The Coast Guard will administer mental health assessments for members who deploy in connection with a contingency operation at what intervals?

• A. 2 months before deployment only
• B. 2 months before deployment and 3-6, 7-12, and 16-24 months after
• C. 3-6, 7-12, and 16-24 months after
• D. Monthly during deployment

Answer: (B)

Mental health monitoring around contingency deployments uses a schedule that includes a pre-deployment baseline about two months before deploying, followed by post-deployment assessments at three to six months, seven to twelve months, and sixteen to twenty-four months after returning. This pattern supports early detection of deployment-related changes and tracks late-emerging symptoms, enabling timely intervention and support.

Having a pre-deployment screen gives a baseline for comparison; the post-deployment windows reflect typical timelines for symptom development, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which can surface months after exposure. The other options miss either the pre-deployment baseline, the appropriate post-deployment windows, or both, making them less effective for comprehensive monitoring.