The US Army has begun the next phase of its BRAVE health program, tapping artificial intelligence (AI) to make mental health care more accessible for soldiers and their families.
BRAVE, short for Behavioral Health Resources and Virtual Experience, is run by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and delivered through secure digital platforms for both domestic and overseas warfighters.
The update aims to reduce wait times, reach remote communities, and guide patients to the right care faster without replacing human clinicians.
AI as the First Step
At the Association of the US Army’s 2025 annual meeting, Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Mary Izaguirre explained that AI helps screen and triage patients, freeing up providers to focus on hands-on care.
“We’re working with our partners at the Defense Health Agency to effectively support that treatment part of the health, bringing virtual care to remote areas…(and) leveraging technology… and humans to provide care,” Izaguirre stated.
“If we can leverage AI to be that entryway, and then triage, then we can preserve those human touchpoints that need that level of care,” she added.
Growing Virtual Footprint
Since 2023, BRAVE has handled about 60,000 virtual therapy sessions.
It now operates at 84 locations across the US, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific, with global deployment expected by the end of 2026.
The platform works by connecting patients with licensed clinical social workers, psychology experts, and therapists through confidential telehealth sessions, helping cut down delays in care.
BRAVE is managed by the DHA’s Virtual Medical Center, and is part of a broader Pentagon effort to boost resilience and readiness across the force.
