Mental Health Treatment Preferences of U.S. Navy Submariners: The Stigma, Confidentiality, and Risks

Seeking mental health services presents unique challenges for military members in arduous duties. Each formal, informal, and civilian professional resource available for coping with distress presents unique stigma, confidentiality, and risks that serve as potential barriers to care. Members of the United States Navy at a submarine training command were surveyed to better understand their preferences and potential biases toward making these resource selections. Sailors (N = 24) from training command at Naval Submarine Base Kingsbay, GA, participated in the Health Resources Survey. Fifty-percent of those who wanted help for distress had not sought care. Among a list of 10 resources, sailors most preferred the use of friends, family, and or religion, and they least preferred the use of internet or social media resources. Most formal military and civilian resources were neutrally preferred. Sailors' preferences toward resources showed almost no change when the degree of distress varied (e.g., minimal, moderate, and severe distress). Stigma and risks were observed as the most perceived barriers to care, especially toward utilizing the ombudsman, chain of command, internet and social media resources. Military policy and command routine could make formal resources seem less risky and educate leaders on appropriate hierarchies of treatment seeking or referring. These efforts may improve participation in efficient professional services and enhance operational readiness.