Useful Mental Health Resources for Pilots

Maintaining mental health as a pilot is essential. For many in aviation, seeking help can be complicated by concerns around FAA medical certification, medication restrictions, and limited awareness of available resources. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of current FAA guidelines, mental health organizations, and crisis helplines tailored to pilots and aviation professionals.

🛫 FAA Mental Health and Medication Guidelines

The FAA has specific regulations around mental health diagnoses and the use of medications, particularly when it comes to maintaining or renewing a medical certificate. Understanding what is allowed—and what isn’t—can empower pilots to seek appropriate care without jeopardizing their career.

📌 Key FAA Resources:

• FAA Mental Fitness for Pilots:
  Outlines considerations for mental health evaluation and treatment.
  🔗 faa.gov/pilot-mental-fitness

• Disqualifying Medical Conditions:
  Review which mental health diagnoses may impact medical eligibility.
  🔗 faa.gov disqualifying conditions

• FAA Guide for Managing Anxiety and Depression in Pilots:
  Includes the FAA's decision tool and guidance on antidepressants.
  🔗 Anxiety/Depression Decision Tool
  🔗 Antidepressant Guidance

• FAA AME Guide & Certification Support:
  For the most current guidance on certifications, medication use, and diagnostic evaluations.
  🔗 FAA Medical Certification Guide
  📞 Phone: (800) 467-4727

• FAA Medication Database (Aviation Medicine Advisory Service - AMAS):
  Check whether your medication is FAA-approved or restricted.
  🔗 aviationmedicine.com/medication-database

✈️ Aviation-Specific Resources:

• Aviation Mental Health Support (AMAS USA)
  Offers mental health guidance and support tailored for pilots and aircrew.
  🔗https://www.aviationmedicine.com
  📞1-866-AEROMED (1-866-237-6633)

• WingMed:
  Provides FAA-specialized advocacy, case management, and mental health resources.
  🔗 wingmed.com
  📞 1-844-494-6463

• AMH Directory

  🔗 https://amhdirectory.com/

  Description:
  This directory allows users to search for providers based on location, specialty, and other criteria, making it easier for those in the aviation industry to find the appropriate mental health support tailored to their needs.

Crisis Support Lines for Pilots
In moments of crisis, immediate support is available—confidentially, 24/7.

• Crisis Text Line:
  Free, confidential crisis support via text.
  🔗 crisistextline.org
  📱 Text "HOME" to 741741

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
  24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
  🔗 988lifeline.org
  📞 Call 988

• Hope for the Day:
  🔗 hopefortheday.org

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network):
  Support for survivors of sexual trauma.
  📞 800-656-HOPE (4673)

• SAMHSA National Helpline:
  Substance use and mental health treatment referrals.
  🔗 samhsa.gov/helpline
  📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline:
  For those affected by disasters, including aviation-related events.
  🔗 samhsa.gov/disaster
  📞 1-800-985-5990

• Veterans Crisis Line:
  Confidential support for veterans and service members.
  🔗 veteranscrisisline.net
  📞 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
  📱 Text 838255

 Final Thoughts

Mental health is a critical part of flight safety and pilot well-being. Whether you're managing a diagnosis, seeking FAA approval, or simply in need of support, help is available. Knowing your resources can make all the difference.

Emerald Mental Health specializes in providing therapy and coaching tailored specifically to the needs of pilots and aviation professionals. With a deep understanding of the unique pressures faced in the aviation field—such as performance demands, regulatory concerns, and fear of stigma—Emerald Mental Health offers a safe, confidential space to address issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, and career-related stress.

Reach out for a free consultation by emailing reini@emeraldmentalhealth.com or visit www.emeraldmentalhealth.com to learn more.

Disclaimer: Emerald Mental Health provides links to external websites for your assistance and information only. Emerald Mental Health has no control over and is not responsible for the content, reliability, or services of any of these websites. The inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement of the website or service provider by Emerald Mental Health PLLC.

The guidance and information provided are intended for general informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional clinical care. This content is not meant to diagnose, treat, or manage any medical or mental health condition.
Individuals are encouraged to seek evaluation and support from a licensed medical or mental health professional for any concerns they may have.

If you have any additional resources you'd like to see included in this list, please feel free to email reini@emeraldmentalhealth.com