FY2024 NDAA: Military mental health care and research 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 counselling services; and research and development. DOD has estimated that 456,293 active duty servicemembers were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder from 2016 through 2020. 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, adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders composed the majority (64%) of mental health diagnoses. DOD has made a range of efforts to address the wide range of mental health issues, and potential opportunities for improvement have been highlighted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), DOD Inspector General (DODIG), and other observers of military health.