# The COMFORT Act: What It Does

The COMFORT Act makes it easier for military families to get counseling services by allowing mental health professionals to provide support remotely or at military bases, regardless of where they're licensed. Right now, military families often struggle to find counseling because providers need to be licensed in the specific state where they're working. This bill removes that barrier for counselors working with the military, so a licensed therapist in one state can help a military family in another state without having to get licensed there too.

The key change is that qualified mental health professionals—including military doctors, civilian Department of Defense employees, and contractors—can now offer what the bill calls "non-medical counseling services" to military families anywhere in the country or its territories. These services focus on practical, short-term help with personal growth and life challenges rather than treating serious mental health conditions. Think of it as life coaching or supportive counseling rather than clinical psychiatric treatment. This can happen in person at military bases or remotely, which is especially helpful for families stationed far from major cities or those dealing with the unique stresses of military life.

The practical impact is that military families should have faster, easier access to counseling support without the current red tape of licensing requirements. This is particularly valuable for military spouses and children who move frequently and might otherwise struggle to find consistent mental health support. The bill essentially recognizes that military families have specific needs and removes bureaucratic obstacles so the Department of Defense can more efficiently connect them with qualified counselors who can help them navigate the challenges of military life.

COMFORT Act

Slotkin, Elissa

Comforting Our Military Families through On-base or Remote Treatment Act or the COMFORT Act This bill authorizes the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy within the Department of Defense (DOD) to coordinate programs and activities for the provision of nonmedical counseling services to military families through the DOD Military and Family Life Counseling Program. Under the bill, nonmedical counseling services means mental health care services that are nonclinical, short-term, and solution-focused to address topics related to personal growth, development, and positive functioning. The bill authorizes mental health professionals to provide non-medical counseling services regardless of where the provider or recipient is located so long as the provision of service is within the scope of the authorized duties of the provider. For purposes of the bill, mental health professionals include licensed or certified mental health professionals or members of the uniformed services, civilian DOD employees, or DOD contractors.