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Mental health services

Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently. While some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions. Mental health and substance use conditions can affect anyone; you are not alone. We have many resources available to help those who need it.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help.

Stress Disorder Treatment Unit

About

The Stress Disorder Treatment Unit (SDTU) at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL is a therapeutic community for veterans and active duty service members experiencing symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although the SDTU is a part of the Mental Health Department, it functions differently from traditional psychiatric treatment units. Unless other medical, psychiatric, or substance abuse problems require prior attention, veterans and active duty service members with symptoms of PTSD are admitted directly to the SDTU. Housed together, the Residents function as a distinct community within the Federal Health Care Center. The interaction between the Residents is an important factor in the therapeutic experience, and prepares them for adaptive interpersonal and social functioning upon returning to the community. Residents have individualized Recovery Plans based on their identified goals. The Resident can start the Recovery Plan even before admission by filling out page 39 of this handbook

  • The SDTU is a residential treatment program that offers evidence-based and state-of-the-art approaches designed to support recovery from PTSD and integration into meaningful self-determined roles.
  • Residents of the SDTU include male and female combat-Veterans from all eras and current Active Duty Service Members from all branches of the Armed Forces. Although the primary focus is the Veteran or Service Member him/herself, family members are encouraged to participate as appropriate.


Recovery enables a person to participate fully in the experiences life has to offer. Members travel a recovery journey to develop their lives, find hope,validate strengths, learn life skills, and access the community in meaningful self-determined roles.

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What TRICARE covers

TRICARE covers medically and psychologically necessary mental health and substance use care. This includes both inpatient and outpatient care. 

Getting mental health care

See a complete list of covered services

  • Everyone reacts to stress and traumatic experiences differently. While some have reactions that can be seen as normal responses to life events, others may experience signs or symptoms of more serious conditions. It is important to seek help if you're concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing mental illness. Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being, yet mental illness affects millions of people worldwide.

  • The Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) is one of the Centers of Excellence within the Research and Engineering Directorate of the Defense Health Agency. PHCoE collaborates across the Department of Defense and with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to provide leadership and expertise to inform policy and drive improvements in psychological health outcomes

  • We are the world's leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress. PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments.

  • The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

  • NSVRC provides research & tools to advocates working on the frontlines to end sexual harassment, assault, and abuse with the understanding that ending sexual violence also means ending racism, sexism, and all forms of oppression.

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