ALCOAST 196/21 - MAY 2021 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2021: TOGETHER WE ARE RESILIENT

R 241533Z MAY 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 196/21
SSIC 5400
SUBJ:  MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2021: TOGETHER WE ARE RESILIENT
1. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We will use this month to
build upon last year’s focus, “You Are Not Alone,” by reinforcing
the value of connecting, and prioritizing our mental health needs.
Together, we realize our shared vision of a workplace where anyone
identifying mental health needs is able to obtain the appropriate
support and quality care, in order to promote and sustain their
health and well-being. No one needs to feel alone in their recovery.
2. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us experienced increased
personal and professional challenges, in addition to the prolonged
stressor of uncertainty. We might identify feelings of loneliness,
frustration, or grief. When stress is high, identifying ways to
take care of yourself and external support you can count on, are
essential to remaining present for yourself, your loved ones, and
those you serve. Utilization of virtual self-help tools and seeking
support from peer groups or a professional counselor can help
enrich our lives by increasing our insight, and improving our
mental health and resiliency. Seeking counsel or support is
strongly encouraged by senior leadership, and the U.S. Coast Guard
is committed to minimizing barriers to therapeutic connection.
3. The month of May provides an opportunity for us to remember that
even in times of uncertainty, we are never alone. Being able to ask
for help is essential for our continued mission readiness and for
one's emotional well-being. Commands encourage members to seek
support and promote their resilience, while actively and effectively
reducing the perceived stigma of seeking mental health assistance.
Coast Guard leaders, military members, and civilian employees are
encouraged to proactively support a colleague in need of assistance.
Together, we are resilient; and we will always be Stronger Together.
4. The Office of Personnel Management has made important updates to
the Standard Form 86 and understanding these revisions will
alleviate concerns about accessing care: 
‘Questionnaire for National Security Positions’ reinforces that
"participating in mental health treatment and counseling, in and of
itself, is not a reason to revoke or deny eligibility for access to
classified information or for holding a sensitive position,
suitability or fitness to obtain or retain Federal or contract
employment, or eligibility for physical or logical access to
federally controlled facilities or information systems. Seeking or
receiving mental health care for personal wellness and recovery may
contribute favorably to decisions about your eligibility.” More
information can be found at the CGSUPRT website, www.CGSUPRT.com.
5. CGSUPRT offers all employees and family members confidential,
free, and immediate help, which is as easy as making a phone call.
Callers can ask to speak to a licensed professional clinician, who
can safely and remotely conduct telephone sessions. Furthermore,
the CGSUPRT website has webinars available that address coping
mechanisms for stress and anxiety reactions. CGSUPRT provides
assistance to active duty members, members of the Selected Reserve,
civilian employees, and their family members with a variety of
issues such as financial challenges, legal concerns, relationship
discord, an imbalance between work and life demands, and other
stressors that might be impacting mental readiness. Beyond
tele-mental health capabilities, CGSUPRT offers a multitude of
trainings, addressing effective communication skills, mental
health first aid, and actions we can take to build resilience;
in addition to free tax filing, resources for parents and
supervisors, and so much more. For assistance call
1-855-CGSUPRT (855-247-8778) or www.CGSUPRT.com. Please download
the new CGSUPRT app, Espyr Connect, and familiarize yourself with
the program offerings.
6. The Coast Guard recently welcomed a team of Regional Behavioral
Health Providers (RBHPs). That means you and your units, as well as
Coast Guard leadership, have access to enhanced behavioral health
support. These RBHPs are experienced licensed clinical social workers
and psychologists, and are active duty U.S. Public Health Service
Officers billeted within Coast Guard Health, Safety, & Work-Life
(HSWL) and embedded within Regional Practices. The Regional
Behavioral Health Provider can provide direct mental health care
and ensure that service members requiring various types of
additional support are connected with appropriate resources.
For additional information, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Behavioral
Health Web site at: https://cglink.uscg.mil/RBHP or to make an
appointment with your RBHP, please contact your unit medical
officer for a referral or email BehavioralHealth@uscg.mil.
7. Additional resources include:
    a. Coast Guard Employee Assistance Program (EAP): U.S. Coast
Guard members, civilians, and their families can get confidential
help before a concern becomes a crisis through the local Health,
Safety, and Work-Life (HSWL) Regional Practice Office. For
information and referral resources contact your local Employee
Assistance Program Coordinator, please visit:
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-
for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-
of-Work-Life-CG-111/Work-Life-Field-Offices/.
    b. TRICARE offers many helpful programs and resources for
military members. TRICARE covers both inpatient and outpatient
treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders. To view
all TRICARE covered mental health care services, visit:
https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/Treatments.
    c. Chaplains are available to provide confidential pastoral
counseling to ensure U.S. Coast Guard members, civilians, and their
families have the tools and support to thrive despite the
inevitable hardships of military life. For more information on how
to contact your local chaplain, visit:
https://www.uscg.mil/Leadership/Senior-Leadership/Chaplain-of-the-
Coast-Guard/.
    d. The InTransition program is free, voluntary, and
confidential, and can assist any service member or veteran in
getting connected with behavioral health care. An InTransition
coach can help bridge potential gaps during a service member or
veteran’s transition to a new provider or for someone seeking care
for the first time. InTransiton is available globally via phone 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, at 800-424-7877 inside
the U.S. or 800 424-4685 outside of the U.S. A designated
InTransition Coach, trained in military culture, works with you
every step of the way to help get you connected to care.
    e. Confidential help is also available through the Military
Crisis Line at: 800-273-TALK (8255), Disaster Distress Helpline
at 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
    f. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours
a day, seven days a week at 800-273-8255 or
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. If you feel as if you may
harm yourself or others, call 911 immediately. 
    g. The Military Health System (MHS) Nurse Advice Line is also
available 24/7 for urgent care questions and health care advice.
The Nurse Advice Line can be reached at: 800-TRICARE (874-2273).
    h. Mental Health America warmlines are also available if you
would simply like to talk to someone; to find your nearest warm
line search http://mhanational.org/warmlines.
8. Commanding officers and officers-in-charge are strongly
encouraged to use this message as a starting point for regular and
ongoing unit discussions and education on stress reduction,
well-being, and the professionalism and maturity exemplified when
members choose to seek assistance.
9. For questions or concerns please contact Ms. Christiana Montminy,
LICSW the Employee Assistance Program Manager at:
Christiana.Montminy@uscg.mil and OpMed RBHP Technical Authority,
CDR Marian Collins, LCSW at: Marian.G.Collins@uscg.mil.
10. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director, Health, Safety, and Work-Life
(CG-11), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.