Bethany Harris, the 131st Bomb Wing’s new director of psychological health, recently joined the wing to provide support to Airmen and their families during challenging times.
Harris now spearheads a strong Airmen and family support system where members can find assistance. The program is free, completely confidential and easy to access.
“Everyone has been extremely helpful,” Harris said when talking about the Citizen Airmen of the 131st. “There is so much I get to learn about the military and everyone has been great at helping get me set up on their systems and integrating me into the unit. ”
Harris, a Marshall, Missouri native, has been with the unit since June. Harris previously worked for Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall as the behavioral health consultant for the outpatient clinics. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree in social work and has 20 years of experience working in mental health. These qualifications led her friend Dana Livsey, the unit’s previous DPH, to recommend Harris apply for the position. This is Harris’ first experience working with the military.
The DPH offers resources and referrals to depending on the needs of the member or their families and connect them with the resources in their community. A variety of workshops are also offered, covering topics such as stress management, coping with loss and parenting skills. Members and families can also receive counseling on how to emotionally prepare for deployment as well as how to reintegrate back into the relationship afterward.
“My goal at this point is to make sure everyone knows what the DPH office does and to ensure people feel comfortable asking for assistance if they need it,” Harris said.
Harris said she wants to encourage people to seek out resources before they are in a crisis situation. Instead, Harris recommends Airmen reach out when they start struggling, even if it’s minuscule, so that they know their options should a situation get worse. Regardless of the situation, Harris strives for early intervention and wants members to know she is readily available to offer assistance.
More information on the Psychological Health program can be found by contacting Bethany Harris at bethany.harris@us.af.mil or by phone. Her office number is 660-687-7407 and cell number is 314-753-0342.
Date Taken: | 07.10.2016 |
Date Posted: | 08.07.2016 15:33 |
Story ID: | 206350 |
Location: | WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, MO, US |
Hometown: | MARSHALL, MO, US |
Web Views: | 155 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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