New MFLC program offers Airmen counseling help

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody's Airman and Family Readiness Center recently added another program to provide Airmen and their families with informal counseling and support services.

The Military Family Life Consultant program, created by the Secretary of Defense, was implemented in the Air Force in 2005 because of the successful impact it had with Army soldiers. It became available to all active duty, retired, Guard and Reserve, DOD civilians and family members in April 2007.

The program's goal is to provide free, anonymous, short-term and non-medical counseling to address issues that come up as part of the military lifestyle, said Ann Lukens, 23rd Force Support Squadron school liaison officer.

"The MFLC helps Airmen and their families understand their reactions and find solutions in the face of stressful and sometimes adverse situations caused by frequent deployments and repeated re-integrations," said Ms. Lukens. "It only makes good sense to provide help so that problems such as job stress, parenting and budget worries don't distract them from completing the mission."

Every Air Force base, including Moody, will have one consultant who is a licensed, credentialed and experienced master's or doctorate degree-level counselor.

Consultants, contracted through Mental Health Net, are screened and educated on general military knowledge by the Department of Defense.

In order to be chosen for the program, they must own a practice and have at least 3 years of experience.

The consultants rotate every 45 days to ensure full anonymity for their services.

"Absolutely no records are kept," said Ms. Lukens. "However, MFLCs are mandated to follow protocol to protect the safety of those concerned in Duty to Warn cases such as child abuse or suicidal thoughts."

In addition to one-on-one counseling, MFLCs are available for group presentations on vital topics such as couple's communication, dealing with deployment and re-integration processes, parenting, stress management and handling conflict.

"We're very happy to have this resource," said Ms. Lukens. "We would like everyone to take advantage of it and share with others how helpful it was for them."

To make an appointment or to contact Moody's MFLC, call the confidential cell phone at (229) 834-6888 anytime between 8-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The office is located at the A&FRC.