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Army required to say ‘behavioral health’

The Pentagon issued a directive June 25 requiring Army commands at all levels to use the term “behavioral health services” when revising or updating policies, regulations, and documents relating to what heretofore have been called “mental” health services.

The directive, issued by the Office of the Surgeon General and G-3, supports an Army-wide campaign to foster an environment of reduced stigma for soldiers who seek mental health care.

The change in terminology is one of several initiatives included in the Campaign Plan for Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention launched by the Army in May.

Another initiative in the plan calls for mental health providers to be located in hospitals, rather than separate facilities.

Officials say the change will help soldiers avoid the stigma of entering a building known to house mental health services.        

Chain teaching programs that support the campaign plan also encourage soldiers to seek mental health services when stressed or depressed, and for commanders and soldiers at all levels to reach out and help soldiers they believe to be in a troubled state.