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This retrospective evaluation explores anonymous survey data to identify predictors of Soldier willingness to report and seek treatment for behavioral health problems during screening mandated by the Department of Defense (DoD). After controlling for stigma and barriers to care concerns, Soldiers with high (+1SD) combat exposure and high (+1SD) levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms were significantly more willing to report these symptoms during DoD-mandated screening. Furthermore, Soldiers who perceived that their unit leaders took action on anonymous Unit Behavioral Health Needs Assessment survey findings were significantly more likely to report a willingness to disclose behavioral health problems and seek treatment for the same. Performance improvement considerations are discussed.

Although the Army has recently begun the practice of embedding behavioral health care providers (EBHP) in units in an effort to improve soldier well-being, the efficacy of this practice has not been evaluated. This study assesses 1 of the first programs implemented by the military. Using cross-sectional data obtained from a confidential survey of 12 company-level units in the California Army National Guard (n = 1,132), this study examines differences between units with and without EBHPs across a number of measures. Multilevel analysis of behavioral health symptoms, unit climate, perceptions of stigma, and practical barriers to care failed to detect main effects between units with EBHPs relative to those without. However, cross-level interactions were detected between unit EBHP status and soldiers reporting close relationship (e.g., spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend) impairment. Exploratory findings suggest that, among soldiers reporting close relationship impairment, those belonging to units with EBHPs reported significantly lower behavioral health symptoms and significantly more positive unit climates. Based on these limited exploratory finings, this study suggests that EBHPs in reserve units may have a positive effect on a subset of soldiers (i.e., those reporting close relationship impairment). More assessments of embed programs should be conducted, particularly using prospective longitudinal data among randomized units.