Transforming Student Wellbeing: Navy and DODEA Introduce Innovative Mental Health Counseling Pilot for Overseas Students

Seven schools located on U.S. Navy bases in Japan, Europe, and Guam are starting a new program this school year to offer clinical mental health counseling. This three-year pilot initiative aims to provide support to students, filling an important need in military-connected communities.

Licensed counselors from Fleet and Family Support Centers will be present at each school for two to three days a week. This new service aims to foster resilience and academic success among students. Beth Narvaez, the DODEA director, emphasized the partnership’s goal of creating well-supported students ready to thrive.

The program will be assessed twice a year through reports which will help shape future efforts. If it proves effective, the model may expand to other military schools, such as those for the Army and Air Force.

This initiative aligns with DODEA’s Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, which aims to enhance student development through 2030. One of its goals is tailoring support to meet individual student needs, whether for enrichment or intensive intervention.

The collaboration between DODEA and the Navy Installations Command began with a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-August. Plans for implementation are still being finalized, and once underway, counselors will offer individual and group counseling. They will also provide educational resources on prevention and wellness.

Each participating school will have one assigned counselor, with Naples Middle-High in Italy getting two. Other participating schools include E.J. King High in Japan and Guam High, among others.

It’s important to note that these Navy counselors will not replace existing DODEA school staff. Instead, they will focus on nonmedical counseling around resilience and wellness. Counseling sessions will be private, and students can seek help either by self-referral or through recommendations from parents or school staff.

Counselors will also work with school teams to raise mental health awareness and support students more effectively. This positive shift highlights the need for mental health resources in educational settings, especially among military families who often face unique challenges.

With the rise in stress and mental health challenges during recent years—accelerated by the pandemic and global uncertainties—initiatives like these are crucial. According to a 2023 study from the American Psychological Association, 61% of teens reported feeling anxious about their future. Addressing mental health proactively can help students manage these concerns and build a solid foundation for their lives.

For more information on similar initiatives and mental health resources, you can check this report from the National Institute of Mental Health.

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