NMC Scope
What is the intention of Non-Medical Counseling?
NMC is intended to be solution-focused, short-term, brief intervention to address everyday life issues.
In your own words, what is the Limits of Confidentiality Statement?
Why is this important to share with participants?
The LOC is a statement we read to participants to inform them of their rights when speaking to us on the phone.
It's important to share this so participants are aware of what we call "informed consent" (i.e. participants recognize we have protocols to follow and that there are limits to what we can keep confidential and they are aware of the possible consequences if we must breach confidentiality).
What does it mean when MOS uses the term "out of scope"?
Out of scope is a term MOS uses to describe a NMC counseling request as being ineligible or inappropriate for a participant due to a variety of reasons (i.e. LOC applies, mental health condition, intensity of symptoms, etc.)
Why do we read the LOC to participants?
To ensure they are aware of what is considered confidential to share with us and and what areas where we can break confidentiality.
Regardless of why someone calls (counseling request or otherwise)...what 2 elements of MOS do we try and communicate at all times?
What are some situations where NMC would be appropriate?
grief, transition/deployment, coping strategies, marital issues, stress, family and relationship issues.
If someone answers yes to the LOC, does this mean the participant automatically is disqualified from NMC (e.g. yes to RTS/RTO, DOM, SEA, etc.)? Why or why not?
yes because our NMC does not address issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic abuse, etc.
What's another phrase to communicate "out of scope"?
Examples: "not the best fit", "not the most appropriate"
After you read the LOC what are the 2 follow-up questions to ask?
Do you understand what I just read?
Does any of that apply to you or your situation?
What are the 2 types of feedback we ask for those eligible for NMC?
Feedback refers to asking participants if we can get their permission to get feedback on both:
1) quality of their therapy experience
2) quality of their phone call experience with triage consultant
How many sessions does a participant get for NMC (sessions per person, per issue, per year)?
12 sessions per person, per issue, per year.
After you give the standard initial greeting (call recording approval, name, number) and ask, "How can I help you?", the participant starts crying and mumbling and you can't make out much other than the word "wants counseling". What should you do at this point with the participant? Why?
Read the LOC because he could divulge important personal/clinical information and it's essential participants are aware of their rights to confidentiality.
How would you communicate out of scope for someone with a mental health condition (e.g. Major Depressive Disorder) that's impacting functioning?
Sir, ma'am, since your diagnosis of Major Depressive disorder is impacting your life, our NMC would not be the best fit for your counseling needs as our NMC is meant to address short-term, everyday life issues and your condition may need more time and/or specialized care.
However, I can find you other counseling referrals at this time.
If they answer "yes" when you ask them, "Does this apply to you or your situation?"...what is a good follow up question?
What applies to your situation?
If a participant consents to feedback on the quality of the therapy experience...when (i.e. after which sessions) will Military OneSource reach out to participants to do so?
Feedback on the quality of their therapy experience will be done after the 1st and last session.
Can a participant get authorized for 12 sessions for himself, 12 sessions for his 13 year old daughter, 12 sessions for his 15 year old son all at the same time?
This would be perfectly fine as eligible participants get 12 sessions per person per issue per year.
What are the 3 mental health questions we ask all participants seeking NMC?
1) Have you ever had mental health treatment?
2) have you ever taken MH medication?
3) Have you ever had a mental health diagnosis?
Sir, ma'am, as you're currently seeing another provider at this time, our NMC would not be the most appropriate fit for your counseling needs as our protocol does not allow for concurrent treatment.
I can find you other counseling referrals at this time and in the future when you're no longer seeing the other provider, feel free to call back and get re-evaluated for our NMC.
When should you read the LOC?
After you gather demographic info. and before you ask the mental health screening process.
It can also be inserted earlier anytime you feel the participant is or will divulge personal/clinical information.
Who do we NOT offer the ability to give us feedback in a NMC request?
Those deemed out of scope (OOS).
A participant calls asking for counseling for anger management. What would you need to clarify?
Is this for counseling to address anger or are you looking specifically for classes where you get a certificate of completion to prove you completed the classes?
If someone answers yes to any of the MH questions or to the LOC, what must you do?
Seek consultation with a clinical supervisor.
If someone is out of scope due to current medication (i.e. currently on mental health medication) what would you tell the participant?
Sir, ma'am, as you're current on medication right now, our NMC would not be the most appropriate fit for your counseling needs as we do ask for participants to be off their medications for at least 6 months to be deemed appropriate for NMC.
I can find you other counseling referrals at this time and in the future if you are off the medication for 6 months you can feel free to call back and get re-evaluated for our NMC.
Who do you read the "Personnel Reliability Programs" section of the LOC to?
Air Force SM's and/or family members of AF.
What other MOS programs can refer to participants during the wrap-up phase of a call?
Building Healthy Relationships, Health and Wellness Coaching, Peer Support, Special Needs