COVID-19 and Behavioral Health

COVID-19 continues to impact each of us in many ways. It is important during stressful times such as these to remember our core Army values, stay connected with our Army family, and utilize strategies and resources to help us through these difficult times. Make sure that you are safe, and following the guidelines recommended by CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov) and your Army leadership to keep you healthy, along with maintaining the health of everyone in your community.

If you or someone you care about is struggling at this time due to the loss of a family member, loss of a job, or experiencing severe financial concerns, there is help. Please see the strategies below that can help.

1. Reduce your overall level of stress through healthy coping strategies. Although we are fighting a pandemic, catastrophic thinking does not help with problem-solving. Stay focused on things you can control like staying connected with your friends, family, and Army unit through virtual means. Engage in exercise and maintain healthy sleeping habits. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol. Talk with a counselor or chaplain. If you become overwhelmed and are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).  
2. Learn about resources and supports that help you or your family. If there are concerns about work and financial stress, contact your state Health and Human Services (https://www.hhs.gov/) office for programs and benefits available to you or your family. Talk with your Family Programs Coordinator (https://www.usar.army.mil/ARFP/) about programs and resources available to Army Reserve Soldiers and their family. If you need help finding a counselor near your home, contact the Army Reserve Psychological Health Program (https://www.usar.army.mil/BehavioralHealth/).
3. Focus on short-term goals for getting through this pandemic. If you lose a loved one, or if you lose your job, these are experiences that we do not control. It is also normal to grieve after a loss. It may be difficult to get closure during the pandemic, and some of our grief may continue. That is normal, and it is okay. You are part of the Army family, and we are here to support you through this process as we continue serve the United States of America.   

We are the most resilient and ready Army Reserve in our nation’s history. Our current mission is to fight and defeat the virus. It is a team effort, and if you or one of your battle buddies needs help during this time, follow these steps, get help if needed, and continue the fight.

Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health

We're all trying to manage the effects of COVID-19, and it's natural that this may cause a lot of stress. If you're wondering if you or someone you know are showing signs of stress, or want some strategies to cope with stress, please review this document from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for an overview of options and strategies. (.pdf)

Psychological Health Program

PHP MISSION:
Our mission is to achieve and sustain the most resilient and mentally fit Reserve force in the Nation. We will accomplish this by facilitating mental health services for Soldiers and family members who need them; by assisting operational leadership through Command consultation; by preserving unit cohesion through traumatic event management; and with the development of enduring partnerships with sister organizations. The result will be a resilient, mentally fit, and ready Army Reserve.

VISION:
To be the primary behavioral health resource for the Army Reserve.

Announcements

NEW!!! The Army Reserve Psychological Health Program newly published OPORD 20-015 (.docx)

The Army Reserve PHP now provides Clinical Case Management. For Soldiers with more severe or complex behavioral health issues, a nurse case manager will be assigned to ensure access to appropriate high quality care that will restore that Soldier to optimum mental fitness and readiness as quickly as possible.