Open house gives insight, explanation to 1 ABCT, 1AD command teams about behavioral health care options

William Beaumont Army Medical Center
Story by Capt. Olivia Cobiskey-Haftmann

Date: 08.15.2019
Posted: 09.27.2019 16:36
News ID: 344369
Providers from the Embedded Behavioral Health team provide care options to leaders

FORT BLISS, Texas – Providers from the Embedded Behavioral Health team discussed services like evaluations for military specialty schools, walk-in triage for crisis intervention, and command consultations at their new location on East Bliss with command teams from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in August.

“Face-to-face time with command teams and behavioral health providers only enhances communication,” said Maj. Marlene Arias-Reynoso, 1-1 EBH chief, during the Open House. “Communication is always easier when you can put a face to a name.”

Arias, a certified addictions nurse, added that developing two-way communications networks with leadership is critical in the treatment of Soldiers.

Capt. Erika Koppa, commander Delta Forward Support Company, 1st Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division said meeting helped leadership teams and providers ‘get on the same page.’

“As commanders, it’s good to have a general understanding of different treatment options,” Koppa said. “Like that by the seventh month of treatment, if we don’t start to see improvements, the medical board processes automatically starts. This gives us a bench mark and allows us the time to prepare the Soldier for transition.”

However, not all individuals who seek help decide to get out of the military. As a new commander, Koppa has seen firsthand how treatment can help reinvigorate a Soldier and their future.

“Treatment is aimed for recovery. We had our top (culinary specialist), who wanted to quit, but because of the positive treatment she’s received here, she’s graduated Basic Leadership Course and will continue to excel,” Koppa said. “She went from ‘I want to quit’ to ‘Let’s see how high I can go’.”

Lt. Col. Michael D. Boyles, commander 501st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division agreed building face-to-face relationships is key to ensuring our Soldiers get the care they need and deserve.

“Leadership interface with the provider is key to taking care of Soldiers,” agreed Boyles, who was deployed to Iraq just after the surge in 2007 as a company commander. “That is not unique to behavioral health.”

However, what is the same Boyles added, is the need to see progress.

“Whether it’s behavioral health or physical, that same discussion is warranted – rehabilitation or separation – every case is different,” Boyles said. “You are looking for progress, looking for the individual to be a functioning member of the team.”

The Army has made great strides in its care practices, said Boyles, who commissioned in 1999.

“Today, I’d have no issues asking for behavioral health help and feel that I’d have the support of my leadership,” said Boyles. “Just like I would support my Soldiers if they felt they needed to seek treatment.”

Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are located at Bldg. 21035 Steel Rain, Rd., 1st Floor, East Fort Bliss.

Services include individual and group psychotherapy, diagnostic evaluation, management of psychotropic medication and command evaluations.
Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic Hours:
Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Bldg. 21035 Steel Rain, Rd., 1st Floor, East Fort Bliss