Picture this: You're dealing with stress from a recent deployment, financial concerns about your upcoming PCS move, or relationship challenges that come with Coast Guard life. You reach for your phone to call CG SUPRT for support, but pause—you've heard something about changes coming to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). What exactly is happening, and how will it affect your access to the help you need?
The answer is straightforward. Coast Guard eligible for Military OneSource services will soon have access to a proven, comprehensive support system that's already helping thousands of service members across all branches. The Coast Guard EAP transition represents a significant upgrade in the resources available to you and your family.
Timeline and Transition Basics
The transition happened on Monday, August 25, 2025, when the CG SUPRT contract officially ended. If you were working with a CG SUPRT counselor, you needed to plan to wrap up or transition your services by that date.
Your current cases won't just disappear. CG SUPRT counselors will work with you to either complete your sessions or refer you to continue with Military OneSource for Coast Guard services. If your current counselor is part of the Military OneSource network, you may be able to continue with the same provider under the new system.
There's no gap in coverage. As of August 26, anyone calling the familiar CG SUPRT number (1-855-247-8778) will reach an automated system that connects you to either Military OneSource for military members or Federal Occupational Health (FOH) EAP for civilian employees.
Your Access Questions Answered
Who's Covered
All Coast Guard active duty members and their immediate families qualify for Military OneSource services. This includes spouses, children, and anyone with legal responsibility for your children during separations.
Here's great news for reservists: Selected Reserve (SELRES) members and their families now have full access to Military OneSource, regardless of activation status.
Previously, SELRES members needed to be on orders for more than 90 days to access CG SUPRT services.
Recent retirees and discharged members (if discharged honorably) maintain access for 365 days past their end of service date.
How to Get Connected
Military OneSource operates 24/7 through multiple channels:
- Phone:1-800-342-9647
- Website: www.militaryonesource.mil
- Live chat available on their website
The service includes secure online consultations and a mobile app for easy access to resources and appointment scheduling, even when you're underway (provided your vessel has internet connectivity).
Comparing Your Options
What You're Gaining
Military OneSource brings specialized military-focused resources that understand Coast Guard life. You'll get access to peer-to-peer support from consultants with master's degrees in psychology or social sciences who also have firsthand military experience.
Enhanced services include financial counseling with MilTax for free tax preparation, physical wellness coaching, family and parenting resources covering everything from childcare to eldercare, and relationship building programs whether you're single, dating, or married.
The system offers specialized support for military-specific challenges like frequent relocations, deployments, and reintegration—areas where Military OneSource has deep expertise from serving other DoD branches.
What Stays the Same
Your confidentiality protections remain rock-solid. Military OneSource maintains the same strict confidentiality standards, with exceptions only when someone threatens harm to themselves or others.
Free counseling sessions continue to be available, though the specific limits may vary. Children ages 6-17 can receive counseling services, with those 6-12 attending sessions with a parent present, while teens 13-17 need parental consent at the start of each session.
The same broad range of personal issues remains covered—depression, relationship problems, work stress, career transitions, and life challenges that impact your performance and well-being.
Making the Switch Work for You
If You're Currently Using EAP
Contact your CG SUPRT counselor immediately to discuss the August 25 end date. Ask whether they're part of the Military OneSource network—if so, you can potentially continue with them under the new system.
If your counselor isn't in the Military OneSource network, work with them to develop a transition plan. This might include recommendations for new counselors or exploring other support options like your spouse's EAP, health insurance mental health coverage, or community resources.
Your counseling records stay with your individual counselor, not the contracting company. If you want copies of your records, contact your counselor directly.
Starting Fresh with Military OneSource
New users can expect a streamlined process. When you call, you'll speak with a professional who gathers information about your concerns and preferred meeting location if you want face-to-face counseling.
Local counselors typically contact you within a few days to set up appointments, unless there's an emergency situation requiring immediate attention. The system prioritizes getting you connected quickly with qualified providers who understand military life.
Getting Help When You Need It
Support During Transition
Your District Work-Life supervisor or Employee Assistance Program Coordinator (EAPC) can answer questions about the transition and help with orientation sessions for Military OneSource.
Military OneSource customer service at 1-800-342-9647 provides 24/7 support for account setup, service questions, and connection to appropriate resources.
Commands can request training sessions to help personnel understand the new system and its benefits for military families.
Your Next Steps
Start exploring Military OneSource now to familiarize yourself with available resources. If you're currently using CG SUPRT services, contact your counselor this week to discuss transition options.
Update your emergency contact information to include the Military OneSource number (1-800-342-9647) alongside existing Coast Guard support resources. Share this information with your family members so they know how to access support when needed.
The Coast Guard eligible for Military OneSource transition represents more than just a contract change—it's an upgrade to a proven support system designed specifically for military families facing the unique challenges of service life. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore new resources and ensure you're prepared for seamless access to the support you and your family deserve.
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