Emerald Mental Health understands the complexities of maintaining a medical certificate. Our goal is to protect aviation professionals who seek mental health support by providing confidential, ethical, and effective care.

Emerald Mental Health is legally bound by HIPAA to protect your confidentiality.

Reporting mental health concerns does not necessarily mean that your medical will be denied or delayed. However, if you are diagnosed by a professional, you will need to provide information confirming that you are safe to fulfill your work responsibilities.

Couples counseling and coaching are not necessarily considered reportable.

Only clinical therapy, diagnoses and prescribed medications are reportable; coaching aspects are generally non-reportable.

Aviation professionals are expected to report visits and their diagnoses when receiving individual clinical counseling or psychotherapy.

The decision of what to disclose is left at the aviation professional’s discretion when applying for or renewing the medical certificate.
We encourage aviation professionals to follow the reporting requirements.

Expert Tip: If you are unsure whether a visit is reportable, consider consulting an AME for an informal consultation before your medical exam. Once the form is submitted, the information cannot be retracted.

The founder of Emerald Mental Health, Reini Thijssen (LMHC, LPC), is both personally and professionally involved in the aviation industry.

Reini has experience working with pilots’ mental health since 2019.
She also works with flight attendants and other aviation professionals. Her experience in the aviation industry and as a therapist prepared her to help those with sensitive aeromedical requirements.

Emerald Mental Health specializes in working with pilots and aviation professionals, providing:

• Expertise in distinguishing coaching from clinical counseling.

• Integrated guidance for both situational wellness and ongoing mental health needs, tailored for aviation.

• FAA documentation and support, including letters or clarifications, to help pilots maintain compliance while receiving the care they need.

In short, EMH gives pilots FAA-informed, high-quality clinical support while helping them understand where coaching fits, and where it does not.