Staying mission-ready means taking care of both physical and mental health. For Airmen, Guardians and their families, that includes access to support when life's challenges become difficult to manage.
To make that care more accessible, the Air and Space Forces Aid Society, the official relief organization of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, offers its Family Wellness Program, providing grants to help cover out-of-pocket counseling and therapy expenses.
Eligible Airmen and Guardians can receive up to $600 for counseling or therapy, with the same amount available to each eligible family member, up to $2,400 per family per calendar year. These grants do not need to be repaid and can help cover costs not fully covered by insurance or other available resources.
"Whether it's the cost of care or finding time to get to an appointment, we know there are obstacles to getting support," said retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, who leads AFAS. "Our goal is to make counseling and therapy more accessible so families can focus on their overall well-being."
The program is available to active-duty Airmen and Guardians and their dependents, as well as Active Guard Reserve and Title 10 or Title 32 Guard and Reserve members on orders of 15 days or more and their dependents. Assistance can be requested for current or upcoming counseling sessions by providing an estimate of costs. Approved funds are deposited directly into the applicant's bank account through Automated Clearing House or Zelle; applications are handled confidentially.
Expanding access through Cohen Veterans Network
AFAS has partnered with Cohen Veterans Network to help cover eligible out-of-pocket counseling and therapy costs, further expanding access to mental health care.
Through CVN's 23 Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics, eligible individuals can access individual, couples and family counseling for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and other mental health needs.
Counseling is also available through telehealth, allowing individuals and families to receive care remotely without traveling to a clinic. This flexibility helps remove barriers for those with demanding schedules, family responsibilities or limited access to nearby providers.
Through its Family Wellness Program and partnerships like CVN, AFAS is helping to reduce financial barriers to care, strengthen family well-being and support mission readiness.
To learn more about the Family Wellness Program, eligibility or how to apply, visit afas.org.
