MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. -- The stress resulting from military lifestyles often places individuals in situations in which they need someone to talk to.
Finding just the right person to confide in is not always easy. You might not want to confide in your spouse, chain of command or close friends. There are times you would rather just turn to someone outside of your comfort zone, someone who does not see you on a day-to-day basis.
The Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) Program service provides such an outlet. MFLC is a free, non-medical counseling service provided to military members and their families.
Counselors with MFLC have master’s degrees or higher, are mobile and provide advice on issues ranging from deployment stress to parenting skills.
Jennifer Anderson, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Family Readiness Officer, said one particular advantage of MFLC counselors is their ability to meet with individuals on such short notice.
“They (MFLC counselors) offer exactly what a counselor or therapist located in an office provides: non-medical, solution-focused counseling,” Anderson said. “Scheduling an appointment with a counselor through TRICARE or other more traditional means often includes a lengthy wait time. MFLC’s are easily accessible and available.”
Marine Aircraft Groups (MAG) each have two MFLC counselors, while each station has one. The counselors rotate every six months and can meet with an individual up to 12 times.
“The beauty of embedding the MFLC counselors is that they are on site and ready to assist at a moment’s notice,” Anderson said. “With their flexible work schedule and ability to meet practically anywhere except someone’s home, they are very adaptable. I see their services as an invaluable tool to support the well-being of our families,” Anderson said.
For those interested in learning more about the MFLC program or talking to one of the MFLC counselors, call 910-459-3508.