Eglin clinic offers help with mental health

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Help is available for eligible Eglin community members with mental health issues brought on by COVID-19 and other unpredictable stressors.

The 96th Medical Group Mental Health Clinic offers resources to deal with these challenges.

The clinic serves active-duty service members and reservists on active orders only. Dependents, retirees, civilians, and contractors are referred to appropriate agencies.

Personnel have a wide range of resources available to self-refer, including Military Family Life Counselors, the Behavioral Optimization program, Military One Source, base Chapel, and the clinic.

The clinic experienced an increase in visits related to COVID-19 and they can be seen virtually by one of the clinc’s providers when needed. Depending on the need of the member they may also be referred to other resources.

Staff Sgt. Gerami Brown, a mental health technician, said mental health issues should not be minimized or stigmatized. He encourages eligible patrons to utilize all available resources when needed.

“We encourage our members to reach out to us if they feel they need help,” he said.

For more information, contact the clinic at 883-8373 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other resources include:

– Primary Care Behavioral Health, for active duty, dependents and retirees, 883-8600

– Employee Assistance Program, (866) 580-9078

The Air Force EAP provides civilian employees and their families with no cost, confidential resources, tools, and services. Employees can call (866) 580-9078; TTY (800) 635-2883, from anywhere in the United States to receive personal assistance, 24-hrs a day, 365 days a year.

Employees can also access EAP information and resources online at www.AFPC.AF.MIL/EAP.

– The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Military OneSource, (800) 273-8255 for crisis intervention

– Eglin Military and Family Life Consultants, (850) 882-9060

Story By Kevin Gaddie