Military and First Responders Therapy
TRICARE Accepted | Specialized support for those who serve
We provide specialized online mental health support for active duty military members, veterans, and first responders in Texas and New Jersey.
Online Therapy for Military Members & First Responders
Good Counsel Therapy provides specialized online mental health support for active duty military members, veterans, and first responders in Texas and New Jersey. We understand the unique challenges you face and offer confidential, HIPAA-compliant teletherapy designed to fit your demanding schedule.
TRICARE Accepted
We accept TRICARE and are committed to making mental health care accessible to those who serve our communities and country. Online therapy allows you to access care without taking time away from your duties or family, and appointments can be scheduled around your shift work or deployment timeline.
"I didn't think therapy would help, but I was wrong. I finally feel like myself again."
Client Testimonial
Therapy Specialized for Your Unique Experience as a Military Member and First Responder
Military members, veterans, and first responders face distinct mental health challenges that civilians may not fully understand. These brave individuals often experience operational stress and traumatic exposure from combat situations, critical incidents, and repeated exposure to life-threatening scenarios. Common issues include hypervigilance and difficulty transitioning from "on duty" to "off duty" mode, moral injury and guilt from decisions made under pressure, and complex PTSD symptoms including flashbacks and nightmares.
Many struggle with transition challenges when returning from deployment, retiring from service, or changing careers, which can lead to a profound loss of identity after service. The demanding nature of military and first responder work often causes relationship strain due to irregular schedules, emotional distance, and trauma exposure that's difficult to share with loved ones.
Additionally, substance use as a coping mechanism, chronic sleep disturbances, and the persistent stigma around seeking mental health support in these communities create barriers to healing. Online therapy for military members and first responders addresses these specialized needs with trauma-informed care, PTSD treatment, and evidence-based approaches designed specifically for those who serve.
Common Issues I Address for Military and First Responder Therapy Appointments
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Whether from combat, critical incidents, or cumulative trauma exposure, PTSD can significantly impact your daily life. We use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR to help you process traumatic experiences.
Anxiety and Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance that keeps you safe in the field can be exhausting in civilian life. We help you develop skills to manage anxiety and transition between "on duty" and "off duty" mindsets.
Depression and Isolation
The weight of what you've seen and experienced can lead to depression, withdrawal, and feelings of isolation. Therapy provides a space to process these feelings and reconnect with meaning and purpose.
Relationship and Family Stress
Deployments, shift work, and trauma exposure can strain even the strongest relationships. We offer individual therapy to help you navigate these challenges and improve communication.
Transition and Identity Issues
Leaving military service or first responder careers can trigger an identity crisis. We help you navigate this transition and build a fulfilling life beyond your service role.
Moral Injury
When your actions or experiences conflict with your values, it can cause deep psychological pain. We provide a non-judgmental space to process moral injury and find a path forward.
Evidence-Based Approaches I Use
We use evidence-based, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Addressing negative thought patterns and developing coping skills
EMDR (in training):
Processing traumatic memories and reducing PTSD symptoms
Psychoeducation:
Understanding how trauma affects your brain and body
Exposure therapy:
Gradually confronting trauma-related fears
Mindfulness and distress tolerance:
Managing intense emotions and stress
Why Choose Good Counsel Therapy?
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Your privacy matters. All online therapy sessions use encrypted, HIPAA-compliant video platforms to ensure your conversations remain completely confidential. We adhere to the highest standards of professional ethics and data security.
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Maranice Strickland is a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Fully licensed in Texas and New Jersey, she is committed to your mental health journey with compassionate, professional care.
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No commute. No waiting rooms. Schedule therapy sessions that fit your work and family commitments, with evening and weekend appointments available. Online counseling makes mental health support accessible when you need it most.
FAQs
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Online therapy (also called teletherapy or telehealth counseling) is a form of mental health treatment conducted remotely using secure video calls. A licensed therapist provides the same kinds of support they would in person—including talk therapy, coping strategies, and treatment plans—but through an online platform.
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No. Therapy is confidential and HIPAA-compliant. Your employer will not be notified unless you are a danger to yourself or others, or in rare cases where the law requires disclosure.
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Seeking mental health treatment does not automatically disqualify you from holding a security clearance. In fact, proactively addressing mental health concerns is often viewed positively during clearance reviews.
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Yes. We work specifically with military members and first responders and understand the culture, language, and unique stressors of your work.
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Yes, for many people and many mental health conditions, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Studies have found comparable outcomes for conditions like:
Generalized anxiety disorder
Major depressive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Relationship and stress-related concerns
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis published in JMIR Mental Health found that psychiatric treatment conducted via telemedicine showed comparable effectiveness to in-person modality for posttraumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
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Your first session is usually focused on getting to know each other and setting goals. Common steps include:
Reviewing confidentiality and how online therapy works
Discussing your concerns, history, and what brought you to therapy
Setting short- and long-term goals
Testing the technology (e.g., audio/video, comfort with the platform)
Asking any questions about the therapist's approach
You won't have to share everything at once—it's okay to go at your own pace.
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Depending on your internet access and privacy, yes. We can work with you to maintain continuity of care during deployments.
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Yes, we accept TRICARE and can help you navigate coverage and billing.
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Online therapy may be a good fit if you:
Prefer the convenience of home sessions or have mobility or scheduling challenges
Feel comfortable communicating over video or phone
Want access to more therapist options outside your immediate area
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Yes, in many cases. Most major insurance plans in Texas and New Jersey cover online therapy (telehealth) similarly to in-person sessions, especially since coverage expanded after the COVID-19 pandemic. Coverage depends on your specific plan—co-pays, deductibles, and in-network requirements may still apply.
To learn more about our accepted insurance plans and self-pay rates, visit our Rates & Insurance page.
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Yes. Your privacy is very important to us. All sessions are conducted on a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to ensure that your information and conversations remain completely confidential.
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Find a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable and won't be interrupted. It can help to have a notebook or something to drink nearby, and most importantly… just come as you are! There's no need to prepare anything special.
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Life happens! If you need to reschedule or cancel, just let us know as soon as possible. Our policy requires 24-hour notice to avoid a late cancellation fee, and we'll always do our best to find a new time that works for you.
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Most clients start with weekly sessions to build consistency and momentum. As you begin to feel more grounded and confident, we can adjust the frequency to fit your needs and goals.
It’s Time to Take the First Step
Reaching out for help takes tremendous courage. Whether you're ready to make changes or simply need someone to talk to, Good Counsel Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space for your healing journey.
Ready to begin? Send an email to schedule your first session or call to learn more.