DHA/Tricare-What EFMP Families Need to Know

Welcome, listeners!

Join us as we have rebranded and have a new name:

Mission PROMISE: Navigating Special Education for Military Families

In this episode, our host, Mary Monrose, speaks with guest Krystyna Bienia, Psy.D. 

Dr. Bienia is a clinical psychologist and a senior policy analyst for the Defense Health Agency (DHA) in the Medical Affairs Directorate in Falls Church, VA. She has extensive knowledge of empirically supported medical and behavioral treatments used in primary and specialty care settings. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University/Washington, D.C., and currently maintains a private practice providing evidence-based mental health services. Dr. Bienia serves as the DHA program manager for the Complex Pediatric Clinical Community and is the clinical program lead supporting the TRICARE Health Plans for the rapidly evolving Autism Care Demonstration, where she implements clinical expertise in program development and oversight for a program that significantly impacts overall Military readiness. She has over ten years of experience working directly with beneficiaries diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as their families and other healthcare providers.

Dr. Bienia was involved in the Department of Defense publication of the Final Rule in 2016: “TRICARE: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment,” which contained comprehensive revisions to the TRICARE regulation for mental health and SUD treatment for all TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries. She participated in the overhaul of the TRICARE Program Manual changes that implemented the sweeping rulemaking changes. Dr. Bienia also worked at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in the Adult Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic until 2013, when she came over to DHA. TRICARE Links:

• Unlock Your Health campaign: Getting Care | TRICARE
• ECHO: Extended Care Health Option | TRICARE
• EFMP: https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/SpecialNeeds/SNResources
• ACD: https://www.tricare.mil/autism
• Plans Comparison: https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/ComparePlans
• Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities: Rights and Responsibilities | TRICARE 

Learn more about Partners in PROMISE Resources:

• Special Needs Binders, free and downloadable
• 1:1 Special Education Consultations for military families
• Special Education Training Workshops across the US
• Quarterly Lunch & Learn Virtual Webinars
• On-demand Special Education Content 

If you or a family member is in need of mental health support, contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.

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