Mental Health for Military Personnel

¶ … National Council for Behavioral Health (n.d.) points out, at least thirty percent of active duty military personnel suffer from a serious mental health disorder that requires treatment, but less than half of these individuals receive treatment. However, there are a variety of state and national mental health services specifically for individuals and families affiliated with the military. The state of Washington maintains a list of mental health resources including family resources for military and veteran families (Washington Mental Health Care Resources, n.d.). The state of California's Department of Health Care Services (n.d.) offers a similar set of resources including suicide prevention hotlines for homeless veterans. The California Department of Veterans Affairs (n.d.) draws attention to the range of state and federal resources available, including those that are funded under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), Proposition 63. The primary resource for service members and their families is the Department of Defense program called Military OneSource, which operates a free 24-hour hotline.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2014) points out that a large number of veterans and active duty officers suffer from substance abuse problems. Other problems that may besiege active duty officers, veterans, and their families may include family-related and relationship issues best served by group and family counseling. Similarly, bereavement and coping with trauma, injury, and death will be a major issue requiring mental health treatment. Soldier's Project, the Network of Care for Veterans, Military Homefront, the Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy and the Coming Home Project are other mental health services for military.

2. Specific diagnoses common among military personnel include post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorders, and mood disorders like depression or anxiety. Diagnoses for specific conditions warrant referrals to psychiatrists who can prescribe medications. For those officers without formal diagnoses, there are a wider range of services available including hotlines and group therapy sessions. Soldiers who have experienced physical trauma that is linked directly to psychiatric issues may also avail themselves of specialized interventions. The American Psychological Association (2010) advocates the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, for example. The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Site (DCoE) offers similar services for veterans. Some mental health services may be reached via receiving treatment for specific physical ailments, such as support groups for amputees.

Most branches of the American military offer their own special services in mental health. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the National Guard each offer portal and referral services. Joining Forces is the White House's portal providing a wide range of resources for veterans and their family members including occupational assistance, education programs, and information related to seeking mental health services. Non-profit organizations like the Give an Hour program provide ancillary support to military personnel. Unlike some of the other organizations providing advocacy and outreach, Give an Hour is a network of psychology professionals who provide their services directly to military personnel and their family members.

Barriers to accessing mental health services including lack of knowledge or awareness about the services, stigma or shame regarding mental health labels, lack of awareness or understanding of the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, lack of availability of counselors in rural or other geographic impediments, and cultural barriers. However, the plethora of different services available to military personnel and family members means that there is likely to be some organization that can provide the necessary interventions.