Learn what The Brandon Act is, who it protects, and how it helps active-duty service members confidentially request a mental health evaluation.
The Brandon Act was created to make it easier for active-duty service members to ask for help when they are struggling with their mental health. It provides a confidential pathway to request a mental health evaluation through authorized individuals without first seeking approval through the traditional chain of command.
Asking for help is a sign of strength. The Brandon Act exists to help ensure that no service member has to face a mental health crisis alone.
The Brandon Act is a federal law that helps active-duty service members request a mental health evaluation quickly and confidentially.
The law was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 27, 2021. It was created in honor of Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta to help remove barriers that can prevent service members from seeking mental health care.
Today, each branch of the Armed Forces has implemented policies to carry out the law and ensure service members understand how to request help.
The Brandon Act currently applies to active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces.
If you are serving on active duty and need a mental health evaluation, you have the right to request one through the procedures established by your branch of service.
Policies continue to evolve, and additional guidance for the National Guard and Reserve Components is being developed.
The Brandon Act allows service members to confidentially request a referral for a mental health evaluation through an authorized individual.
Once a request is made, trained personnel help connect the service member with the appropriate mental health resources.
Every branch has specific procedures, but the goal is the same:
• Reduce barriers to care.
• Encourage early intervention.
• Help service members receive support as quickly as possible.
The Brandon Act does not replace emergency medical care.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or is in danger of harming themselves or others, call 911 or contact the Veterans/Military Crisis Line immediately.
The Brandon Act is designed to help service members access mental health evaluations—it is not a substitute for emergency services.
Yes. Chaplains remain an important source of confidential support. You may always seek guidance and spiritual care from a chaplain.
No. Seeking mental health care does not automatically affect your military career. Every situation is different, but asking for help is encouraged and protected by policy.
No. Under The Brandon Act, you may request a mental health evaluation without having to justify or explain why you are asking.
That’s okay. This app was designed to guide you one step at a time. Start with Request Help, and we’ll walk you through the process.
Branch Policies & Resources
The Brandon Act allows eligible Sailors to request a mental health evaluation through an authorized individual without first obtaining approval through their traditional chain of command.
If you need guidance, your command, medical provider, chaplain, or another authorized individual can help you understand the process and ensure your request is handled in accordance with Navy policy.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and professionalism. Seeking support early can improve your well-being, readiness, and ability to continue serving.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Installation Behavioral Health Clinic
- Primary Care Manager (PCM)
- Chaplain Corps
- Fleet & Family Support Center
- Military OneSource
- Veterans/Military Crisis Line (Call 988 and Press 1 or Text 838255)
HELPFUL REMINDER
You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. If you’re unsure how to begin the conversation, return to the “How Would You Like to Make Your Request?” page for examples, suggested wording, and guidance.
If you are uncertain who can receive your request, speak with your command, medical clinic, or another authorized individual for assistance.
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of yourself, your shipmates, and your mission.
No matter where you serve, you deserve compassionate, timely mental health care. If you need help today, don’t wait—reach out. You are not alone.
To view the Navy’s Policy, Fact Sheet and Mental Health Roadmap, click the Foundation link below and scroll to Navy.
Soldiers may request a mental health evaluation under The Brandon Act through an authorized individual without first obtaining approval through their traditional chain of command.
If you need guidance, your medical provider, commander, chaplain, or another authorized individual can help you understand the process and ensure your request is handled in accordance with Army policy.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and professionalism. Seeking support early can improve your well-being, readiness, resilience, and ability to accomplish the mission.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Behavioral Health Clinic
- Primary Care Manager (PCM)
- Army Chaplain Corps
- Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLAC)
- Military OneSource
- Veterans/Military Crisis Line (Call 988 and Press 1 or Text 838255)
HELPFUL REMINDER
You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. If you’re unsure how to begin the conversation, return to the “How Would You Like to Make Your Request?” page for examples, suggested wording, and guidance.
If you are uncertain who can receive your request, speak with your command, medical clinic, or another authorized individual for assistance.
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of maintaining your readiness and caring for yourself and those who serve beside you.
No matter where you serve, you deserve compassionate, timely mental health care. If you need help today, don’t wait—reach out. You are not alone.
To view the Army’s policy, please clink on the Foundation button below and scroll to Army.
Airmen and Guardians serving with the Department of the Air Force may request a mental health evaluation under The Brandon Act through an authorized individual without first obtaining approval through their traditional chain of command.
If you need guidance, your medical group, chaplain, or another authorized individual can help you understand the process and ensure your request is handled in accordance with Air Force or Space Force policy.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and professionalism. Seeking support early can improve your well-being, readiness, and ability to continue serving.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Mental Health Clinic
- Primary Care Manager (PCM)
- Chaplain Corps
- Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLAC)
- Military OneSource
- Veterans/Military Crisis Line (Call 988 and Press 1 or Text 838255)
HELPFUL REMINDER
You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. If you’re unsure how to begin the conversation, return to the “How Would You Like to Make Your Request?” page for examples, suggested wording, and guidance.
If you are uncertain who can receive your request, speak with your commander, medical group, or another authorized individual for assistance.
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of yourself, your teammates, and your mission.
No matter where you serve, you deserve compassionate, timely mental health care. If you need help today, don’t wait—reach out. You are not alone.
To view the Air Force policy, The Brandon Act Memo, Fact Sheet, and Frequently Asked Questions, please click on the Foundation link below and scroll to Air Force.
Marines may request a mental health evaluation under The Brandon Act through an authorized individual without first obtaining approval through their traditional chain of command.
If you need guidance, your command, medical provider, chaplain, or another authorized individual can help you understand the process and ensure your request is handled in accordance with Marine Corps policy.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and professionalism. Seeking support early strengthens both the individual Marine and the unit.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Behavioral Health Clinic
- Primary Care Manager (PCM)
- Chaplain Corps
- Marine & Family Programs
- Military OneSource
- Veterans/Military Crisis Line (Call 988 and Press 1 or Text 838255)
HELPFUL REMINDER
You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. If you’re unsure how to begin the conversation, return to the “How Would You Like to Make Your Request?” page for examples, suggested wording, and guidance.
If you are uncertain who can receive your request, speak with your command, medical clinic, or another authorized individual for assistance.
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of maintaining your readiness, supporting your fellow Marines, and remaining mission focused.
No matter where you serve, you deserve compassionate, timely mental health care. If you need help today, don’t wait—reach out. You are not alone.
To view the Marine Corps’s policy, Fact Sheet and Mental Health Roadmap, please click the Foundation link below and scroll to Navy.
Guardians may request a mental health evaluation under The Brandon Act through an authorized individual without first obtaining approval through their traditional chain of command.
If you need guidance, your medical group, chaplain, or another authorized individual can help you understand the process and ensure your request is handled in accordance with Space Force policy.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and professionalism. Seeking support early helps maintain resilience, readiness, and mission success.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Mental Health Clinic
- Primary Care Manager (PCM)
- Chaplain Corps
- Military & Family Life Counselors (MFLAC)
- Military OneSource
- Veterans/Military Crisis Line (Call 988 and Press 1 or Text 838255)
HELPFUL REMINDER
You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. If you’re unsure how to begin the conversation, return to the “How Would You Like to Make Your Request?” page for examples, suggested wording, and guidance.
If you are uncertain who can receive your request, speak with your commander, medical group, or another authorized individual for assistance.
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of yourself, your fellow Guardians, and the mission you support.
No matter where you serve, you deserve compassionate, timely mental health care. If you need help today, don’t wait—reach out. You are not alone.
To view the Space Force’s policy, The Brandon Act Memo, Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions, please click the Foundation link below and scroll to Air Force.
Coast Guard members may request a mental health evaluation under The Brandon Act through an authorized individual without first obtaining approval through their traditional chain of command.
If you need guidance, your medical provider, command, chaplain, or another authorized individual can help you understand the process and ensure your request is handled in accordance with Coast Guard policy.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength and professionalism. Seeking support early can improve your well-being, readiness, and ability to continue serving.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
- Coast Guard Medical Clinic
- Primary Care Manager (PCM)
- Coast Guard Chaplain Corps
- Employee Assistance program (EAP)
- Work-Life Program
- Military OneSource
- Veterans/Military Crisis Line (Call 988 and Press 1 or Text 838255)
HELPFUL REMINDER
You do not have to face life’s challenges alone. If you’re unsure how to begin the conversation, return to the “How Would You Like to Make Your Request?” page for examples, suggested wording, and guidance.
If you are uncertain who can receive your request, speak with your command, medical clinic, or another authorized individual for assistance.
Taking care of your mental health is an important part of taking care of yourself, your shipmates, and your mission.
No matter where you serve, you deserve compassionate, timely mental health care. If you need help today, don’t wait—reach out. You are not alone.
To view the Coast Guards’s policy, The Brandon Act Law and Implementation, please click on the Foundation link below and scroll to Coast Guard.