🧠 Mental Health & Your FAA Medical

Honest conversations about mental health, medications, or past drug use shouldn't cost you your career. This guide breaks down how FAA oversight works for pilots disclosing anxiety, depression, trauma, therapy, SSRI use—or even one-time drug experimentation or suspicion without diagnosis.

🚨 FAA Psychiatric Monitoring Triggers

The FAA may flag airmen for any mention of:

Past or current therapy or counseling
Experimental or past drug use (legal or illegal)
Suspicion without clinical diagnosis
SSRI prescriptions (even short-term use)
PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar history
Voluntary disclosures on MedXPress or AME discussions

💊 FAA Policy on SSRIs

The FAA permits only four SSRIs—Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft—under a special protocol. Even if compliant, pilots are often placed into HIMS-style monitoring.

⚠️ Risks of Disclosure

Many pilots have been grounded after a single therapy session or a brief prescription. Without impairment, diagnosis, or recurrence, oversight may still be applied indefinitely.

📎 What You Can Do

Document all care and communications carefully
Consult with an AME before disclosing anything
File FOIA requests and seek a second opinion if flagged
Join P4HR and share your story anonymously

Disclaimer: Pilots for HIMS Reform is an independent advocacy organization not affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the official HIMS Program. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified AME, attorney, or healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.