The year 2023 saw increased access to mental health assessment and treatment within the military and an increased focus on reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. Mental Health.
On May 5, 2023, the Ministry of Defense implemented Brandon’s law improve military access to mental health services. Brandon Law honors U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018.
THE Brandon Law highlights and reinforces the possibility for military personnel to self-refer to a mental health assessment and seek help in complete confidentiality. The legislation was signed into law by President Joe Biden on December 27, 2021, as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
On May 26, Dr. Lester Martínez-López, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense for Health Affairs, announced DOD’s Brandon Act policy.
All three military departments rolled out their implementation of Brandon’s Law following the release of DOD guidance. Their message to the military is mental health is health.
The Defense Health Agency and the military services work together to ensure that all service members are informed of their options for seeking help for a mental health evaluation, either through self-referral or through intermediary of their leadership. This collaboration includes implement training for commanders and supervisors who may receive requests from military members for a mental health evaluation to ensure requests are processed appropriately and in a timely manner.
On September 28, 2023, the DOD announced five lines of effort to prevent suicides in the military with key enabling tasks that build on more than two years of DOD work to reduce harmful behaviors in all their forms, including suicide.
Also in September, the DOD has issued a revised version of DOD Instruction 6490.08, which establishes department policy to foster a culture of support and strives to create an environment that promotes help-seeking behaviors to dispel the stigma associated with seeking mental health care or educational services on drug addiction. “Unlimited, non-stigmatizing access to mental health care services, which includes voluntary substance abuse education, is essential to maintaining the health and readiness of the entire force,” according to politics.
Mental health information and resources
MHS is committed to increasing access to mental health services and reducing any stigma associated with seeking care. For a complete overview of DHA’s mental health efforts, visit Military Health System Mental Health Center for more articles on DOD policies, expert advice, how to seek mental health care, TRICARE coverage, and detailed information on available resources.
For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, needing immediate help, or simply wanting to talk, confidential help is available 24/7.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and press “1”, or send an SMS to 838255, or cat for the crisis line dedicated to veterans and the military crisis line. For Spanish, press “2”.
Military OneSource is a 24/7 gateway to trusted information for military members and their families, providing resources and confidential help. Call 800-342-9667.
THE Psychological Health Resource Center is available 24/7 to military members, veterans and their family members who have questions about psychological health topics. Qualified mental health consultants can help you access mental health care and community support resources in your area. Call 1-866-966-1020, start a live chat or visit www.health.mil/PHRC.
THE in transition the program has 20 FAQs which provide a useful introduction to the program. You can call 800-424-7877 or 800-748-81111 in Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea only. You can also send the program directly by email to:dha.ncr.j-9.mbx.inTransition@health.mil.
THE Military health systemThe DOD and Department of Veterans Affairs have many other mental health resources available to any military member, family or veteran beneficiary who is struggling with mental health issues.
To make a mental health appointment through TRICARE, visit: www.tricare.mil/MentalHealth.
Remember, you are not alone.
