The Steven A. Cohen Clinic at The Up Center offers resources to deployed families

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — For the thousands of Navy families in Hampton Roads, a long-awaited homecoming has been replaced by a potentially troubling new timeline.

The Navy officially announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is now expected to remain deployed for up to 11 months. It was rerouted to the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury.

At a Pentagon briefing Tuesday, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged the immense strain this puts on the crew, who departed Naval Station Norfolk back in June.

“These exceptional Americans rogered up, all supported by their families,” Caine said. “They continue to stand the watch, taking the fight to the enemy over and over again, night after night.”

As the Ford enters its ninth month at sea, the mission has shifted from routine Mediterranean operations to active combat, with U.S. forces striking targets in Iran since late February.

With the finish line moving further away, local support organizations are surging resources to help military spouses and children cope with the extended separation.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center in Virginia Beach offers a variety of therapy to address the specific anxieties of a record-breaking deployment.

“You don’t have to face this alone,” said Tanetta Hassell, the clinic’s clinical director. “Fostering connection during this time is so important, and we hope to be that bridge to connect other military families.”

Signs of deployment stress to watch for:

• Sleep Impairment: Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Mood Shifts: Feeling unmotivated or unusually irritable
• Focus Issues: Difficulty concentrating on daily tasks or schoolwork
• Racing Thoughts: Persistent worry about a loved one’s safety

The clinic provides both in-person and virtual talk therapy, as well as play therapy for children five and older. Hassell noted that the center accepts most insurance, including TRICARE, and new clients can typically be seen within two weeks.

Said Hassell: “I would just emphasize connection. During this time, it’s still important to talk to professionals that understand what you’re going through, reaching out for support, from those that are trained.”

This article was originally posted on Wavy 10. Find the original article here.