An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

There are emergency procedures in place in multiple states due to extreme weather. Learn More

Live in the West Region? There is now a referral approval waiver in place through March 31, 2025. Learn More. Also, you have until March 31 to set up  your payment info if you pay by EFT, credit card, or debit card. This is for TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TYA, TRS, and TRR plans. If you miss this deadline, you will be disenrolled back to Jan. 1. Visit www.tricare.mil/west today.

News | Dec. 4, 2023

Department of Defense Works to Dispel Stigma of Seeking Mental Health Care

By Janet A. Aker, MHS Communications

The Department of Defense recently updated a policy on command notification requirements regarding the private nature of mental health care services that outlines confidentiality guidance.

The goal is for service members to seek mental health care services or substance misuse treatment as easily and comfortably as all other medical services, without fear of command notification or professional penalty.

“If you need or want help, please go see someone. You have lots of options” within the DOD, said U.S. Navy Capt. (Dr.) Kenneth Richter, director for mental health policy and oversight, office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

On Sept 6, 2023, Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr, then-undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, approved the release of DOD Instruction 6490.08. It sets out procedures for maintaining the confidentiality of those seeking mental health or substance misuse treatment and “promotes reducing stigma in obtaining mental health care services by balancing patient confidentiality with a commander’s need to know certain information for military operational and risk management decisions.”

‘No Wrong Door’ Approach to Mental Health Care

“The DOD has a ‘no wrong door approach’ to behavioral health services to foster a culture of support,” said Dr. Donald Shell, acting executive director, health services policy and oversight, office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

The Brandon Act enables service members to initiate a referral for a mental health evaluation through a self-report to a supervisor or commanding officer. The military services recently implemented phase one of the act.

The Defense Health Agency has many avenues for accessing mental health services and support. Covered services include outpatient and inpatient behavioral health treatment for emergency and non-emergency mental health needs. Care is offered through in-person or virtual appointments at military hospitals and clinics and through the TRICARE network of civilian providers.

Behavioral health services are medical and non-medical. At military hospitals and clinics, service members have access to primary care behavioral health, specialty outpatient behavioral health, alcohol and substance use programs, inpatient hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs.

Outside military hospitals and clinics, service members can receive support through military and family life counseling provided by Military OneSource embedded behavioral health, Family Advocacy Programs through each of the military services or through Military OneSource, Military Family Readiness provided through Military OneSource, the inTransition program, and chaplains.

Perceptions about Mental Health Care are Changing

Data indicate an increasing demand for mental health services, which can be interpreted as an increase in help-seeking behavior, Shell said.

fiscal year 2023 report to Congress on TRICARE showed the increasing demand for behavioral health services across the DOD. The report found that:

  • Fifty-one percent of behavioral health providers accept new TRICARE patients
  • 1,311 behavioral health facilities accepted TRICARE in FY 2022 and 2,295 were projected for FY 2023

“As we continue to address stigma and promote help-seeking, the DOD and civilian sector will need to address new challenges associated with demand outpacing supply of behavioral health providers,” Shell said.

How DHA Integrates Mental Health Care

To improve access and outcomes for those in behavioral health treatment, the DHA direct care system integrates “specialists in primary care medical homes to provide more continuous, comprehensive care in the primary care setting and to facilitate coordinated care,” the TRICARE report states.

The majority of health care facilities serving adult TRICARE enrollees have integrated behavioral health specialists. “Directly integrating behavioral health providers ensures the integrated specialists are able to work closely in partnership with the patient, principal care management, and patient-centered medical home team; moreover, because the specialties share a location, it helps to destigmatize the care received,” the report states.

“The Uniformed Services University for the Health Sciences determined that being seen by a behavioral health specialist integrated into a PCMH results in a statistically significant improvement in mental health status,” according to the report.

The Real Warriors Campaign, established in 2009, was expanded in 2023 through collaboration between the Psychological Health Center of Excellence and the Defense Suicide Prevention Office to augment suicide prevention initiatives. The RWC is a public health campaign that promotes a culture of support, emphasizing that mental health is health, and is designed to decrease stigma, increase psychological health literacy, and promote help-seeking behavior.

DOD Actions to Reduce Stigma

On Sept. 28, 2023, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memo directing 24 urgent actions to address suicide in the military community that build upon two years of significant work toward suicide prevention across the DOD.

The actions cross five lines of effort:

  • Foster a supportive environment
  • Improve delivery of mental health care
  • Address stigma and other barriers to care, including stigmatizing language
  • Revise suicide prevention training
  • Promote a culture of lethal means safety

The actions are in line with Austin’s Taking Care of Our People initiative and emphasize DOD’s commitment to the well-being of the Total Force, a DOD press release states.

DOD aims to have full implementation of each line of effort by the end of FY 2030.

“Suicide prevention is a long-term effort,” said Austin. “Change will not happen overnight, but we have no time to spare.”

“We must foster trust and connection in the workplaces and communities under our care,” Austin said. “We must integrate prevention into all our efforts. And, we must reach out to those who are struggling and make it easier to seek help. Taking care of our people is a sacred obligation, and we will continue to undertake it with the resolve and moral clarity that our teammates deserve.”

“Over time, seeking help will become a sign of strength to more people and eventually mental health care services will be widely considered as a critical element of individual performance,” he said.

DOD’s message is clear, Shell said. “The department is committed to protecting service members and families. It will continue to address behavioral health challenges and promote help-seeking behavior through a public health approach using evidence-based and evidence-informed methods to provide quality care, with the best outcomes, to a ready force.” 

Resources

For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, needing immediate assistance, or simply wanting to talk to someone, confidential help is available 24/7.

Military OneSource is a 24/7 gateway to trusted information for service members and families that provides resources and confidential help. Call 800-342-9667.

Chaplains also provide confidential counseling and are important in promoting spiritual readiness and resiliency.

The Psychological Health Resource Center is available 24/7 for service members, veterans, and family members with questions about psychological health topics. Trained mental health consultants can help you access mental health care and community support resources in your local area. Call 1-866-966-1020, start a live chat, or visit www.health.mil/PHRC.

The inTransition program has 20 FAQs that are a helpful introduction to the program. You can call 800-424-7877, or at 800-748-81111 in Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea only. You can also email the program directly at: dha.ncr.j-9.mbx.inTransition@health.mil.

The Military Health System, DOD, and the Department of Veterans Affairs have many other mental health resources available to any service member, families, or veteran beneficiaries who are struggling with mental health challenges. Read Mental Health is Health Care for a complete list of resources for immediate assistance or to make appointments.

To set up a mental health appointment through TRICARE, visit: www.tricare.mil/MentalHealth.

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
 

Dentist holds dental equipment.

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program T...

News
Mar. 19, 2025

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on...
Read More
Woman in medical scrubs holds up model teeth.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

News
Mar. 18, 2025

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the...
Read More
Man signs papers.

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other...

News
Mar. 18, 2025

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a...
Read More
Doctor talking with a patient.

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

News
Mar. 13, 2025

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you...
Read More
Military doctor conducts a vitals check.

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

News
Mar. 11, 2025

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you...
Read More
Patient Safety Awareness DHA graphic.

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hosp...

News
Mar. 06, 2025

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a...
Read More
Woman looks at papers.

Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE...

News
Mar. 04, 2025

Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a...
Read More
Man gets his blood drawn.

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and...

News
Feb. 26, 2025

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help...
Read More

March 19, 2025

The Dentist Is In... 10 TRICARE Dental Program Terms You Should Know

Whether you’re new to the TRICARE Dental Program or a long term TDP beneficiary, it’s important to brush up on essential terms relating to your dental coverage. Understanding your TDP plan can help you make the most of your benefits.

March 18, 2025

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

Have you ever felt intimidated by the dentist? Dental related stress is common. The stress of going to the dentist often leads people to feel hesitant. If you’re feeling unsure at the dentist, then you may not ask any questions or express your discomfort with a procedure. However, taking charge of your oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing daily; it's about actively participating in your dental care journey.

March 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: Here’s How TRICARE and Other Health Insurance Work Together

TRICARE may not be the only health coverage you have. If you have health insurance through an employer, a spouse’s plan, or a private insurer, it’s considered other health insurance, which can affect how TRICARE processes your claim. TRICARE and OHI work together to help cover your health care and services.

March 13, 2025

How To Find and Choose Your TRICARE Provider

If you’re looking for a provider, it’s important to understand the different types of TRICARE providers you can see. The type of provider you see can determine how much you pay for care and the process for filing claims.

March 11, 2025

Get Preventive Health Services With TRICARE

Your health is about more than just sick visits and medications—it’s also about making choices that keep you feeling your best. Getting routine preventive care can help you stay well and catch problems early. With preventive health services, TRICARE has you covered.

March 6, 2025

Explore Patient Safety Measures at Military Hospitals and Clinics

Do you get health care at a military hospital or clinic? When you need care, patient safety should never be a concern. You deserve to know how well your military hospital or clinic protects you and your family from preventable harm.

March 4, 2025

Unlock Your Health by Understanding Your TRICARE Explanation of Benefits

Your TRICARE explanation of benefits is an essential tool for understanding your health claims. An EOB is a statement from your health plan that details what action TRICARE has taken on your claims. Take a moment to understand your EOB, what it means, and what may be required on your part.

Feb. 26, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Covers Laboratory Services and Diagnostic Imaging

Laboratory services and diagnostic imaging are vital tools for maintaining your health. These tests can help you and your provider catch potential issues early, before they become serious problems. TRICARE covers many of these services, including some as part of your preventive health care benefit.

Feb. 25, 2025

Retiring in 2025? Take Action To Keep Your TRICARE Coverage

If you’re getting ready to retire from active duty or the National Guard or Reserve, your goal is likely to make a smooth transition to civilian life. Part of this transition includes your health coverage, and TRICARE is here to help.

Feb. 24, 2025

Act Now! Payment Deadline Extended for West Region Beneficiaries

The Defense Health Agency has extended the payment deadline for West Region beneficiaries who pay for TRICARE coverage via bank electronic funds transfer, credit card, or debit card. You now have until Monday, March 31 to provide your payment information to TriWest.