US Navy Partners with Headspace to Provide Digital Mental Health Support

As part of this partnership, 25,000 active duty sailors and their families will receive free access to confidential, 24/7 one-on-one mental health coaching, care navigation, and a comprehensive library of well-being resources.

The US Navy has partnered with digital mental health company Headspace to offer app-based mental health coaching to active duty service members and their families.

This initiative is designed to provide comprehensive mental well-being support through digital tools, helping sailors manage stress, anxiety, and the emotional toll of military life.

As part of this partnership, 25,000 active duty sailors and their families will receive free access to confidential, 24/7 one-on-one mental health coaching, care navigation, and a comprehensive library of well-being resources.

Leveraging Digital Tools for Mental Health Support

Headspace, widely recognized for its meditation and mindfulness offerings, is expanding its services to include personalized mental health coaching, therapy, and psychiatry.

Through its digital platform, the company aims to provide service members with immediate access to guidance, enabling them to develop coping strategies for stress, relationship challenges, and the pressures of deployments.

"The Navy has historically tried to build some of their own capabilities in this area, and what they've realized is that it's really hard to get adoption with some of these homegrown solutions," said Tom Pickett, CEO of Headspace, in an exclusive interview with Fierce Healthcare.

Pickett noted that the Navy acknowledged the value of commercial, evidence-backed solutions that are widely used and trusted by consumers.

One of the major challenges in mental health care, Pickett explained, is that many individuals do not know where to start or what type of care is right for them.

The initiative aims to make mental health support more accessible before issues escalate into crises by offering Headspace's range of digital resources.

While therapy is a crucial component of mental health care, Pickett highlighted the importance of offering multiple avenues for support.

"The solutions today in the market are really heavily reliant on therapy. The reality is that not everybody needs a therapist," he said.

"Some people do, and it's really important that you get them to the right clinical care. But most people are actually looking for ways to cope with stress or anxiety. They need to build resilience."

This approach aligns with Headspace's mission to normalize mental health maintenance as part of everyday life.

The app's features, such as guided meditation exercises, personalized wellness content, and interactive coaching, encourage users to proactively strengthen their mental resilience—similar to how physical training builds strength over time.

A Former Fighter Pilot's Perspective on Mental Health

Pickett, who assumed his role as Headspace CEO seven months ago, brings a unique perspective to the initiative. A former F/A-18 fighter pilot, he understands firsthand the mental toll of military service and the stigma that often surrounds seeking help.

"Twenty-plus years ago, we didn't talk about mental health. It wasn't a thing that was really discussed," Pickett said.

"Flash forward to where we are today, and there are a growing number of mental health challenges."

His leadership at Headspace, combined with previous executive roles at DoorDash, Crunchyroll, and Google, has positioned him to drive innovative mental health solutions tailored to high-stress environments like the military.

Addressing a Critical Need in the Military Community

Mental health disorders have become a leading cause of hospitalization among active duty US military personnel, according to a recent report from the Defense Health Agency.

The Navy's partnership with Headspace is part of a broader effort to address this growing concern and provide accessible, stigma-free mental health support.

Captain Kenneth M Curtin Jr, commanding officer of Naval Submarine Base New London—one of the program's three pilot sites, emphasized the Navy's commitment to prioritizing mental health.

"The people of our Navy remain our most precious resource," Curtin said. "From deployments and training to family emergencies, finances, and friendships, significant events can have significant impacts on our sailors and loved ones. To ensure our warfighting excellence and be mission-ready, all sailors need to be healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally."

Curtin further stressed that the Headspace initiative aligns with the Navy's broader wellness goals.

"Navy leadership has said it simply: mental health is health! Headspace and its app can assist us with adapting and growing in the face of significant events, ensuring we are never out of the fight."

How the Headspace Program Works

The Headspace program is available to active duty service members and their families aged 13 and up. It provides various types of on-demand support, including video or text-based coaching, guided mindfulness exercises, and personalized wellness plans.

A key feature of the initiative is its care navigation system, which helps users access additional support when needed. Based on protocols developed in collaboration with the US Navy, Headspace can connect sailors to Department of Defense mental health resources for further assistance.

The initial phase of the program will be rolled out at three US naval bases:

Naval Submarine Base New London

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard/Naval Base Kitsap

Naval Air Station Lemoore

The pilot will evaluate how digital mental health tools can best support service members and their families, with the potential for broader implementation across the Navy in the future.

Pickett described mental health maintenance as an ongoing practice, similar to physical training.

"Just like physical training strengthens the body, practicing 'mental pushups'—whether it's meditating regularly, texting with a coach when you're feeling lonely, or building healthy sleep routines—can strengthen the mind over time and have a powerful impact on overall well-being and resilience," he said.

By integrating Headspace's digital mental health tools into everyday life, the US Navy aims to create a culture where mental well-being is prioritized, accessible, and destigmatized.

As the program expands, it has the potential to reshape how the military approaches mental health care, ensuring that sailors and their families have the resources they need to navigate the unique challenges of service life.

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