Enhanced Access to Mental Health Services in the Military: The Brandon Act and Beyond
The year 2023 has brought significant advancements in mental health support for military service members, with increased access to evaluation and treatment, as well as a focus on reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
One of the key developments in this area is the implementation of the Brandon Act by the Department of Defense on May 5, 2023. Named in honor of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who tragically died by suicide in 2018, the Brandon Act aims to improve service members’ access to mental health services. This legislation allows service members to self-refer for a mental health evaluation and seek help confidentially, emphasizing the importance of mental health as an integral part of overall health.
Dr. Lester Martínez-López, the DOD assistant secretary for health affairs, announced the DOD’s Brandon Act policy on May 26, with the three military departments rolling out their implementation following the publication of DOD’s guidance. The message to service members is clear: mental health is health.
In addition to the Brandon Act, the DOD announced five lines of effort on September 28, 2023, to prevent suicides in the military, building on ongoing efforts to reduce harmful behaviors, including suicide. The DOD also published a revised version of DOD Instruction 6490.08 in September, establishing department policy for fostering a culture of support and promoting help-seeking behaviors to dispel the stigma of seeking mental health care.
For service members in need of mental health support, the Military Health System offers a range of resources and information, including the Military Health System Mental Health Hub, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Military OneSource, the Psychological Health Resource Center, and the inTransition program. These resources are available 24/7 to provide confidential help and support.
Overall, the focus on mental health support in the military in 2023 highlights the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and seeking help when needed. Service members are encouraged to take advantage of the available resources and remember that they are not alone in their struggles.