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Military Spouse Resources in Colorado Springs

Moving to Colorado Springs as a military spouse comes with both challenges and opportunities. The Pikes Peak region has a strong military community infrastructure with programs for employment, childcare, mental health, and community connection. Here's everything you need to know.

Spouse Employment — MSEP & Career Resources

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)

MSEP is a DoD program connecting military spouses with partner employers who are committed to hiring and retaining military families. Colorado Springs MSEP partners include major employers in healthcare, technology, government contracting, and retail. Access the portal at myseco.militaryonesource.mil.

Army Community Service (ACS) Employment Program

Fort Carson's ACS office (Building 2104, (719) 526-4590) offers free resume workshops, mock interviews, career counseling, and job fairs several times per year. The program serves spouses of all service branches, not just Army. Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Airman & Family Readiness Center (AFRC) — Peterson SFB

Peterson's AFRC (Building 350, (719) 556-6141) provides similar employment support services including an Employment Skills Workshop series and connections to local employer networks. Space Force and Air Force spouse-specific resources are also available.

Colorado License Reciprocity

Under the Military Spouse JD license program and Colorado's reciprocity laws, licensed professionals (nurses, teachers, real estate agents, engineers, etc.) may qualify to practice in Colorado without retaking a full licensing exam. Contact the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for your specific profession's requirements.

Childcare — CDC and Community Options

Child Development Centers (CDC)

Fort Carson operates multiple CDCs providing subsidized childcare for military families. Rates are income-based and significantly lower than off-post commercial daycare. However, waitlists can be extremely long — 6 to 18 months for infants and toddlers.

Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)

The MCCYN program helps military families find subsidy-eligible off-post childcare providers when CDC space is unavailable. Families receive a fee assistance subsidy for civilian daycare centers. Search providers at militarychildcare.com.

Mental Health Resources

Military OneSource

Military OneSource (1-800-342-9647, militaryonesource.mil) provides 12 free non-medical counseling sessions per issue, per year. Sessions can be in-person, phone, or video. This is available to all active duty service members and their families, including spouses, and does NOT go into any military record.

TRICARE Mental Health

TRICARE covers mental health treatment including individual therapy, couples counseling, and psychiatric medication management. For TRICARE Prime enrollees at Evans Army Hospital or Peterson's clinic, referrals from a primary care manager (PCM) are required. For TRICARE Select, you can self-refer to any TRICARE-authorized provider — Colorado Springs has dozens of private therapists who accept TRICARE.

Strong Star Consortium

The Strong Star Research Consortium, affiliated with UTHSCSA, conducts PTSD and combat-related mental health research and provides free evidence-based treatment in the Colorado Springs area. This resource is particularly relevant for Fort Carson families dealing with deployment-related stress.

Spouse Clubs & Community

Fort Carson Spouses' Club (FCSC)

The FCSC is one of the largest and most active military spouses' clubs in the Army. It hosts monthly social events, fundraisers, and the annual Holiday Bazaar (one of the largest in Colorado). Membership is open to all spouses of Fort Carson service members regardless of rank. Dues are approximately $35/year.

Peterson Spouses' Club

The Peterson SFB / Space Force Spouses' Club hosts regular events, welcomes new members at monthly coffees, and maintains a robust newcomer welcome program. Contact through the AFRC at (719) 556-6141 for current meeting schedule.

Online Communities

For employment resources and connecting with support programs, also visit the PCS Guide for ACS contact information. For schools and childcare, see our school districts guide.