More than one million of our service members are members of the National Guard or Reserves. According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), 2020 required one of the highest mobilization levels of the National Guard since World War II in response to missions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and civil unrest. The strategically important Reserve component within the U.S. Armed Forces comprised nearly one-third of all military personnel and one-quarter of service members deployed between 2001 and 2015. National Guard and Reserve components do not receive the same behavioral health care coverage as their active-duty brothers and sisters. Reserve component service members’ insurance benefits depend upon activation orders. Access to high-quality treatment is vital to personal recovery, wellness, and military readiness for those seeking behavioral health services.
This 1.5-hour webinar will provide a framework for National Guard and Reserve members and their families to better navigate the behavioral health resources and services they are eligible to receive. We will discuss strategies for improving access and best practices in treatment and services. Participants will discover tools and resources available to promote these strategies and impact their local communities.
Learning Objectives
• Describe the differences in insurance coverage from the military for behavioral health services between the Reserve and Active Components
• Illustrate differences in military behavioral health care received by National Guard and Reserve personnel compared to Active Component personnel
• Demonstrate concrete strategies for supporting Guard and Reserve members as they navigate insurance access and transition into and out of activation
• Provide examples of best practices and systems of support and services in place for the behavioral health needs of our National Guard and Reserve components
• Discuss strategies for community providers to improve access and sustained engagement in behavioral health services
Target Audience
State agencies, policymakers, administrative support, community partners, behavioral health specialists, psychological health coordinators, family program specialists, chaplains, service members, Veterans, family members, and peer support leaders.
Presenters
• Stacey Owens, MSW, LCSW-C, Military and Veterans Affairs Liaison, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Justin Hummer, PhD, Associate Behavioral and Social Scientist, RAND Corporation
• Kimberly Hepner, PhD, Senior Behavioral Scientist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, RAND Corporation
• LTC Lindy I. White, MA, LPC, Division Chief, Service Member and Family Wellness, Oklahoma Army National Guard
• Kaffie Clark, DHS, LMHC, CT, CST, CAP, C-HT, Suicide Prevention Program Manager, 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command