The Brandon Act gives eligible service members a way to confidentially request a mental health evaluation. Understanding the process, asking questions, and keeping records of your care can help you navigate your mental health journey with confidence. This page combines official information with practical guidance to help you along the way.
Understanding Your Rights
The Brandon Act allows eligible service members to confidentially request a mental health evaluation without first obtaining approval through their chain of command. Depending on your branch of service, your request may be made to your commander or supervisor, a commanding officer, or another authorized individual designated by your service’s policy.
If you’re unsure who may receive your request, ask your supervisor, your medical clinic, or another authorized representative.
If you have made your request and have not received a timely response, follow up with the person who received your request. Keep a record of the dates, times, and people you spoke with.
If you’re unsure what should happen next, ask for an update or contact your installation’s behavioral health clinic for guidance.
You have the right to understand your care. If you don’t understand a recommendation, appointment, medication, or treatment plan, ask your provider to explain it. Understanding your care helps you make informed decisions about your mental health.
No question is too small when it comes to your well-being.
The Brandon Caserta Foundation encourages you to keep a personal record of your mental health journey.
Consider writing down:
• The date and time you made your request.
• Who received your request.
• Appointment dates.
• Recommendations from your provider.
• Questions you want to ask during future appointments.
Keeping your own notes can help you stay organized and remember important information.
Recovery is easier when you don’t have to face it alone.
Consider reaching out to trusted family members, friends, fellow service members, chaplains, mentors, or others who care about your well-being. Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect throughout your mental health journey.
Seeking help demonstrates courage. Your voice matters, your concerns matter, and your well-being matters.
❤️ Words From Brandon
Honor. Respect. Patience. Kindness.
Brandon believed that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion. As you continue your journey, remember that these values apply to you, too. Never forget that your life has value and that asking for help is a courageous decision.
Know Your Rights Checklist
Take a moment to review your progress.
☐ I understand my rights under The Brandon Act.
☐ I know who to contact if I have questions.
☐ I am keeping a record of important information.
☐ I know where to turn for additional support.
☐ I understand my next steps.
If you can’t check one or more of these boxes, that’s okay. Take a moment to ask questions or seek clarification before moving forward. Understanding your care and your rights is an important part of your journey.