Annual Wellness Visits for Police and Public Safety Officers: Current Practices Among Mental Health Professionals and Considerations for Future Program Development

Agencies across the country have begun the practice of having police and public safety officers attend annual wellness visits with a mental health professional. While wellness visits are increasing in frequency, with some states enacting legal mandates, little is known about how these visits are conducted. Eighty-seven clinicians responded to a survey about their practices related to this service. Summaries of the content covered in wellness visits, the procedures for carrying out visits, the outcome of the visits, and issues related to the laws and regulations governing visits are provided. Practitioners also offered opinions on what to call this service, about the primary purposes of the visits, and on what other psychological services they believe can be provided by the same clinician within a department offering the visits. While many consistent practices were revealed, some variation and disagreement were apparent. Important issues that require clarification and guidance for clinicians who conduct wellness visits include the use of testing, the amount of information reported back to the agency, and the requirements for recording keeping. The data herein provides a first look at the practice of conducting wellness visits and initial recommendations are offered for a path forward to effectively use this service to protect and enhance the mental health and well-being of officers.