Armed Forces: Mental Health Services

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) encourages personnel to consider their mental fitness as equally as important as their physical fitness promoting good mental resilience and mitigating the negative impacts of potential traumatic experiences.

The Department encourages early identification and intervention for those experiencing mental health challenges and actively promotes a culture where Personnel feel comfortable seeking help without stigma.

Personnel have access to a vast range of resources to support their mental health with both in-person and online options, briefings before, during, and post-deployment, a dedicated 24 hour phoneline for both personnel and their families and access to HeadFIT; an externally accessible website specifically designed for the Defence community. All Personnel, undertake a mandated annual mental fitness brief which provides information on mental health, wellbeing, stress management, and provides signposting to appropriate help.

Personnel who are experiencing a mental health disorder are managed clinically by Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC). DPHC provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. DPHC has introduced standardised training for primary care clinicians incorporating emerging digital interventions to ensure Personnel can access initial mental healthcare at any Defence medical centre, strengthening the initial management of mental health disorders within primary care settings.

Defence Mental Health Networks (DMHNs) are located across the UK and are improving access to specialist mental health services for Personnel. These specialist community mental health services provide enhanced access to expert assessment and treatment for those experiencing mental health disorders.

Defence Mental Health Services are subject to ongoing review and assurance to ensure that provision remains safe, effective, accessible and responsive to the needs of Service personnel. Service performance and quality are monitored through established governance and assurance arrangements, including Internal Assurance Reviews (IARs), which provide structured assessment of service delivery, clinical governance and compliance with required standards. Services are also subject to independent scrutiny by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with findings and recommendations used to inform continuous improvement.

Defence is committed to ensuring that Service Personnel receive the care and treatment required to ensure they are fit to fight and can fight back to fitness.

Veterans’ healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS; however, where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services works in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required.

In England, Op COURAGE provides a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists and veterans, with similar services available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.