Department of Defense Institutional Responses to Increase Engagement in Mental Health Services Among Active-Duty Men

Stigma related to help-seeking behavior is a widely documented phenomenon involving men in the U.S. military. Since the Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom engagements, the Department of Defense (DoD) has recognized that the intersection of male gender norms and military culture have greatly influenced men's utilization of mental health care. The present article highlights the recent efforts made by the DoD to promote engagement in mental health services, particularly among active-duty men. A selection of DoD programs that reflect an awareness of male gender role beliefs and help-seeking behavior as well as a review of critiques and future recommendations is discussed.