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Fleet & Family Support
Clinical Counseling
Licensed credentialed clinical professionals, such as social workers and marriage/family therapists, provide confidential services to active duty service members and their families. Some of the highlights of this program include:
- Individual, marriage, family and group counseling
- Short-term, solution-focused non-medical treatment
- Counseling goals generated with the client(s) and clinician
- Assist in dealing with concerns such as situational difficulties, stress-related military lifestyle, understanding communication differences and techniques to assist, educational programs and prevention programs
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Deployment Readiness
Deployment Readiness assists military members and their families with deployment-related issues and responds to patron and command identified needs. Programs include:
- Command consultation and support
- Information and Referral
- Individual Augmentee Deployment Support
- Ombudsman Support
- Exceptional Family Member Referral Information
- Life Skills Education Programs
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The Navy's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) launched a new mobile application that provides Navy families, doctors, service providers, detailers, and program administrators up-to-date information and resources all in one place.
To access the EFMP app, go to the Navy App Locker at https://www.applocker.navy.mil/#!/apps. Sailors and family members can use the EFMP app directly from there, or the app can be downloaded to an Android or Apple phone, a computer, or various other mobile devices.
The Exceptional Family Member Program provides an all-inclusive approach for the community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services for families with special needs. Enrollment is mandatory for all service members who have family members with special needs. Enrollment ensures the maximum provision of services to the family throughout the service member’s career. Special needs include special medical, dental, mental health, developmental, or educational requirements; the requirement for adaptive equipment assistive technology devices; or services of a wheelchair.
Exceptional Family Member Program liaisons assist families in locating special needs services and resources by identifying local military and civilian resources such as special education assistance, social and support groups, treatment providers, and information about local disability services. Respite care helps military families with children with special needs by providing 40 hours of respite care per month so they can leave the house, go to an appointment, shop, or just rest while knowing that their child is being well cared for.
Benefits to service members, families, and command leadership include:
- Networking, information, referral and resources, and assistance during a permanent change of station moves
- Peace of mind for deployed service members and their families
- Enhances command readiness through support to the service member and family
- Improves retention by providing support to Sailors who may otherwise consider separation in order to best meet their family’s needs
- Decreases costly overseas returns by proactively ensuring that duty assignments are made with special needs taken into consideration
Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
The Family Advocacy Program provides a variety of intervention and treatment models to meet the needs of individual families in reference to child and spouse/partner abuse concerns. Licensed credentialed clinical professionals provide the services. Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates also play a key role in assisting with these services. The program is designed to address the prevention, identification, reporting, intervention, treatment and follow-up of child and spouse/partner maltreatment. The program has five primary goals:
- Prevention of family violence
- Victim safety planning and protection
- Offender accountability
- Rehabilitative education and counseling
- Community accountability and responsibility for a consistent, appropriate response
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Family Emergency Response
Disaster affects hundreds of thousands of people every year. It may happen at your local Navy installation. It may happen to you.
Family Emergency Response is the quick response provided to commands, personnel and families when they are faced with crisis situations such as natural or manmade disasters, loss of life, disaster evacuation or war. In the midst or aftermath of an incident, FFSC team members strive to provide the following based on the event:
- Setting up a 24-hour Emergency Family Assistance Center, if needed
- Manning the Assistance Center with Fleet & Family Support staff and other agency staff, as needed
- Consultation
- Crisis intervention
- Debriefings
- Information and referrals
- Work towards restoring mission readiness
Are you and your family ready for an emergency?
Whether you’re part of the general Navy community, the Navy’s emergency management team, or a potential partner in disaster response and recovery, you have a role in planning for emergencies -- preparedness is your duty.
Please explore Ready Navy to find information and tools to help you and your family prepare for emergency situations that could arise any time without warning.
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System NFAAS
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System standardizes a method for the Navy to account, manage and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families affected and/or scattered by a widespread catastrophic event. NFAAS provides valuable information to all levels of the Navy chain of command, allowing commanders to make strategic decisions that facilitate a return to stability.
NFAAS allows Navy Personnel to do the following:
- Report Accounting Status
- Update Contact/Location information
- View Reference Information
- Complete a Needs Assessment Survey
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Military & Family Support Center Bethesda
The Military & Family Support Center mission is to empower our COMMUNITY using seamless, team based, customer focused education and support, thereby enhancing quality of life and warfighter readiness.
The Military & Family Support Center at NSA Bethesda is located in Building 11 and open to serve you Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.We strive to be the superior Military & Family Support Center providing stellar service for our unique community through personal support and care. We want to empower our military community through exemplary customer focused education and support to promote personal and professional readiness.
Our workshops and seminars are open to all services of active and retired military personnel, their family members, Department of Defense employees, their spouses and contract employees. The programs are organized and facilitated by the professional staff of the Military & Family Support Center as well as professional educators within the local community.
REGISTER FOR CLASSES/PROGRAMS
Classes and programs to support you and your family. Complete the REGISTRATION FORM here to sign up for one of our listed classes or programs. We will be in contact with you upon receiving your form.
CALENDAR OF CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Monthly calendar with descriptions of classes and workshops.
SERVICES WE OFFER
NEW TO THE NAVY APP
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
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MONTHLY CALENDAR
December Calendar
Want to print a copy? See DOWNLOADS on this web page.
Navy Gold Star
The Navy Gold Star program is designed to provide long term support to surviving family members of deceased active duty personnel. The program’s two goals are to keep survivors connected with the military and to assist them with achieving resiliency and well-being.
Eligible survivors include spouses, children (biological, adoptive and step), parents (biological, adoptive, step and foster) and siblings (biological, adoptive and half). Survivors remain part of the Navy family and are welcome at Fleet and Family Service Centers to receive authorized assistance.
While Navy Gold Star is the official Navy program designed to provide long term support to surviving families of deceased active duty Sailors, the program’s staff supports all services. The goal is to help any survivor who requests assistance. This may include connecting them with their own service’s Survivor Assistance Program, giving them references or becoming their case manager. The survivor decides the level of support.
For assistance, the Regional Navy Gold Star Coordinator is available by appointment to meet with survivors. Please call (202) 433-3171 to schedule an appointment.
For commands or organizations that would like more information on the Navy Gold Star Program, please contact the Regional Navy Gold Star Coordinator.
Navy Wounded Warrior
Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) is the Navy's sole organization for coordinating the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, and providing resources and support to their families and caregivers. Through proactive leadership, the program provides individually-tailored assistance designed to optimize the success of the wounded warriors' recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration activities.
NWW helps Sailors and Coast Guardsmen return to duty, and, when that's not possible, the program works collaboratively with federal agencies, and state and local organizations to ease wounded warriors back into their communities.
How does NWW operate?
Regional NWW non-medical care management teams work with wounded warriors and their families to identify their goals and develop plans to achieve them. The teams are led by a regional director, and recovery care coordinators oversee the development and execution of wounded warriors' Comprehensive Recovery Plans (CRPs). Non-medical care managers anticipate enrollees' daily non-medical needs and resolve any issues that surface during the recovery process.
NWW headquarters, which is based in Washington, D.C., is divided into four components: Policy and Enrollment; Quality Assurance; Program Support; and Pay and Entitlements.
What is a CRP?
A CRP is an individualized plan developed by the non-medical care management team, the service member and his or her family or caregiver, which identifies and prioritizes their goals. The CRP is a tool that helps service members remain on course throughout recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.
How do Sailors and Coast Guardsmen enroll in NWW?
Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to the program or be referred by family, command leadership or medical providers.
Who is eligible for enrollment?
NWW enrollment is available to seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, including:
- OIF/OEF/OND casualties
- Shipboard and training accidents
- Liberty accidents
- Serious medical and psychological condition (e.g. cancer, PTS)
What is non-medical care management?
Regional NWW non-medical care management teams tailor support to each enrolled service member's needs. Support includes assistance with:
- Comprehensive Recovery Plan
- Adaptive sports and reconditioning
- Pay and personnel issues
- Invitational Travel Orders
- Lodging and housing adaptation
- Child and youth care
- Transportation needs
- Education benefits and training and employment opportunities Commissary and Exchange access Respite care TBI/PTS support services Transition assistance and much more
New Parent Support Program (NPSP)
Would you like to connect with other expectant or new moms and dads? Are there questions you have about the birthing process or parenting a newborn? If so, join us for the New Parent Support group. Services include parenting/family/infant home visitation programs, breastfeeding instruction/support, parent and toddler/baby play groups, infant care, parenting classes and breast pumps loan program. The program also provides and supports four lactation stations at various sites on base for the exclusive use of nursing mothers who are returning to work.
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Ombudsman
Navy ombudsmen are key resources for family members, particularly during deployments. They serve as a liaison between the command team and families within the command. Ombudsmen:
- Provide information and referral to assist families with concerns or issues.
- Regularly communicate and distribute information to and from the command and the unit’s family members.
- Keep the command informed regarding the overall health, morale and welfare of the families in the command.
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Parking & Commuter Information
ON BASE PATIENT & VISITOR PARKING
Parking is limited. If found in an unauthorized space, you may be ticketed or towed.
Building 63 Patient America Garage
Building 55 Patient Garage
(NSA Bethesda Shuttle & Building Map)
PUBLIC PARKING IN BETHESDA
Patient parking on board Naval Support Activity Bethesda is plentiful. There are two patient parking garages located adjacent to the medical center. Staff parking is limited, by permit only and there may be a wait list. New staff may not be able to park on base upon arrival and should plan accordingly. There is no open parking on the installation and parking is strictly enforced. Public parking options are available in downtown Bethesda. Staff can park in these areas and then ride the Metro to the Medical Center Station.
Additional cost of parking in Bethesda:
Monthly = $150
Hourly at Meters = $1.25-2.00 per hour
Garage Parking = $.80 per hour
*The parking facility at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station on the Red Line is only one stop from the Medical Center Station.
METRO RAIL STATION PARKING
Parking is available at 44 metro rail stations. The list of metro rail stations and the daily costs for parking can be found on the WMATA website, https://www.wmata.com/rail/parking/. The cost of parking is not included in the NCR Transit Fringe Benefit.
PARK AND RIDE LOTS
Park and Ride lots are located throughout Washington Metropolitan Region. In most cases, parking is free and there is a connection to the Metrorail via buses that can be paid for using the Transit Benefit Program. For Park and Ride lots in the Metropolitan Washington Region (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia), please review the park and ride finder web-site at https://76.227.210.32/commuters/transit/park-ride-locations/.
MASS TRANSIT FRINGE BENEFITS
Mass Transit Fringe Benefit (MTFB) is avail-able to civilian and active duty military staff. This is in addition to their current pay, up to $130 per month for their personal commuting costs using mass transit. MTFB can be applied to rail, bus or approved vanpools but not parking costs. On-line applications are available at Washington Headquarters Service (WHS) at https://www.whs.mil/mass-transportation-benefit-program. When applying for the benefit online, use the following applicable organizational codes when prompted:
DOD Civilian = DHA-NCR MD-WRNMMC-DHA-NCRMD-Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Navy Active Duty/Navy Civilian = N-18 BUMED
Army Active Duty = WRNMMC (Army Active Duty)
CARPOOL/VANPOOL COMMUTER ASSISTANCE
Parking designated for carpools is located on the ground levels of the staff garage, Building 54. Contractors are also eligible for these spots. To learn more about vanpool options, please visit: https://www.wmata.com/service/car-sharing.cfm. For more information or assistance in planning your commute, contact 301-319-3818.
SECURITY/BASE ACCESS
Staff may request access for guests by sending an email to usn.bethesda.nsabethes-damd.mbx.nsab-access@mail.mil. Upon arrival, guest(s) must inform gate security, stating the event they are here to attend or company they are with. They must present a valid picture ID. The access roster is taken to the gate at approximately 7 a.m. Monday through Friday; therefore, requests must be made no later than 6 p.m. the day prior. Parking on base is extremely limited so if guests will be driving to the base, please make sure to make arrangements for their parking. All weekend requests must be in no later than 1 p.m. on the Friday that precedes the weekend. If your guest(s) may be arriving before 7 a.m., ensure their name is submitted at least two days prior, as well as the day of, for access. To reach the security department for non-emergencies, call 301-295-1246. For emergencies, dial 777.
Personal Financial Management Counseling
A financial education staff provides financial education, training and counseling that emphasize long-term financial responsibility through instruction on sound money management, debt management, saving, investing and retirement planning.
The educator is available by appointment to provide individual financial counseling and help with basic financial needs.
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Relocation Assistance
Service members and their families live a mobile lifestyle. Moving is stressful, even for the most experienced mover. Let the Relocation Assistance staff help make your move as smooth as possible. Relocation Assistance offers many programs for relocation including:
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Moving with Children
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Moving with exceptional family members
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Moving Overseas
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Sponsor Training
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Loan Locker
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program (SAPR)
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program’s primary goals are to prevent sexual assault from happening in our community and to support victims when an assault is reported. The SAPR program services are confidential and available 24/7. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding sexual assault and the SAPR program.
WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact characterized by force, threats, intimidation or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. It includes rape, forced sodomy (oral or anal sex), touching of a sexualized nature and attempts to commit these crimes.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT?
If you or someone you know is the victim of a sexual assault, it’s important for you to know the reporting options and where to turn for help. By contacting the SAPR 24/7 Victim Advocate duty, you can speak confidentially with a victim advocate and learn about reporting options and available resources.
WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE WHAT HAPPENED IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?
You are more than welcome to contact SAPR Victim Advocates or the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for assistance.
WHO IS CAN ACCESS SAPR SERVICES?
Military dependents 18 years old and older.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED REPORT?
Restricted - Allows victims to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals. The victim can receive medical treatment, including emergency care, victim advocacy & support, counseling and Victim Legal Counsel (VLC) legal consultation. Restricted reports are a good option for victims who want to access services, but don’t want to participate in a criminal investigation or have their command notified of their report.
Unrestricted - Victims choosing an unrestricted report have access to the full SAPR services; including victim advocacy & support, medical care, counseling and Victim Legal Services (VLC). With an unrestricted report, the victim’s Commanding Officer and law enforcement will be notified of the report, potentially leading to a criminal investigation. Because the victim’s Commanding Officer is aware of the report, the victim has access to additional services such as an expedited transfer and military protective orders. An unrestricted report is a good option for victims seeking an expedited transfer or is in need of other supportive measures from their command. It’s also a good option for victims seeking a criminal investigation.
WHO ARE THE SPECIFIED INDIVIDUALS I CAN CONTACT FOR A RESTRICTED REPORT?
SAPR Victim Advocates, SARCs and medical providers (including counselors) are the only people who can take restricted reports.
ARE THERE OTHER PEOPLE I CAN TELL AND STILL MAKE A RESTRICTED REPORT?
There are three additional people you can tell about your sexual assault and still be eligible for a restricted report. They are: chaplains, VLCs and a friend.
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Chaplains are a great resource for victims of sexual assault who are seeking spiritual support. They have absolute privilege which prevents them from disclosing information about the assault to the SAPR program. Therefore, they are unable to take a restricted report, but are a confidential resource for victims.
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Like chaplains, VLCs are available to victims of sexual assault and do not inform the SAPR program of victim reports. Victims can learn about the legal process and discuss their options with an attorney and maintain confidentiality.
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Victims can now tell a friend, who is not in their direct chain of command, about the assault and still have the option for a restricted report, as long as that friend keeps the information confidential.
IF I MAKE A RESTRICTED REPORT, CAN I CHANGE IT TO AN UNRESTRICTED?
Yes, you can. Restricted reporting documents and evidence (when applicable) are secured for 50 years. Victims can change their mind at any time and reach out to the SARC to change their restricted report to an unrestricted report.
CAN I CHANGE AN UNRESTRICTED REPORT TO RESTRICTED?
Unfortunately, once a case is unrestricted, it cannot be changed to a restricted report because the required notifications have already taken place. However, victims of sexual assault can change their mind about participating in the criminal investigation.
WHO ARE/WHAT ARE VICTIM ADVOCATES (VA)?
Victim Advocates are carefully selected, trained and credentialed military and DoD civilian personnel who provide support and assistance to victims of sexual assault. They are directly supervised by the SARC and are required to maintain confidentiality of victim communication. In our region, there is a watch bill staffed by SAPR VAs, providing 24/7 access to the SAPR program. You can reach out to a SAPR VA within your command or call the 24/7 duty cell phone.
If you are interested in learning more about the SAPR program, or need assistance, please feel free to contact us.
"New to the Navy" App
The "New to the Navy" mobile application is for Sailors (Enlisted and Officers) who are fresh out of Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School and ready to report to their first command. The app answers common questions new Sailors may have on pay and personnel matters as they transfer to a school or to their duty station. Available for Apple and Android devices.
Housing
Comfort Hall - Bldg. 60
COVID UPDATES
Be sure to read the COVID UPDATES link prior to your visit.
Comfort Hall - consists of 167 rooms. Each room is double occupancy and is furnished with 2 bed, 2 dressers, a microwave/fridge combo, 2 desk with a chair, 2 nightstand, iron and ironing board. Each room is cable ready, TV is the responsibility of each resident, and Go-Wi-Fi is available throughout the building for a fee. Common areas consist of a lounge on the first deck, which includes a TV and a pool table, free washers and dryers for residents.
Cleaning supplies may be checked out at the front desk. Linen is provided by the staff, but must be maintained by the resident.
All rooms are subject to weekly inspections and residents are required to maintain daily living standards and comply with Unaccompanied Housing rules and regulations at all times. Any questions can be directed 24 hours a day to Central Billeting in building 62 at 301-400-0200.
Family Housing
New Resources Available: If you are looking at renting or buying a home in the local community, there are new resources available on the Community Housing Page
Navy Housing Service Center at Bethesda
PH 301-295-6564 Bethesda_Housing@navy.mil
Military Housing Privatization Initiative Tenant Bill of Rights
Off-Base Housing
Off-base services provide assistance with locating off-base housing in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., areas including:
- HOMES.mil https://www.homes.mil/
- Lease reviews
- Mediation
- Move-in/move-out inspections Rental Partnership Program
- Short-term rental/lease information
Rental Partnership Program
Housing in the local area is available through the Rental Partnership Program or private property owners. Through the rental program, families usually rent one- to three- bedroom apartments within a 15- to 30-minute commute of NSA Bethesda. No credit check or security deposit is required. Lease terms are one year and rent must be paid by allotment to a financial institution (bank or credit union) associated with the leasing office. Personnel must obtain a Letter of Eligibility from the Navy Housing Service Center staff before signing a lease agreement.
Private property owners also support the local housing market by making their real estate rentals/sales available to military families.
Sanctuary Hall - Bldg. 64
COVID UPDATES
Be sure to read the COVID UPDATES link prior to your visit.
Sanctuary Hall - consists of 199 single and double rooms. Each room is furnished with single, double or queen bed, dressers, a microwave/fridge combo, a desk with a chair, a nightstand, iron and ironing board. Each room is cable ready, TV is the responsibility of each resident, and Go-Wi-Fi is available throughout the building for a fee. Common areas consist of a lower level, which includes a TV and a pool table. Free washers and dryers for residents on each floor, and a community kitchen/lounge equipped with a TV, refrigerator, stove and sink on each floor.
Cleaning supplies may be checked out at the front desk. Linen is provided by the staff, but must be maintained by the resident.
All rooms are subject to weekly inspections and residents are required to maintain daily living standards and comply with Unaccompanied Housing rules and regulations at all times. Any questions can be directed 24 hours a day to Central Billeting in building 62 at 301-400-0200.
Tranquility Hall - Bldg. 62
COVID UPDATES
Be sure to read the COVID UPDATES link prior to your visit.
Tranquility Hall - consists of 153 suites, 306 beds, and is used to house the Wounded, Ill and Injured service members. Each room is complete with a full kitchen, laundry, pantry, sitting area, iron and ironing board. Each bedroom has a walk-in closet, bathroom, computer and TV.
Cleaning supplies may be checked out at the front desk. Linen is provided by the staff, but must be maintained by the resident.
All rooms are subject to weekly inspections and residents are required to maintain daily living standards and comply with Unaccompanied Housing rules and regulations at all times. Any questions can be directed 24 hours a day to the front desk at 301-400-0200.
