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Psychological health program supports all Airmen

  • Published
  • By Capt. Amanda Ling, 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
  • 920th Rescue Wing
PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. --  

The 920th Rescue Wing welcomed Nicole Mayzner, Director of Psychological Health (DPH), here to provide counsel to all wing members and their dependents as part of the Air Force Reserve Command psychological health program.

The purpose of the DPH program is the fill the gap where resources for mental health services, along with education on what is available, was lacking. The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act requires all reserve wings to provide licensed mental health professionals to servicemembers. The program will help Airmen and their families with the many life stressors they face on a regular basis that can disrupt the rhythm of their home and work lives.

Mayzner is one of 36 DHP within Air Force Reserve Command. She came to the 920th RQW from Kessler Air Force Base where she worked as a DPH for 4 years. Mayzner has over 14 years of experience working with military members and veterans, including being the embedded psychological health clinician for the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Combat Command. She is a licensed social worker with a master’s degree in social work with training in emergency and trauma, depression, trauma anxiety and grief, and Gottman’s couples counseling.

“DPH is an avenue to take are of individuals as a whole person. Airmen might be mission ready on paper but if they are experiencing issues in their personal lives that are not addressed it is just a matter of time before it will start to negatively affect their job and potentially the mission,” said Mayzner.  

The DPH offers confidential and off-record counseling to all servicemembers and their dependents no matter what status they are in, to include traditional reservists, Air Reserve Technicians, or Active Guard Reserve. Services include crisis intervention, conflict resolution, individual and couples counseling, coping with psychological issues, and resiliency building.

“The goal is to reach members at the initial onset of the concerns and address small issues before they escalate and start impacting their home life or career. We can work together as a preventative measure. There is no shame in asking for help and I am here to ensure members and their families are getting the support and counseling they need, no matter how big or small the issue,” said Maynzer.

Mayner also offers command consultation along with leader and peer support to help personnel direct fellow Airmen in the right direction for mental health aid and assistance. Additionally, she is able to be the liaison between members and finding a professional avenue for support within their local communities.

“We want members to understand that problems don’t just go away. Even if a member deploys, they are not escaping from their stressors. I am here to be a support to Airmen and those left behind while teaching them how to properly navigate and cope through issues instead of attempting to run away,” said Mayzner.  

The DPH is available to speak with members and dependents Monday through Friday, during all Unit Training Assemblies, and is on-call for additional needs. Services are free and will not be reported as long as there is no imminent risk of harm to self or others.

For information or service contact Nicole Mayzner at Nicole.Maynzer@us.af.mil.