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How digital tools enhance military family readiness

Military life can be both rewarding and challenging, not just for service members who wear the uniform but also for their families who stand alongside them. Military readiness encompasses preparedness for deployments and emergencies as well as the essential tools and skills to manage the day-to-day challenges of military life. The same concept applies to military families. When families have the resources to thrive and succeed, service members are supported and empowered to focus on their jobs.

As families move or change stations, they have to re-establish their network and community. They must find resources such as health care, employment, schools, and child care—as well as support for the unique stressors that military families face. And with 70% of service members living off installation, according to the Military Housing Association, resettling into a new community can be complicated.

Technology is pivotal in empowering military families to thrive in adversity. At Leidos, we provide valuable technology and people solutions to help families connect to the resources they need and promote mental health and well-being.

  • Confidential counseling services and coaching support

  • A call center to support transitions such as relocation or a move from military to civilian life

  • Telehealth options

  • An electronic health records system that follows military family members wherever they move for a seamless transition

Through these powerful digital tools, we can connect military families with people and resources in new and exciting ways. For example, counseling can be essential to mental health care and family readiness, and it has evolved significantly over the last several years. While traditional face-to-face counseling remains the preferred method, integrating digital tools has revolutionized the field. Behavioral apps, digital workbooks, secure digital calls, instant messaging, and email can all work to complement counseling sessions. They offer various benefits, such as increased accessibility, enhanced communication, and personalization.

With the rise of teletherapy platforms and mobile apps, individuals can access mental health services and resources anywhere, anytime. They are eliminating geographic barriers and reducing the stigma of seeking help.  Additionally, digital tools enable enhanced communication between counselors and clients, allowing for more immediate support and intervention, which can be – a potentially critical feature in times of crisis.

Specialized programs also include the ability to integrate measures and outcomes into counseling practice and offer insight into what tools and techniques are helping to promote mental well-being. Through artificial intelligence, counselors can provide personalized plans and strategies for more rapid and sustained improvement. A data-driven approach augmented with sophisticated, AI-supported, empirically tested tools offers an engaging and effective method for promoting mental health and increasing readiness.

Learn more about our holistic health solutions for warfighter and family readiness

Author
Steve Lewis headshot
Steve Lewis, Ph.D. Business Development Manager

Col. (Ret.) Steve Lewis, Ph.D., used his behavioral health expertise to help service members live their best life and reach their maximum potential for more than 30 years in the U.S. Army. He uses his expertise today to help Leidos bring solutions to government partners to manage mental health and its relevance to overall health and well-being for soldiers, veterans, and their families. Dr. Lewis seeks ways to engage people in their communities by leveraging the latest research and technology to collect information and provide targeted support resources that address their concerns and challenges with mental health.

Posted

October 10, 2023

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