Identifying Priorities in Behavioral Health for Military Youth and Families

Military youth experience several stressors and barriers to behavioral health care similar to their civilian counterparts. However, these are often amplified by aspects of military life that further complicate seeking and receiving treatment for mental health, emotional, developmental, and/or behavioral health disorders (MEDB). As a result, ongoing efforts are needed to improve care access for vulnerable and high-risk military youth with MEDB concerns. One of these efforts is hosting convening events to bring together experts, providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss military youth behavioral health care and support needs. Following the first 2 meetings, event leaders identified a central theme emphasizing how care is best accessed: "the right care, at the right time, in the right location, delivered by the right person." Seven additional themes described potential barriers in the way this care is accessed. The backbone organization supporting the convenings has identified a set of solutions to address these barriers, organized under 4 guiding principles of Connection, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration. The themes and recommendations identified during these meetings will guide future efforts to improve access to and the quality of behavioral health care for military youth and their families.