JULY 21, 2025 – The 379th Expeditionary Medical Squadron provides comprehensive care for all personnel on base including mental health services which are offered by the 379th EMDS Mental Health Office.
Mental health is one of the four pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness and plays a critical role in maintaining mission readiness.
“Mental health is critically important for the success of any military mission because it directly impacts individual performance,” said Maj. Candee Berck, 379th EMDS mental health element officer in charge.
The mission of the 379th EMDS Mental Health Office is to offer continuous mental health support to deployed personnel across the area of responsibility. The team makes this mission happen through the use of licensed mental health professionals and classes that teach personnel healthy ways to deal with deployment stressors.
“We have licensed therapists available to address a variety of concerns, with the goal of enhancing adaptive strategies and bolstering sustained readiness for members,” said Berck. “We have amazing technicians who work directly with units to provide a wide array of education and classes on topics such as: sleep hygiene, stress management, surviving the distance, finding your way, conflict resolution, reintegration and setting goals.”
Patients can be seen by going directly to the mental health office or on call depending on their circumstances.
“On average, the office sees 70 to 80 people each month,” said Capt. Gia Chewala, 379th EMDS Disaster Mental Health Team chief. “We’re open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We also have an on-call provider available 24/7 to respond to crises as needed.”
The office prioritizes both the well-being of those seeking care and the overall readiness of the force.
“We have a fantastic team who truly care about our personnel,” Berck said. “We understand the stigma that can come with seeking mental health support, but 98% of those who visit us are returned to duty. Our goal is to keep people in the mission and ensure our Airmen remain ready to fly, fight and win.”
While deployed, service members often face emotional challenges related to separation from loved ones and the daily stressors of operating in a high-tempo environment. The 379th EMDS Mental Health Office is here to support them anytime.
Story by Senior Airman Dieondiere Jefferies
United States Air Forces Central