Introduction
Active duty military members serve on the front lines of national defense. But just as missions abroad present dangers to the body, so too does military service pose significant risks to mental health. Whether on deployment, stationed at home, or preparing to transition back to civilian life, active duty personnel face unique stresses that can put their psychological well-being at risk. Yet too often, these struggles are addressed quietly, in isolation, or not at all.
The good news is that, across the United States and particularly in San Diego—a city with one of the largest military populations in the country—a network of skilled care providers exists to help military personnel restore, sustain, and optimize their mental health. Among these, Aloha Integrative Health stands out for its tailored, compassionate, and evidence-based approach.
This blog is written for service members who may be weighing whether to seek help, as well as for their leaders, families, and friends who want to see them thrive. We detail why prioritizing mental wellness is essential, what makes military mental health concerns distinctive, and how Aloha Integrative Health’s unique program, expert staff, and holistic philosophy make it an exceptional choice.
Importance of Mental Health Care for Active Duty Military
The Central Role of Mental Health in Mission Success and Personal Well-Being
Mental wellness is not a luxury or optional perk: it is foundational to military readiness, operational effectiveness, and personal fulfillment. Comprehensive mental health—encompassing resilience, stress management, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and interpersonal connection—enables service members to meet the demands of their jobs and maintain healthy relationships at work and at home.
Indeed, mental health is increasingly recognized as being equal in importance to physical health. The Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA), and TRICARE all acknowledge that mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use, have tangible effects not just on individuals but also on units, readiness, and even national security.
Staggering Prevalence and Impact
Recent analysis by the Defense Health Agency’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence reveals that over 17% of active duty service members sought care for a psychological health concern in 2022—a rate only slightly lower than the general U.S. population, but likely underreported due to stigma and access barriers. Common issues include adjustment disorder, major depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
Further, military culture and the realities of service—deployments, repeated relocations, family separations, high stakes, exposure to trauma—create psychological stressors that civilians rarely encounter. Untreated, these conditions can harm not only a service member’s health and career but also team cohesion, family relationships, and the broader mission.
The Case for Early and Ongoing Care
Seeking help is a sign of strength and professionalism. Research shows that early intervention and regular mental health care lead to:
- Faster recovery and fewer chronic symptoms
- Improved readiness and performance
- Reduced risk of crisis events, including suicide
- Better transitions post-service for the member and their family
By investing in mental health proactively, service members equip themselves for both the rigors of the present and the possibilities of the future.
Unique Psychological Challenges Faced by Military Personnel
The Multifaceted Stresses of Military Life
Active duty life is unlike any other professional journey. Key psychological risks include:
- Combat exposure: Witnessing violence, facing direct threats, being responsible for the lives of others
- Prolonged hypervigilance: A state of constant alertness, often necessary in theater, can become a debilitating pattern off-duty
- Deployment cycles: Lengthy separations, loss of support systems, fear for one’s own safety or that of comrades, and the difficulty of reintegrating upon return
- Frequent relocation: Uprooting families, losing social ties, and resetting routines add cumulative emotional tolls
- Institutional discipline: High expectations and hierarchical culture may disincentivize emotional expression or help-seeking
For many, military service also means grappling with injury, loss, moral injury (a sense of personal guilt from violating deeply held values), or witnessing injustice or atrocity.
Signature Conditions: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Substance Use
While all mental health symptoms are worthy of attention, the military experiences particularly high rates of:
- PTSD: Often from direct trauma, repeated exposure to risk, or moral injury
- Depression and anxiety: Can stem from chronic stress, isolation, sleep disturbance, or the transition between combat and garrison life
- Substance use: Alcohol or drugs may be used to cope, but can worsen emotional and relational difficulties
Co-occurring symptoms are common, with depression, anxiety, and PTSD frequently overlapping. These may be further complicated by traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep problems, chronic pain, and even eating disorders.
Barriers and Stigma
Despite advances, major barriers persist:
- Stigma: Fear of being seen as “weak” or damaging one’s career is a powerful deterrent to seeking help
- Confidentiality concerns: Some worry about the visibility of their medical records and possible repercussions
- Practical obstacles: Demanding schedules, lack of transportation, and the perceived complexity of navigating the military medical system
Studies show that between one-quarter and two-thirds of personnel with diagnosable mental health needs do not pursue care, with stigma cited as a leading reason.
Benefits of Mental Health Treatment for Service Members
Restoring Readiness, Connection, and Hope
Seeking mental health support is the smart, responsible move for anyone navigating military life. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced focus and performance: Symptom management restores cognitive clarity, decision-making, and resilience—essential for mission success.
- Stronger relationships: Therapy can rebuild trust and communication in marriages, families, and teams.
- Healthier coping strategies: Evidence-based treatment reduces reliance on alcohol, drugs, or other maladaptive behaviors.
- Prevention of crisis: Early intervention prevents escalation into emergencies, including suicidal ideation or behaviors.
- Successful transitions: Whether returning from deployment or leaving active duty, mental health care smooths major life changes.
- Improved long-term health: Addressing mental health conditions early lowers the risk of chronic physical illness, disability, and work impairment.
Empowerment and Growth
Therapy and psychiatric care in a military-informed environment not only relieve suffering but also support post-traumatic growth, adaptation, and renewed purpose. For some, facing trauma and seeking support can become a source of pride, leadership, and resilience that ripples throughout their unit and family.
Why Seek Treatment in San Diego, CA
A National Center for Military Mental Health Excellence
San Diego is home to one of the largest military populations in the world, including Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force personnel, along with thousands of military families and retirees. As a result, the region has developed a robust, interconnected network of care focused specifically on service members, veterans, and their relatives.
Area Advantages
- Specialized providers: San Diego hosts numerous clinicians with extensive experience in military culture, trauma, and the care of active duty cases.
- Access to military and civilian resources: The city’s infrastructure includes DoD and VA facilities, independent specialty clinics (like Aloha Integrative Health), intensive outpatient and inpatient programs, and emergency supports.
- Diversity and inclusivity: Providers in San Diego are experienced in serving a broad cross-section of military backgrounds, cultures, identities, and family structures.
- Community support: Numerous local and national nonprofits, peer support groups, and advocacy organizations work hand-in-hand to address mental health, social, and practical challenges.
Insurance and TRICARE Integration
San Diego’s mental health clinics are well-versed in working with TRICARE, the military’s primary health insurance, ensuring streamlined access, authorizations, and referrals for active duty and dependents.
About Aloha Integrative Health
Mission and Philosophy
Aloha Integrative Health, located in the heart of San Diego, is an integrative medical clinic dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate mental health care for military members and their families. The clinic’s philosophy is to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—by blending evidence-based medicine with holistic, patient-centered approaches.
From your first contact, the Aloha team emphasizes a collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental environment. Every nurse, therapist, and physician is committed to helping patients heal and regain control of their lives while supporting resilience, empowerment, and wellness.
What Sets Aloha Integrative Health Apart
- Cultural competence: Deep understanding of military life, barriers, and needs, including staff with direct military service experience
- Holistic healing: Combination of Western psychiatry, psychotherapy, and Eastern/Evidence-based complementary therapies
- Personalized care: Each patient receives an individualized plan, adapted to their goals, symptoms, and family context
- Cutting-edge interventions: Modern pharmacology, advanced psychedelic and somatic treatments, plus innovative integrative medicine
- Focus on families: Programs address not only the service member but also spouses, children, and family systems
Location and Facility
Located at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, CA 92121, Aloha Integrative Health offers privacy, accessibility, and a peaceful clinic setting. Flexible appointment times—including early morning and late afternoon slots—accommodate operational demands.
Insurance and Accessibility
Aloha Integrative Health participates with TRICARE (including active duty, dependents, and veterans), TriWest, VA Community Care, Medicare, most major private plans, and self-pay options. The team assists with referrals, paperwork, and billing, ensuring there is no surprise about coverage or costs.
Services Offered at Aloha Integrative Health
Aloha Integrative Health delivers a comprehensive spectrum of integrative psychiatric and therapeutic services, including but not limited to:
| Service | Description | Military Relevance/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry (adults, pediatrics) | Diagnosis, medication management, complex psychiatric care | Military-informed medication management; safe, confidential pharmacotherapy |
| Psychotherapy | Individual, couples, family therapy using evidence-based modalities (CBT, trauma therapy, mindfulness) | PTSD, depression, anxiety, transitional support, couple/family adaptation |
| Ketamine Infusion Therapy; SPRAVATO™ (esketamine) | Breakthrough treatments for depression, PTSD, treatment-resistant disorders | FDA-approved; can yield relief where standard meds have failed; rapid intervention for suicidal ideation |
| Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) | Non-invasive brain stimulation for major depression | Covered by TRICARE in eligible cases; effective for persistent depressive symptoms |
| Genetic Testing (GeneSight) | Personalized psychopharmacology via genetic profiling | Optimizes medication selection, reducing side effects and non-response |
| IV Nutritional Therapy | Targeted micronutrient replenishment for mood, fatigue, performance | Addresses dietary deficits common among service members |
| Reiki, Yoga & Mind-Body Practices | Stress reduction, trauma recovery, resilience, mind-body integration | Complements mainstream therapies; culturally sensitive to diverse backgrounds |
| Nutritional Management | Integrative dietary consultation, gut health, anti-inflammatory nutrition | Promotes brain-gut health, supports emotional regulation, recovery, and resilience |
The clinic also offers pediatric psychiatry, medication management for substance use, crisis intervention, and specialized programs for families and couples. Telehealth services cater to remote and deployed members when able, ensuring continuity of care wherever duty takes you.
Qualifications of Aloha Integrative Health Staff
Multidisciplinary, Military-Savvy Clinical Team
Aloha Integrative Health’s team features a robust lineup of board-certified, licensed, and highly experienced professionals, many with direct military, VA, or veterans’ health backgrounds.
Key Team Profiles:
- Medical Director, Markus Ploesser, MD – Board-certified in psychiatry, integrative medicine, and forensic psychiatry; expertise in holistic care and reducing reliance on prescriptions; graduate of Columbia University (psychiatry residency), integrative fellowship at University of Arizona.
- Clinic Director, Dr. Kim Sandberg, DNP, CRNA – Former Navy service, clinical expertise in anesthesia and advanced nursing practice. Passionate about making mental health care accessible for all military and underserved communities.
- Lan Quach, PA-C – Over 10 years’ experience, skilled in collaborative patient empowerment, psychotherapy, and medication management.
- Janet Revels, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC – Experienced across adult and child/adolescent populations, with memberships in key psychiatric and nurse practitioner associations.
- Janet Chudacek, PMHNP – Over 16 years’ psychiatric nursing and practitioner experience in inpatient, outpatient, and crisis environments.
- Marlene Melucci, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC – Former U.S. Navy; specializes in military, veteran, and adolescent mental health, with a special focus on trauma and family systems.
Therapy Staff:
- Christina Nichols, LCSW – Broadly experienced in acute psychiatry, family systems, trauma, and spiritual support.
- Shelby Swan, LCSW – Specialist in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children/adolescents, veteran families, and group interventions.
- Support and Ancillary Team: Includes dedicated patient care coordinators, TMS and IV technicians, medical assistants, and virtual support staff, ensuring responsive, coordinated care from first contact.
In addition to robust qualifications, team members actively pursue advanced continuing education, community involvement, and advocacy for veteran and military mental health.
Psychiatric and Therapeutic Team at Aloha Integrative Health
Aloha’s team reflects a whole-system approach, blending the skills of psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, physician assistants, licensed clinical social workers, and mind/body practitioners.
Highlights:
- Medical and psychiatric leadership with backgrounds in both military and civilian health systems
- Licensed therapists offering trauma-focused, family-systems, and integrative modalities
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration (MDs, PMHNPs, PAs, LCSWs, psychologists) for coordinated, wraparound care
- Access to nutritionists, mindfulness teachers, yoga instructors, and reiki practitioners for mind-body integration
This multidisciplinary model ensures care plans are personalized, comprehensive, and rooted in both science and empathy, tailored to the real-world lives of military service men, women, and their families.
Testimonials and Success Stories from Aloha Integrative Health
Personal stories drive the true value of mental health care. Aloha Integrative Health has received numerous testimonials from service members, veterans, and their families highlighting the life-changing impact of its care:
- “Thanks to the [Aloha] team, I finally felt heard and understood. My PTSD had kept me in a dark place, unable to reconnect with my family. With their help, and their patience, I found tools to rebuild my relationships and regain my sense of self.” — NeuroStar TMS Therapy Patient
- “I had almost given up on finding a treatment that would work for my depression. The staff at Aloha not only provided the ketamine infusions that made the difference, but they also made me feel safe and respected every step of the way.” — Ketamine Therapy Patient
- “The level of care and attention to my unique story as a military spouse was something I hadn’t experienced before. The therapists went out of their way to include my family in the process, and we are stronger for it.” — Military Spouse
A consistent theme in feedback is the clinic’s commitment to nonjudgmental, individualized, and culturally competent care, with practical solutions that fit military life. Patients note short wait times, efficient navigation of TRICARE, and a welcoming environment.
TRICARE Coverage for Mental Health Care in San Diego
TRICARE as Gateway to Care
TRICARE is the Department of Defense’s comprehensive health insurance, covering active duty, retired, Reserve, Guard, and families. In San Diego, extensive partnerships among TRICARE, military treatment facilities, and civilian clinics (including Aloha Integrative Health) mean that getting help is easier than ever.
Coverage Highlights:
- Outpatient individual and group psychotherapy (with TRICARE-authorized providers)—typically covered with referral from a Primary Care Manager (PCM)
- Psychiatry/medication management
- Inpatient and intensive outpatient services (for acute needs)
- Advanced treatments (TMS, SPRAVATO, some genetic testing) for treatment-resistant conditions—subject to approval and provider eligibility
Key Steps:
- Contact your PCM: For active duty, a documented referral from your primary care manager is usually required. Dependents often have more flexibility.
- Authorization and appointment: Once authorized, you can schedule directly with Aloha Integrative Health.
- Billing: The Aloha team manages all TRICARE paperwork, minimizing out-of-pocket costs and administrative hurdles for patients.
Note: For emergency mental health crises, no referral is required—immediate care should be pursued at any available emergency department or by calling 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Overcoming Stigma Around Mental Health in the Military
Understanding and Confronting Stigma
Stigma remains the most persistent barrier to receiving mental health care in the military. Despite progress, many service members fear being judged, losing privacy, or facing adverse career impacts if they admit their struggles.
Facts About Stigma:
- Most service members who receive mental health care do not face significant negative career consequences; in fact, untreated problems are more likely to impair fitness for duty than getting help.
- The DoD, VA, TRICARE, and partner organizations have robust confidentiality policies, and career impacts occur only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., severe risk to self or others).
- Cultural perceptions are changing, with leaders at every level now encouraging help-seeking and sharing their own stories.
Strategies to Combat Stigma
- Education: Learning to recognize that mental health struggles are not weakness but natural responses to stress and trauma.
- Peer conversations: Engaging with others who have sought care breaks down shame and isolation.
- Leader endorsement: Commanders who normalize mental health care empower personnel to act.
- Family and community involvement: Support networks can encourage individuals to seek help and continue with treatment.
Aloha Integrative Health fosters an environment where stigma is actively countered with compassion, honesty, and evidence, helping service members and their families feel safe, respected, and understood.
Holistic and Integrative Treatment Approaches
Beyond the Symptom—A Whole-Person Model
True recovery is not about merely treating symptoms, but about restoring a state of balance, satisfaction, and meaning in life. Aloha Integrative Health practices a holistic philosophy, drawing from:
- Evidence-based medicine: Medication management, psychotherapies (CBT, trauma-focused, mindfulness)
- Innovative interventions: TMS, ketamine infusions, genetic psychopharmacology
- Mind-body therapies: Yoga, reiki, breathing, mindfulness, meditation
- Nutrition and lifestyle: Targeted dietary interventions, sleep optimization, exercise
- Family and social systems support: Group and couple’s therapy, community resource integration
The holistic approach recognizes that trauma, mood, and anxiety are not just “in the mind,” but shaped by the interplay of body, relationships, environment, culture, and spirituality. For military members, this is especially effective, as numerous stressors—jet lag, shift work, high physical demands, field conditions—affect health on multiple levels.
The Value for Military Members
- Restores resilience and adaptability
- Reduces medication side effects through integrative alternatives
- Promotes long-term well-being, not just back-to-work survival
- Supports overall readiness and post-service adjustment
Nutritional and Lifestyle Support for Mental Wellness
The Brain–Body Connection
Nutrition and lifestyle are now understood as critical pillars of mental health. Military service places unique demands—high activity, sleep disruption, extreme environments—that may lead to nutritional deficits, impaired gut health, and altered hormone balance.
At Aloha Integrative Health, patients have access to:
- Nutrition consultation: Addressing inflammation, stress, and neurotransmitter support through tailored dietary plans
- IV therapy: For acute replenishment of micronutrients in cases of fatigue or deficiency
- Education on “performance foods”: Supporting cognitive clarity, emotional regulation, and recovery from trauma through smart meal choices
- Sleep hygiene: Coaching in routines and interventions for service members working irregular hours or coping with insomnia
- Physical activity optimization: Incorporating movement and exercise to relieve anxiety, depression, and fatigue
Practical recommendations (e.g., Mediterranean-style diets, omega-3s, pre- and probiotics, hydration, and supplementation) are provided to help service members sustain brain and body health even in high-stress contexts.
Peer and Family Support Options for Service Members
The Power of Connection
Recovery and resilience are greatly amplified when service members have trusted, understanding peers and families by their side. Aloha Integrative Health recognizes this and partners with several organizations to ensure comprehensive support:
- Veteran/peer support groups: In-person and virtual options for sharing experiences, gaining input, and building camaraderie (e.g., Wounded Warrior Project, Courage to Call, 211 San Diego peer networks).
- Family counseling: Available to spouses, partners, parents, and children; supports reintegration, deployment adaptation, and relationship strengthening.
- Caregiver support: Training and groups for those supporting a service member through crisis or ongoing illness.
San Diego’s rich military community also enables access to a broad landscape of family programs, vet centers, and nonprofit resources.
Accessing Mental Health Care as an Active Duty Service Member
Step-by-Step Guide
For Active Duty:
- Contact your Primary Care Manager (PCM):
- PCM initiates the referral process for specialty care.
- Authorization and Referral:
- Once approved, select a TRICARE-participating provider like Aloha Integrative Health.
- Schedule Appointment:
- Aloha’s staff will help book an appointment and guide you through any necessary intake steps.
- Confidential Care:
- Treatment is private. Only limited information is shared with the military in cases of fitness-for-duty or risk of harm.
For Spouses/Dependents:
- More flexibility in self-referral; contact Aloha directly or via TRICARE.
For Emergencies:
- Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), go to the nearest emergency department, or initiate care at a military treatment facility—no referral needed.
Ongoing Engagement
Aloha Integrative Health supports ongoing care through follow-up appointments, open communication, and coordination with other specialists as needed. Telehealth and flexible scheduling are available for deployed or geographically separated members.
Conclusion
Mental health is an essential component of military readiness, family life, and post-service thriving. Seeking help early and often—not in crisis only, but as a form of self-leadership—is an act of strength that empowers not only the patient, but their team, loved ones, and mission.
San Diego is uniquely positioned to offer service members top-tier, evidence-based, and compassionate care. Aloha Integrative Health stands as a beacon for those who wish to recover, grow, and reclaim their full potential. Their integrative, holistic, military-savvy approach—supported by an expert team, innovative therapies, and strong community and family engagement—makes them one of the region’s premier mental health providers for the actively serving.
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t let stigma, fear, or logistics stand in the way. Call Aloha Integrative Health today, and start the journey toward healing and recovery. You serve your country; now let your community serve you.
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
- Call or text 988, or chat at 988Lifeline.org. This connects you with trained crisis counselors, available 24/7.
- For immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Aloha Integrative Health
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: (619) 333-3515
Request an appointment online
Phone: (619) 333-3515
Request an appointment online
Accepting new patients. TRICARE, TriWest, Medicare, and most insurances.