Sec. 704. Mental health resources for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents during the COVID–19 pandemic
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Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan to protect and promote the mental health and well-being of members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, which shall include the following: A strategy to combat existing stigma surrounding mental health conditions that might deter such individuals from seeking care. Guidance to commanding officers at all levels on the mental health ramifications of the COVID–19 crisis.
Additional training and support for mental health care professionals of the Department of Defense on supporting individuals who are concerned for the health of themselves and their family members, or grieving the loss of loved ones due to COVID–19. A strategy to leverage telemedicine to ensure safe access to mental health services. The Secretary of Defense shall conduct outreach to the military community to identify resources and health care services, including mental health care services, available under the TRICARE program to support members of the Armed Forces and their dependents.
In this section, the terms dependent and TRICARE program have the meanings given those terms in section 1072 of such title.