ACC bases to boast new consultant program at family readiness centers

  • Published
  • By David Hopper
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  Thirteen bases throughout Air Combat Command will start the Military and Family Life Consultant program by April 28.

The new program will provide workshops and non-medical, short-term counseling services to help Airmen and their families to cope with stressful situations created by deployments and reintegration, said Ira LeGrande, Air Combat Command community readiness policy analyst.

The program will be conducted by licensed clinicians with master degrees; and they will work in conjunction with Airman and Family Readiness Centers. Each consultant is contracted to work for the Air Force 45 consecutive days with a two-day cross over. These licensed clinicians typically have their own private practice or are part of a practice team.

The mission of the MFLC program is to compliment existing military support services and meet the emerging needs of active duty Airmen, Air National Guard, Reservists and their family members.

Air Force officials said this counseling program is designed to address issues that occur across the military lifestyle. The MFLCs will assist members and their families with coping skills, conflict resolution, loss, grief, family issues, relationships, deployment stress, parent-child communication, family separations, reunion and reintegration, said Mrs. LeGrande.

The consultants will assist Airmen and their families reduce stress through informal support. They will also provide psycho-educational presentations and facilitate groups on issues that affect Airmen and their families in their personal and professional lives.

Communication with consultants will be anonymous except when state, federal and military reporting requirements dictate otherwise for protection of personnel. Additionally, consultants will have cell phones making them accessible to Airmen or their family members for individual support.

The MFLC program began at five ACC bases April 14 and is set to begin at eight bases April 28 and two additional bases 14 July.

The MFLC program is being funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. For more information contact the local A&FRC.