Women Serving in Special Operation Forces: Practical Recommendations for Mental Health Providers

Women have faced limited access to needed and appropriate services in many professional and societal conditions. Military Special Operations Forces (SOF) is one of these domains. However, despite recent changes that have allowed the inclusion of women into these units, they continue to endure cultural and systemic barriers as well as several subsequent mental and physical health issues. Experiences of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, nonacceptance, and the unique demands of SOF roles can create various health concerns for women in SOF, including PTSD, depression, trauma, and reproductive health issues. These significant concerns highlight the need for clinical and practical recommendations when working with clients of this population within a counseling setting. This article aims to identify and propose recommendations, including understanding women's service in SOF and its impact on mental health and advocating for collaborative care to identify physical health concerns. Utilizing these recommendations would serve to support this underrepresented yet vulnerable population better.