HOW TO USE YOUR TRICARE BENEFITS FOR TEEN PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT

Mental health disorders can take many forms and can affect individuals of all ages. In fact, they can develop and appear in different phases of life. Teens, especially military teens, are extremely susceptible to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. This can lead to serious trauma responses, behavioral issues, and possibly substance use. TRICARE benefits cover many mental health therapeutic services for children of servicemen and women. This helps ensure that your teen has access to the services they need to heal.

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Signs That Your Teen Is Experiencing Emotional or Mental Distress

As a parent, you are sure to be one of the first to notice if your child’s behavior has changed. Maybe you have noticed your teen’s behavior shift with actions such as talking back, acting out, and sharing less and less of their life with you.

While these are common behaviors with all teens, children of military parents are more susceptible to these actions. That is why it is important to be on the lookout for tell-tale signs of emotional distress.

These behaviors include:

• Emotional outbursts and increased irritability
• Avoiding social interaction or a change in personality
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Persistent sadness or worry
• Trouble with or avoidance of school
• Aggression
• Disrupted relationships

If you start to see changes with your teen’s behavior, please take the first step and start a conversation with them. If your child is suffering from severe emotional/mental trauma, consider seeking professional help or a behavioral health service.

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Is My Teen Covered Under TRICARE Benefits?

The short answer is yes, as all military members, active and retired, have TRICARE eligibility. Below, we’re breaking it down so that you know how TRICARE benefits can be used to support your teen.

Getting TRICARE military coverage for your child is accomplished in two steps. First, you must register your newborn or adopted child in DEERS specifically for TRICARE coverage. Second, you will need to choose the TRICARE health plan that you desire and enroll your child.

Luckily, for parents who choose to utilize Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services for their child’s serious mental health and behavioral issues, all of the leg work is taken care of. Once your child is accepted for admission at Jackson-Feild, their Utilization Review Department will work directly with a TRICARE Care Team Member who will get your child qualified for admittance.

As a TRICARE Certified Treatment Center, Jackson-Feild Is Changing Teen Lives

For parents of children struggling with trauma, serious mental illness and behavioral issues, finding the right treatment center can be overwhelming. As an Adolescent Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, Jackson-Feild is committed to serving children ages 11 to 17 who need intensive therapeutic treatment interventions. Furthermore, Jackson-Feild is a TRICARE Provider, so no matter where you are stationed, your child can receive the support they need.

Located in a peaceful rural setting in Jarratt, Virginia, Jackson-Feild has a unique campus setting where fun events and activities are held for your child each week. What sets Jackson-Feild apart from other treatment centers in the area is that they are focused on healing children in a nurturing, supportive environment. Their caring, highly-trained staff is there to help aid your child every step of the way.

Jackson-Feild is taking special care to work with military families, ensuring that quality treatment is available for all. This is why they accept military families’ TRICARE benefits. Changing lives since 1855, Jackson-Feild is here to help military teens and their families. They provide evidence-based therapeutic treatment proven to improve the lives of adolescents to help them heal and give them hope for a healthier future. For additional information, you can reach the Admissions Coordinator at (434) 634-3217 Ext. 3027. Families can learn more about Jackson-Feild on their website.

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This article is the result of a paid collaboration with Jackson-Feild.