What a year it's been, with continued challenges into the New Year. As the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread, Coaching Into Care (CIC) requisitioned equipment for our staff to work remotely and carry on the Call Center as seamlessly as possible. After a temporary reduction in hours, we returned to full speed, taking as many calls as we do in any year. With new equipment and technology, CIC continued to fulfill its mission to educate, support and empower friends and family members of Veterans throughout this difficult year of collective grief and anxiety. And we noticed an uptick in calls involving stress caused by the pandemic, relapses, and difficulty accessing VA services.

As always, CIC remained a listening ear and helped callers sort through their options and come up with a plan to get a loved one the mental health care they need. We maintained our usual referral sources and coached callers to try different avenues and have backup plans, such as calling ahead before going into the Emergency Department or what to expect from Telehealth services. We also have hired on new staff -- Welcome Sabrina and Carly!

We hope this year will be better for folks and that everyone stays safe and healthy. Remember, if you know a Veteran who needs help, we're just a phone call away at (888) 823-7458 or visit us on the web. Our phone lines are open from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern Daylight Time Monday through Friday.

Coaching Into Care: Veterans Affairs Telephone-Based
Service for Concerned Family Members of
Military Veterans
Steven L. Sayers, Ph.D., Tanya H. Hess, Ph.D., Perry Whitted, M.F.A., Kristy A. Straits-Tröster, Ph.D., Shirley M. Glynn, Ph.D.

Abstract: Many veterans who need mental health treatment are reluctant to seek care, and their family members often do not know how to encourage them to do so. In 2011, a telephone-based service called Coaching Into Care (CIC) was developed to address this concern. Callers are provided with educational resources and referrals; in more complicated cases, callers are provided with up to 6 months of telephone-based coaching. This coaching of family members has been associated with an increase in veterans accessing mental health care. This program may serve as a model for community efforts to engage individuals in needed mental health care.

Full journal article: https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/docs/CICpsychiatricsvcs2020.pdf

If you know a Veteran in need of mental health care, call Coaching Into Care at (888) 823-7458.

Do you have an event or training where you could use VA psychologists and social workers on your panel?

Let our 10 years of experience in taking thousands of calls from friends and family members of Veterans provide you with a unique and important perspective on Veteran mental health and VA services. Contact us at CoachingIntoCare@va.gov if interested.