Not sure if everyone is aware of this semi-new program. This program will also be in most of the Ft. Hood area schools soon if they are not already. Each school has their own MLC just for that school.


Military Family Life Consultants Ease Warrior Transitions


Source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist
1st Class Chad Runge/Released
Balancing the demands of a military career with family responsibilities can be challenging for many warriors. One of the helpful resources provided by the Department of Defense is the Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) program, which offers trained, professional counselors for service members and their families to speak with — and all conversations are confidential* and free of charge.1

The MFLC program augments existing military support programs by providing short-term, problem-solving, non-medical counseling to service members and their families.2 Specially trained on military-specific topics, MFLCs provide education and information on a variety of issues that warriors and their families may face throughout the deployment cycle.

How Can Working With a MFLC Help You?
MFLCs are unique in that they are not traditional therapists; instead they help service members and military families develop an action plan for addressing problems.3 Sometimes called “walk-about counselors,” MFLCs proactively contact warriors and family members, often in public settings like hallways, hospitals, cafeterias and recreation facilities.4

Through non-medical counseling, MFLCs support military families with a variety of common issues that occur within the military lifestyle, including5:

•Common stress reactions to deployment
•Reintegration and the transition from warrior to citizen
•Relocation adjustment
•Separation
•Homesickness
•Loss or grief
•Resiliency
•Anxiety, sadness or other common emotional concerns
In addition, MFLCs are professionally trained to provide non-medical counseling for important life skills, such as:

•Personal financial management
•Productivity at work
•Parenting
•Anger management
•Conflict resolution
•Decision making
•Relationship issues
MFLCs can talk to you in individual, couple, family or group settings, and often have walk-in or flexible appointment times and meeting locations. Additionally, MFLCs at your instillation may offer educational sessions targeting one of the specific life skills mentioned above.6 Finally, it is important to remember that no files or records are kept about your confidential interactions with a MFLC*, which can help make the experience more comfortable.7

How Can You Find a MFLC Near You?
Read about how Military Family Life Consultants have helped soldiers and their families deal with stress at Fort Carson, Colo. and White Sands Missile Range, N.M.MFLCs and programs vary by base and installation and can be accessed though locations such as the Army Community Services, Marine Corps Community Services, Navy Fleet and Family Support Centers or Airman and Family Readiness Centers. For information about Child and Youth Behavioral MFLCs — who specialize in supporting warriors with younger children — contact your installation’s Family Center, Child Development Center or school liaison officer.8 Also, reservists and National Guard members can call 888-755-9355 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-755-9355 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to speak directly to a consultant who will refer them to a counselor in their area.

Reaching Out Makes a Real Difference
MFLCs can help support warriors and military families with a variety of issues that arise in military life. But if you feel that you or someone you know may need medical counseling or treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your MFLC about available courses of action. Additionally, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center can provide information and resources about getting treatment for psychological health issues and traumatic brain injury. Trained health resource consultants are ready to talk, listen and provide the guidance 24/7 by phone (866-966-1020 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-966-1020 end_of_the_skype_highlighting), e-mail or live online chat.

Sources
1Military Family Life Consultants. Army Community Service, Ft. Hood. last accessed June 2010.
2Military and Family Life Consultant Program. MHN Government Services. last accessed June 2010.
3Military and Family Life Consultant Program Summary. MHN Government Services. [35 kb], last accessed June 2010.
4Hemmerly-Brown, Staff Sgt. Alexandria. “Military Family Life Consultants: Easing transitions for Soldiers and Families.” Army News. Dec. 10, 2009.
5Military and Family Life Consultant Program Summary. MHN Government Services. [35 kb], last accessed June 2010.
6Military Family Life Consultants. Army Community Service, Ft. Hood. last accessed June 2010.
7Military Family Life Consultant Center. Ft. Hood Resiliency Campus. last accessed June 2010.
8Frequently Asked Questions. Military HOMEFRONT. last accessed June 2010.
9Overview, Personal Financial Management. Military HOMEFRONT.

*While MFLC conversations are confidential, duty to warn does apply in cases of threat to self, others, child abuse, domestic abuse, and any reportable abuse issues. 

If I remember correctly all MFLC have a Master or PHD.

NO RECORED are keep

The only down fall is if you are currently getting treatment you can not been seen through MLC.

I believe it is up to 6 visits (maybe 12)

Sorry, I am a little fuzz with the details, it has been a long day and I can't see or think straight at the momment. 

There is no limit and you can still be seen by them as long as you're not involved in the family advocacy program. You can not be seen by them if you are seeing someone else for the same "problem".

MFLC are mostly social workers, which does not require a masters degree or a PhD.

This is the info I received just a few days ago. 

MFLC's do have to have a Masters. Most have had their own practices and retired from that. This is how they choose to spend their glory years...lol