Military & Family Life Counseling

MFLC Program Overview

Military families face unique challenges, and the stressors associated with military life can have far-reaching effects on Service Members, spouses, and children alike. From coping with the absence of a deployed parent or spouse to balancing the demands of education, parenting, and employment, day-to-day military life can be overwhelming. Issues such as isolation, frequent relocations, and the pace of military duties can place strain even on the most resilient families.

Since its launch in 2004, the Department of Defense’s Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program has provided critical non-medical counseling support to military members, their families, and survivors at installations worldwide. Embedded MFLC counselors are licensed professionals who work directly within the military community to deliver empathetic, in-person support, including individual counseling, briefings, and presentations.

MFLC counselors specialize in helping individuals and families address life stressors such as deployment, reintegration, relationship issues, and parenting challenges via confidential, solution-focused services that enhance personal well-being and support overall military readiness.

Job Description & Qualifications Overview

• MFLCs are master’s-level counselors and social workers who provide short-term, non-medical counseling services to military members and their families. Services are offered on and off military installations to adults, children, and adolescents.

• Counselors must hold a valid, unrestricted clinical license to practice independently in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or commonwealth. A minimum of 2 years of post-licensure clinical experience is required.

• The MFLC counseling model is psychoeducational, designed to help Service Members and their families anticipate, manage, and resolve challenges commonly associated with military life such as deployment stress, transitions, relationship concerns, and parenting issues.

• Except in cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, or duty-to-warn situations, MFLC services are private and confidential, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.