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What Is Army Marriage Counseling?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Army marriage counseling is marriage counseling focused on the needs of service members, whether they are married to civilians or other members of the armed services. Some militaries provide army marriage counseling among the many services they offer to enlisted and commissioned personnel. In other cases, it may not be a covered benefit, but resources could be available through nonprofit organizations and companies associated with the military.

A number of challenges can arise in military marriages. For members of the service who plan long-term careers, the job can require numerous relocations, which can be hard on family members. Spousal obligations can also increase as service members climb in the ranks; officers' partners, for example, are often expected to entertain, host events, organize charitable endeavors, and so forth. This can add stress to a marriage, especially if young children are also involved.

Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for marital strife.
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for marital strife.

Members of the military may also be sent on deployment, which can be difficult for deployed service members and their families. While one partner is on deployment, the other may need to manage a household. If the family has recently relocated, the spouse at home may have minimal support from friends and family during this period. When service members on deployment have difficulty contacting family at home, it can increase the sensation of isolation.

Marriage counseling may be needed for veterans struggling to deal with a combat injury.
Marriage counseling may be needed for veterans struggling to deal with a combat injury.

Tension can also occur when people return from deployment and attempt to readjust to life at home. Military marriage counseling can help both partners adjust and may reduce the risk of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. It can also help help partners in a marriage work on maintaining the marriage even while on deployment, separated because of moves, and in other stressful situations.

Distance, such as that experienced when one partner is deployed, can be difficult on a marriage.
Distance, such as that experienced when one partner is deployed, can be difficult on a marriage.

Members of the military have a number of options for army marriage counseling. At some bases, marriage and family counselors may be available, or couples can get a referral. On others, chaplains and other personnel like senior officers may be able to offer army marriage counseling to members of the service who are struggling with marital issues. Military service organizations also provide counseling, including by phone and video conference, options that may appeal to people on deployment who would have difficulty getting into an office.

Marriage counseling can help couples adjust after deployment.
Marriage counseling can help couples adjust after deployment.

The military may cover army marriage counseling on the grounds that strong families can promote health and welfare for soldiers. Counseling can also be important for veterans who may need help preparing for the return to civilian life. These services may preempt or identify mental health problems that could require additional interventions, in addition to keeping families together.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for marital strife.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for marital strife.
    • Marriage counseling may be needed for veterans struggling to deal with a combat injury.
      By: joyb0218
      Marriage counseling may be needed for veterans struggling to deal with a combat injury.
    • Distance, such as that experienced when one partner is deployed, can be difficult on a marriage.
      By: Martinan
      Distance, such as that experienced when one partner is deployed, can be difficult on a marriage.
    • Marriage counseling can help couples adjust after deployment.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Marriage counseling can help couples adjust after deployment.