PHAP: help is never far

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christina Bozeman
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Stress is a daily factor in everyone's life. For a deployed member or spouse, stress may feel magnified with nowhere and no one to turn to. The Psychological Health Advocacy Program (PHAP) was developed not only for members of the Air Force Reserve Command, but for their families to assist with their psychological needs as well.

"We recognize the challenges for spouses who are left behind," said Ernest Farmer, PHAP outreach specialist and retired Air Force member.

PHAP services are available to every Air Force Reservist and their family, regardless of whether the member is deployed or at home. Located on Dobbins Air Reserve Base, the PHAP services cover the entire southern region. They travel all over to ensure military members are aware of the services they.

"We try to advertise our services and create an awareness that we are here," said Michael Lemon, PHAP outreach specialist and retired Army member.

PHAP is more than just a number to call. It's a support system. When a military member or spouse makes contact, resources are found for them, and they follow-up to ensure that the needs of the member and family have been met.

If the military member is deployed, PHAP can get their spouse in contact with the member.

"We make moral calls for the member to keep in touch," Farmer explained. "We can help. If a member can't get in touch, then we assist the spouse."

An aspect about PHAP that may be refreshing to members is that their services are confidential. However, if the member states that he or she will do harm to themselves or others, that is grounds for notifying the command. The service is also not reportable to the reserve medical unit and is free regardless of income or location. If a member encounters a stressful situation, the act of seeking help will not affect his or her security clearance, which is a fear that many military members have.

PHAP members also attend Yellow Ribbon events and set up booths providing information on the services they provide. All four of the PHAP members are prior military, so they are very aware and can relate to the rough times members may be going through.

Mental health is important and mental distress is common. Everyone experiences concerns and may think they simply just have to deal with it or that there is no way out. Whether a member is deployed or stateside or a spouse is in need, PHAP wants Reservists and their families to know that they are not alone and help is available.
For more information or to contact a south regional case facilitator, please email AFRC.PHAP@us.af.mil.