Can pilots see therapists?

This is particularly true for mental health symptoms. The FAA bars pilots from the cockpit if they report seeking regular talk therapy for even mild anxiety or depression; this may last for months and sometimes even years based on the assumption they pose an unacceptable risk to safety.



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Most pilots have no idea that counseling is allowed as long as the visit doesn't trigger a formal diagnosis or require medication. Marriage counseling, anger management, even life coaching is not reportable. “It's one way the FAA encourages pilots to seek care to hopefully nip it,” Dr. Corrigan says.

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The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

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Therefore, such counseling will not damage one's access authorization eligibility. An exception will occur when there is evidence that a person is suffering from a severe mental illness that may negatively impact that person's behavior, judgment or reliability. Such serious situations are very rare.

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Recent studies underscore that the prevalence of depression among airline pilots fluctuates between 1.9% and 12.6%, a rate that contrasts with the 7.2% to 12.9% observed in the general population [4].

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How the FAA is Reducing the Stigma of Mental Health, Help Pilots Receive Care. The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

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Aviation Medical Examiners are trained to determine the pilot's mental health and fitness to fly. Before this medical exam, pilots are required to report any health professional visits during the previous three years, all medications being taken, and other medical history on their medical application form.

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Within FAA , access to an individual's medical information is strictly on a need to know basis. The safeguards of the Privacy Act ( PDF ) apply to the application for airman medical certification and to other medical files in FAA 's possession.

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If you are an ATCS taking an SSRI - See the FAA ATCS How to Guide ( PDF ).
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Extended Release (XL) or Sustained Release (SR) (Added 05/31/2023)


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