Veterans Mental Health Services Enhancement Act of 2005

The Veterans Mental Health Services Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 922) was designed to expand mental health resources for veterans, specifically those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill proposed funding to hire more psychiatrists and specialists at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and mandated a nationwide outreach program to identify and assist veterans returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Additionally, the legislation aimed to improve the transition between military and VA healthcare systems to ensure combat veterans received continuous mental health support. It also required the Department of Defense and the VA to review patient privacy standards and identify social or institutional barriers that might discourage service members from seeking help for PTSD.