TriWest launches tele-behavioral health care to support military Published July 30, 2009 PHOENIX -- In support of a Department of Defense initiative to provide U.S. Armed Forces and their families with easy, around-the-clock access to behavioral health support, TriWest Healthcare Alliance announces the launch of the TriWest Online Care program. TRICARE's West Region beneficiaries can access online behavioral health support, day or night, from any Internet connection, anywhere in the world, through www.triwest.com/bh. "We are pleased to have the ability to offer expanded access to behavioral health support for the military personnel and their families that we serve in the 21 states of the TRICARE West Region," said David McIntyre, president and CEO of TriWest Healthcare Alliance. "Our new Online Care Program will provide those we are privileged to serve with access to care and much needed support services when and where it is most convenient for them. They deserve this enhanced level of support, without the added worry of external perceptions or judgment. We're pleased to assist the military in standing up this new benefit, because it's the right thing to do." TriWest's Online Behavioral Health Care Program expands access to behavioral health services for West Region beneficiaries. In addition to TriWest's network of 20,000 behavioral health care providers who serve the West Region, it is organized around a "stepped care" model of delivery that presents eligible beneficiaries with an array of service level options and access to resources and services most appropriate to meet their needs. The continuum of care includes: 1. TriWest Behavioral Health Portal Self-service access 24/7/365 (www.triwest.com/bh) to behavioral health information and education through an extensive virtual resource library of articles and streaming videos on topics ranging from deployment-related stress and PTSD, to parenting, relationships, depression, substance abuse, suicide and coping with loss. In addition, an interactive resource directory provides links to hundreds of national and community-based resources available to provide an array of assistance services. 2. TriWest's Behavioral Health Contact Center (BHCC) Beneficiaries can contact the BHCC via phone (888-874-9378), secure Web-based e-mail, or instant messaging (IM)/live chat (www.triwest.com/bh) 24/7/365. 3. TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) Private, confidential, non-reportable, non-medical professional assistance services 24/7/365 via secure Web-based video conferencing, which permits two-way, real-time service and consultation by licensed, masters or PhD-level counselors. This option is available to eligible active duty service members and their families, TRICARE Reserve Select members and beneficiaries eligible for the TAMP program. 4. TriWest's Tele-Behavioral Health Care Network By contacting the BHCC, staff will assist eligible beneficiaries in locating a network provider and coordinating their appointment for either clinical counseling services by a qualified network provider via Web-based videoconferencing or face-to-face in the office as appropriate for the beneficiary. About TriWest TriWest Healthcare Alliance partners with the Department of Defense to do "Whatever It Takes" to support the healthcare needs of 2.7 million members of America's military family. A Phoenix-based corporation, TriWest provides access to cost-effective, high-quality health care in the 21-state TRICARE West Region. Visit www.triwest.com for more information.