Resources for Military Families Going Through Divorce

Military Benefits

Several different organizations in the San Diego area provide services designed especially for the benefit of military families. While some of these programs are part of the military itself, others are operated by other organizations. Services available range considerably, from counseling for mental health concerns to assistance with important paperwork.

Child Care Services

With at least one parent busy with military duties, child care is often a concern for military families. However, adequate child care can be expensive and difficult to find. Fortunately, several organizations in San Diego offer assistance to military families in need of good quality child care at an affordable price.

Counseling

A career in the military is inherently stressful. In addition, family members of people in the military often experience their own challenges when dealing with deployment, frequent moves and other difficult situations. Counseling services can be beneficial to all members of military families, including the servicemember, his or her spouse and any children.

Crisis Assistance

When members of military families find themselves in a crisis, seeking support from the right source can make all of the difference. Crises may occur when a servicemember or veteran deals with depression, thoughts of suicide or other psychological issues related to time in service. Crises may also involve other members of the family as well.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can occur in any family, but serving in the military presents key risk factors that make domestic violence more likely. For example, the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, nearly one in three combat veterans with PTSD report being violent with a partner in the past year. Several organizations in the San Diego area provide assistance to victims of domestic violence.

Education

As a veteran, current member of the military or a member of a military family, individuals have access to specific education benefits. San Diego is home to several colleges and universities, many of which have programs especially designed for people affiliated with the military. These institutions can also help military families explore educational benefits or assistance available from the military itself.

Healthcare

Healthcare is an important necessity for every family, including those affiliated with the military. Although the military provides certain health benefits for current service members and veterans, members of these families often need additional support. A few organizations in the San Diego area offer support to military families with medical needs ranging from checkups to hospice care.

Homelessness

Far too many veterans struggle with homelessness in the United States. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, more than 39,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Homeless veterans can benefit from several organizations in the San Diego area designed to help them find housing, jobs and other valuable resources.

Housing

Finding affordable housing in the San Diego area can be challenging for military families and veterans. Without adequate housing, these families may face health and safety concerns, as well as financial strain. Fortunately, a wide variety of organizations exist in this area to help these families get the housing they need.

Legal Assistance

Military families face all of the same legal issues as other families. Legal issues facing military families may include divorce, child custody disputes, child support battles, criminal charges, foreclosure and much more. The San Diego area offers several resources to help military families and veterans find affordable legal advice and representation.

Mental Health

Spending time in the military can increase the risk of mental health problems. In fact, just during 2013, the American Psychological Association reports that more than 1,000 active duty service members attempted suicide. Mental health problems may affect spouses and children of military members as well. Effective treatment and supportive services for military families with mental health needs are available throughout San Diego.

Military Divorce Help

The stress of being in the military sometimes leads to divorce. Divorce can be a complicated and lengthy process, especially without the right legal aid. Fortunately, a number of lawyers and other organizations offer affordable legal services to military families dealing with divorce in San Diego, including flat fee divorce options.

Military Family Services

With one or more family members involved in the armed forces, military families experience greater levels of stress and more obstacles than other types of families. Military family services are designed to help members of the military deal with the unique obstacles they face and strengthen their families as a whole.

Physical Therapy

Members of the military often develop injuries and chronic pain as a result of their service. In many cases, these conditions require ongoing treatment. One of the most effective forms of treatment for these conditions is physical therapy, which focuses on relieving pain and helping the individual recover normal strength and mobility in the affected part of the body.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a common complication of military service, especially among combat veterans. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as many as 20 percent of veterans who participated in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom develop PTSD. Fortunately, effective treatment for this condition is available from a number of sources.

Sexual Trauma

Sexual trauma can occur in the military itself, as well as in the homes of military personnel. Regardless of the cause of sexual trauma, getting prompt treatment is the best way for victims to cope with the trauma and recover. Several different organizations in the San Diego area offer treatment and supportive services to members of military families who have been victims of sexual trauma.

Substance Abuse

Because of the stresses related to military service and/or the psychological trauma of being involved in combat, some current and former military members turn to substance abuse. Substance abuse can also affect other members of military families, including spouses and children. People struggling with substance abuse in San Diego can benefit from rehab, outpatient treatment and other supportive services.

Suicide Prevention

The risk of suicide is much higher among current members of the military and veterans than it is in the general population. According to Military Times, 20 veterans commit suicide every day. Suicide can affect service members, veterans and their family members. When someone is contemplating suicide, or if an individual is aware that someone else is at risk for suicide, several organizations in the San Diego area are willing to help.

Transition Assistance

Transitioning from one phase of life to another is difficult for any member of the military. For example, when a service member is transitioning from active duty to life as a civilian, many different arrangements must be made. Several organizations in the San Diego area provide services to help service members with transitions.

Vet to Vet Services

Veterans deal with a variety of issues that people outside of the military cannot understand, such as the psychological trauma of combat situations, injuries from time in the military and much more. Fortunately, many different organizations exist to connect veterans with one another so they can share in each other’s lives and provide peer support.