Marriage isn’t easy. Whether you’ve been married for many years or just recently tied the knot, you’ve probably hit bumps in your relationship. This can be true for any marriage; however, military life can add additional layers of difficulty that others may not face. Deployments can add even greater stress.

Separation from a loved one, coupled with the uncertainties of deployment, can take an emotional toll on your relationship. These challenges can escalate if they are not properly addressed. Seeking marriage counseling can be beneficial not only in addressing the pressures of deployment, but also in improving your relationship.

Counseling Support from the Military

One of the many benefits of being in the military is the availability of treatment for service members and their families, including a continuum of counseling support for marital concerns. TRICARE makes therapy and counseling available through network providers without the need for a referral unless you are active duty yourself.

TRICARE will cover family counseling (sometimes referred to as “marriage” counseling) if one member of the couple has symptoms that meet the criteria of a DSM-5 diagnosis, such as PTSD, depression, adjustment disorder, etc. A diagnosis is needed in order for insurance to see services as medically necessary. Once a diagnosis is made you can bring your spouse in for a family session. Marriage counseling can help to improve symptoms and functioning, improving your relationship can do the same.

Seeking Help to Strengthen Your Marriage

Unfortunately, seeking counseling to improve the marital relationship is sometimes misinterpreted as a sign of weakness. The DoD continues to inform service members and military families that reaching out for counseling is in fact a sign of courage and strength. With TRICARE, there’s no reason to put off seeking help.

IF you feel that counseling can help your relationship, search no further. Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC, has the resources to meet your counseling needs. Our independently contracted counselors are authorized TRICARE providers, so you can get counseling without a doctor’s referral. Get started by calling Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC, to request an appointment.

There are no referrals required for dependents or retirees!