be considered more important than ever before.”
According to Maj. Jocelyn Moore, 633rd MDG Mental Health element lead, at least 95% of appointments are now done virtually through phone or video call. This is done to maintain JBLE social distancing guidelines and mitigate the risk of spreading the virus between patients or staff at the clinic.
Although treatment is continuing for existing patients, new patients can still request a referral for treatment. Additionally, face-to-face care is still available for patients who need it, with the wearing of masks and social distancing.
“We have seen a significant decline in the number of referrals for mental health care, from Primary Care Managers, leaders and members themselves,” Gross said. “Despite these changes in demand for care, we have remained fully mission-ready with adjustments to our service delivery platforms to ensure patient and provider safety.”
Whether an Airman has always had a struggle with their mental health or not, the uncertainty during these times can cause more anxiety, depression and other overwhelming feelings. Reaching out for support whether it be through the mental health clinic or other places is important, Gross continued.
“Accountability, support and continued development of new behavioral, communication, thought patterns and interpersonal skills significantly reduce risk factors,” Moore said. “There are a variety of options available depending on the need and stressor, and any of our staff can help connect Airmen with the most appropriate level and environment of care,”
According to Moore, those other resources for Airmen and their families include chaplains, Military Family Life Counselors, Military OneSource, and self-help such as books, websites and apps.
It’s always encouraged to reach out to those agencies as well to follow possible changes in their protocols.
“We need to take care of ourselves,” Gross said. “As Airmen we are facing new challenges, are dealing with changes in our established mechanisms for coping, and cannot anticipate the state of operations or the world to come. Feeling impacted by this is completely normal. These are extraordinary circumstances, but we are all extraordinary Airmen.”
For more information or to reach out for support call the mental health clinic at 757-764-6840.
| Date Taken: | 05.29.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2020 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 370995 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 133 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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