FY2024 NDAA: Military mental health workforce provisions

Abstract: Congress authorizes, through the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Department of Defense (DOD) mental health programs and services that support servicemembers, military retirees, and their families. DOD administers mental health programs that offer education; awareness; crisis prevention resources; clinical treatment; nonclinical support and counseling services; and research and development. DOD has estimated that, from 2016 through 2020, 456,293 active duty servicemembers were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder. Mental health disorders also accounted for the highest number of hospital bed days and were the second most common reason for outpatient visits among servicemembers. During the same time period, the majority (64%) of mental health diagnoses were attributed to adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. DOD has made numerous efforts to address the wide range of mental health issues, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), DOD Inspector General (DODIG), and other observers of military health have highlighted potential opportunities for improvement. During ongoing deliberations on an FY2024 NDAA, Congress has expressed interest in understanding the current state of DOD’s mental health workforce and resources available to servicemembers and their families through the Military Health System (MHS), the military departments, and Military OneSource.

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