Behavioral Health
Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently. While some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions.
Mental health and substance use conditions can affect anyone; you are not alone. The Military Health System has many resources available to help those who need it.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help.
Targeted Care
Our behavioral health clinic offers targeted care. Targeted care helps us give you the right mental health support for your specific needs, whether it’s an individual appointment, group therapy or non-clinical support.
How it Works
Targeted care synchronizes and expands the resources we have to address your specific needs. The process begins with a preliminary assessment.
You’ll meet with a technician who will:
- Listen to your concerns
- Assess your needs.
- Match you to the best resource.
Options may include an appointment with:
- A primary or specialty care consultant.
- Military and family life counselors.
- A chaplain.
You don’t need a referral, and you won’t be turned away or denied specialty care. Learn more about Targeted Care.
Our Services
NMRTC Patuxent River Behavioral Health and Substance Use facility offers the following services for active-duty service members:
- Adult outpatient behavioral health
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Individual therapy and medication management
- Assessment and treatment of substance use disorders (active duty service members and retirees)
- Early intervention services (‘Prime for Life’ program)
- Level 1 outpatient treatment
- Continuing care program
Service members should seek referral to behavioral health through their primary care managers but are encouraged to walk in during business hours in an emergency. The behavioral health clinic also works closely with tertiary services onboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River, such as the NAS Patuxent River base chaplain (301-342-3811), and Fleet and Family Support Center (301-342-4911), which include counseling, education, and family advocacy programs.
What TRICARE Covers
TRICARE covers medically and psychologically necessary mental health and substance use care. This includes both inpatient and outpatient care.
Getting Mental Health Care
See a Complete List of Covered Services