IMPLEMENTATION OF BRANDON ACT

[Tony]

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// 
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MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/JUL// 
 
SUBJ/IMPLEMENTATION OF BRANDON ACT// 
 
REF/A/DOC/USDP&RSECDEF/24AUG21// 
 
AMPN/REF A IS THE OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PERSONNEL AND 
READINESS, DIRECTIVE-TYPE MEMORANDUM 23-005 - "SELF-INITIATED REFERRAL 
PROCESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATIONS OF SERVICE MEMBERS"// 
 
RMKS/1.  Just as physical health is integral to military readiness, so too is 
mental health.  High-performing teams understand that proactively fostering 
mental health directly translates to more resilient and adaptable Sailors and 
Marines.  We prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition as ongoing, 
preventative measures to maximize physical fitness.  In the same vein, we 
must transform the way we approach mental health:  promoting open dialogues, 
removing barriers to care, and encouraging our Service Members to prioritize 
mental well-being not just during times of crisis, but as part of their 
everyday routine. 
To empower our naval forces in accessing needed support, I am directing the 
immediate implementation of the Brandon Act, named after Navy Petty Officer 
Third Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in June 2018.  The Brandon 
Act honors the life of Navy Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta by 
allowing Service Members to seek help confidentially for any reason, at any 
time, and in any environment, thereby reducing the stigma associated with 
seeking mental health care. 
In alignment with Department of Defense Directive-type Memorandum 23-005, 
"Self-Initiated Referral Process for Mental Health Evaluations of Service 
Members," I am directing the Navy and Marine Corps to immediately implement 
the Brandon Act and establish policy, assign responsibilities, and provide 
procedures for Service Members to request a referral for a mental health 
evaluation.  Commanding Officers and supervisors must: 
     (a) Ensure Service Members understand the procedures to request a 
referral for a mental health evaluation (MHE). 
     (b) Ensure Service Members who request a MHE are referred to a provider 
as soon as practicable. 
     (c) Treat referrals for MHEs in a manner similar to referrals for other 
medical services, to the maximum extent practicable. 
     (d) Maintain privacy protections and reduce stigma by NOT requesting 
information from mental health providers regarding the results of the MHE 
except for information that may be disclosed to command in accordance with 
DTM 23-005. 
     (e) Be trained to recognize personnel who may require MHEs based on the 
individual being an imminent danger to self. 
Leaders at all levels should be aware of and promote the many behavioral 
health and non-medical resources available to Sailors and Marines.  Mental 
health services are available at military medical treatment facilities, 
within operational units, and virtually.  Non-medical mental health resources 
are available through our Fleet and Family Support Centers, Marine Corps 
Community Services, Chaplains, Military and Family Life Counselors, and 
Deployment Resiliency Counselors.  Encourage your Service Members to leverage 
our 'No Wrong Door' Policy, which reinforces Sailors' and Marines' right to 
access the full continuum of behavioral health resources, a direct connection 
to a service provider, and follow-through support that ensures those seeking 
care get the help they need. 
Sailors and Marines are empowered and encouraged to directly seek mental 
health services as desired from any of these resources, including from mental 
health clinics, and do not need to wait on a referral. 
No amount of programs or policies can replace the value and impact of engaged 
leaders in building teams where mental health is prioritized, normalized, and 
promoted.  High-performing teams start with leaders who role-model trust, 
connection, respect, and teamwork.  Leaders have a disproportionate impact on 
their followers; sharing positive experiences with the behavioral health 
system, maintaining the privacy and confidentiality for team members who seek 
care, and promoting the process for self-referrals can significantly reduce 
Service Member concerns around help-seeking. 
Our ability to maintain naval superiority requires leaders who create 
psychologically safe environments, team members who promote each other's well 
-being, and the personal self-awareness to know when we need increased 
support.  We have a duty to normalize mental health conversations and focus 
on mental fitness with the same determination we use to foster physical 
health. 
 
2.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
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