Military families have access to counseling services

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Military and Family Life Counseling Program is available to provide free confidential counseling services to service members, their families and survivors.

“The MFLC program complements existing military programs that serve and support service members and their families,” said Karen Gravel, Hanscom’s MFLC counselor.

Military and Family Life Counseling Program is located in the Community Support Center to partner with other Hanscom Helping Agencies, such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center or the Exceptional Family Member Program.

The Department of Defense established the MFLC program to provide non-medical, short-term, situational problem-solving counseling. The program helps service members and their families manage life events by improving relationships at home and work, work/life balance, adjustment difficulties, parenting or coping with grief or loss.

The program addresses issues unique to the military lifestyle and helps service members and their families cope with stressors from pre-deployment, deployment or reintegration.

According to MFLC officials, sessions are confidential and private, except in the case of child abuse, domestic abuse or other life-threatening circumstances.

Appointments may take place on and off the installation within a 50-mile radius. Appointments may not take place in the home or a primary residence.

“The Military and Family Life Counseling Program provides a service that enables our military families to be healthy and resilient,” said Carolyn McCafferty, Hanscom’s community support coordinator. “It’s free, confidential and provides a great opportunity to seek help and support when it’s needed.”

A child-focused MFLC is also available to provide support to military children, and to family members and other adults responsible for their care. This program also offers group sessions, educational presentations and individual meetings after-hours or on weekends.

Services are available by appointment or walk-in between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Later appointments are available upon request.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call the MFLC office at 781-225-2763, or call or text the MFLC cell at 781-315-7992.

Similar support services are available to federal civilian employees through the Employee Assistance Program.