Psychological Services
Purpose
Mental Health Services Purpose
Mental health services are designed to strengthen the readiness capability of the force and ensure Airmen are equipped for peak performance.
Strength, Not Weakness
Help-Seeking = Strength
Seeking care for a mental health problem is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.
Early Help Improves Outcomes
Earlier = Better
Seeking help early:
- Increases the likelihood of recovery
- Reduces risk for subsequent negative consequences of mental health symptoms
Voluntary Utilization Statistics
12% Voluntary Utilization
More than 12 percent of USAF personnel voluntarily seek mental health services each year.
Help-Seeking = Self-Awareness
Willingness to seek help when needed is a sign of good self-awareness and judgment.
Career Impact Reality
Stigma Diminishing
The fear of having a negative impact on one's career for seeking care at the mental health clinic is diminishing across the USAF.
No Long-Term Impact
Time has proven that seeking help appropriately often does not have a long-term negative career impact.
Help Can Save Careers
Performance Benefits
In fact, seeking help can:
- Improve performance
- Enable people to better solve problems
Career Saver
In many cases, seeking mental health treatment early can actually save one's USAF career.