MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --
The 341st Medical Group provides active-duty servicemembers, retirees and their family members information on accessing behavioral health care and available resources in the community.
The clinic offers a wide-range of services to assist individuals with depression, anxiety, stress-related illness, occupational problems, marital issues and chemical dependency.
Active-duty members may be able to receive a referral to see a TRICARE provider, but should first be seen by a 341st MDG Mental Health provider. It is then determined if the mental health clinic is not able to provide the needed service. Active-duty members can not get a referral from their family practice or flight surgeon primary care manager to see a mental health provider off-base.
The exception to this is when seeking emergency care.
Active-duty members, active-duty family members, retirees and their family members are able to attend various educational programs through the 341st MDG Mental Health Clinic such as stress management, anger management, chronic pain management, marital communication, effective parenting, domestic violence intervention, effective communication, building self-esteem and many others. People should call the mental health clinic at 731-4633 for information about the classes.
Retirees and all family members (of both active and retired) are able to self-refer to a psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed clinical social worker for up to eight visits. The civilian network offers a wide-range of services to assist with depression, stress-related illness, chemical dependency, alcohol abuse problems or other related issues.
Note: A physician referral from the 341st MDG is required for care rendered by a licensed mental health counselor, licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist or pastoral counselors. If you plan to see one of these providers, make an appointment at the 341st MDG before your first visit.
Beneficiaries who require emergency mental health services should immediately seek assistance at the nearest emergency room.
TRICARE has limits and pre-authorization requirements for some behavior health services. For example, outpatient services for psychoanalysis, psychological and neuropsychological testing, electro-convulsive therapy and therapy sessions in excess of one hour always require pre-authorization. Marriage counseling is not a TRICARE-covered benefit, although family therapy is a TRICARE benefit.
We encourage everyone seeking behavior health service to call TriWest at 888-TRI-WEST to speak with a behavioral health services representative who can assist in locating a provider in the local area and explain benefits. Additional behavioral health information concerning benefits, education and provider lists are found at
www.triwest.com.