Photo by Debralee P. Crankshaw

If you or a loved one are experiencing a psychological health concern, an initiative called the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) uses video chat and instant messaging to give you quick and easy access to counseling services.

Psychological health concerns — such as combat stress and the stress of long separations — are common for many service members and their families during or after deployment to hostile environments overseas. But no warrior or military family is alone. Eligible warriors and family members can log on to TRIAP day or night for supportive counseling to cope with psychological health concerns impacting work performance, health and overall well-being. TRIAP services include assessments, short-term counseling and referrals to a more comprehensive level of care if necessary.

How Is TRIAP Different than Other Programs?

Specifically, TRIAP is testing the use of web-based technologies to:

• Deliver information and counseling services to TRICARE beneficiaries (service members and eligible family members)
• Determine if web-based technologies increase the efficiency of identifying beneficiaries who need care
• Identify the psychological health needs of beneficiaries earlier
• Refer beneficiaries to the appropriate level of care more effectively

“As joyful as homecomings are for our sailors, marines, airmen, soldiers and their family members, these can also be times of great stress for everyone in the family,” said Rear Adm. Christine S. Hunter, deputy director of the TRICARE Management Activity. “TRIAP counselors give our beneficiaries an opportunity to discuss matters such as relationship issues, sleep disturbances or readjustment difficulties from the comfort and security of their own homes.”

TRIAP uses evolving web-based technologies like video chat to bring professional counseling assistance closer to the people who often need it most: service members who have recently returned from deployment to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their families. In fact, any eligible TRICARE beneficiary with access to a webcam can take advantage of TRIAP’s video chat feature.

Who’s Eligible to Use TRIAP?

TRIAP is a demonstration program available in the United States to active duty service members, those eligible for the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and members with TRICARE Reserve Select, as well as spouses of any age and other eligible family members 18 years of age or older.

If you’re eligible, log on to TRIAP to access confidential counseling about common psychological concerns like combat stress and family separation. Reaching out is a sign of courage and strength, and TRIAP makes it easier than ever to do so.

Additional Resources

• Watch Rear Adm. Hunter describe TRIAP in detail on the Pentagon Channel
• Learn more about TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System, which administer TRIAP
• For information about other matters related to psychological health or traumatic brain injury, log on to Real Warriors Live Chat or call the DCoE Outreach Center at 866-966-1020