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Military Creates Mental Health Hotline
Those who have participated in the assessments online in the last year have primarily filled out questionnaires on depression and alcohol abuse, said Col. Joyce Adkins, program director for the Defense Department's combat and operational stress control program. Those who participate online can print out their assessment and take it with them to see a counselor.
Although troops who have not deployed are encouraged to participate, about 60 percent who have participated in the online program have indicated they or a family member has been deployed to combat.
  Joelle M. Reizes, director of External Relations for Screening for Mental Health, is seen at the Military Health System annual conference in Washington, Monday, Jan. 29, 2007. A new, interactive automated phone-in mental health assessment program is the latest effort by the military to reach out to soldiers and family members who might not otherwise seek help for post-traumatic stress or other issues .(AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson) (Lawrence Jackson - AP)  
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Like the Internet program, the phone-in system is focused on educating people about issues such as depression, alcohol abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder, Adkins said. She said the programs aim to get the word out that problems like post-traumatic stress disorder are "not a life sentence."
"PTSD and other mental health concerns are treatable," Adkins said. "You can get treatment and recover fully."
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The toll-free number for the Telephone Self-Assessment will be (877) 877-3647.
On the Net:
Mental Health Assessment Program: https:/
Pennsylvania Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs: http:/
