NAVCENT Continues Expanding Mental Health Options in Pilot Program’s Second Year
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) started on Feb. 6 the second year of a two-year pilot program launched to expand mental health treatment options for military and family members serving across U.S. 5th Fleet. The pilot program’s second year includes continued implementation of additional mental health services such as a revitalized walk-in clinic at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain and the launch of an intensive outpatient program.
Expansion of Local Treatment and Partnership
The new outpatient program for mental health patients has been established in partnership with community-based provider Serene Psychiatric Hospital. Under this program, a patient spends a full day receiving treatment, including individual care at Serene and group therapy at the military health clinic. “Our goal is to provide our service members and their families with the best care possible,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.
In addition to enhancing walk-in support services, in December, the branch health clinic at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain revamped walk-in services, enabling military and family members to receive more immediate patient support. Behavioral health technicians and providers now staff a readiness clinic each morning during workdays to evaluate potential patients and introduce them to a range of mental health services available locally.
Historical Context and Program Results
The initial phase of the pilot program began in February 2022. Prior to the pilot’s launch, military personnel and families could only receive approximately a week of inpatient treatment locally for mental health while awaiting return to the United States, and intensive outpatient care was not available. The new options enacted last year reduced the number of patients who would have been evacuated to the United States for treatment by 40%, enabling more personnel to remain on duty and with family members stationed in Bahrain.
Comparison of Mental Health Services
| Service Parameter | Before Pilot Program | Under Pilot Program |
|---|---|---|
| Local Inpatient Care Duration | Approximately 1 week | Up to 1 month |
| Intensive Outpatient Program | Not Available | Available in partnership with Serene Hospital |
| Medical Evacuations to the U.S. | Standard Procedure | Reduced by 40% |
Operational Readiness and Commitment
“During the first year of the pilot, we were able to keep patients in theater instead of flying them home,” said Capt. Miguel Cubano, NAVCENT’s force surgeon. “This would have not been possible prior to the program. The coordination between the military health team and providers in the Bahrain community has been superb.”
By providing the right care locally, the program supports the overall mission. “We’re invested in keeping Sailors ready – operationally, personally and for their families,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Bandermann, a psychologist who directs behavioral health services at the clinic. “It’s our job to get the right people to the right place at the right time.”
For more information on pathways to care, military personnel can find the latest NSA Bahrain Mental Health Roadmap on the official U.S. 5th Fleet website.