Mental Health Crisis in the US Military: A Call for Holistic Approaches and Increased Access to Care

Nearly one-third of the approximately 62,800 cases of troop hospitalization last year were for mental health treatment, with the US Army accounting for the most cases. This is according to a recent report from the Defense Health Agency (DHA), which has revealed that mental health problems are the leading cause of hospitalization for active-duty US military personnel in 2023.

The DHA has called for a holistic, integrated approach to mental health treatment for military personnel, taking into account the unique health challenges they face. The government’s Accountability Office (GAO) recently reported that there is a shortage of mental health workers within the military, leading troops to seek help outside the system. Additionally, the DHA has been criticized for failing to monitor the progress of soldiers seeking treatment and long wait times for receiving care.

Male patients were primarily diagnosed with adjustment disorders and alcohol abuse, while female soldiers were more likely to have major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress. The average length of stay for these patients was five days, with some requiring up to 34 days to recover.

Addressing these issues is essential to better meet the mental health needs of service members. By providing adequate access to mental health care for all active-duty personnel and their families, especially those living in barracks who may face additional challenges in accessing proper care, we can support our service members in maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing while serving our nation.