AF Form 3253A: Mental Health Patient Care Plan

AF Form 3253A: Mental Health Patient Care Plan – AF Form 3253A: Mental Health Patient Care Plan – Additional Problems – A is a specialized U.S. Air Force form used in military mental health documentation. It serves as a continuation or supplement to the main mental health patient care plan, allowing providers to record additional patient problems, issues, or treatment considerations beyond the primary plan.

What Is AF Form 3253A?

AF Form 3253A is titled “Mental Health Patient Care Plan – Additional Problems – A”. It belongs to a series of Air Force medical forms (including related forms like AF Form 3250 for obstetric care plans and AF Form 3253 for the main mental health patient care plan) designed to support structured, comprehensive documentation in mental health settings.

This form is part of the standardized documentation process within Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) facilities. Mental health providers use it to detail secondary or co-occurring problems that require attention in a patient’s overall treatment plan. Proper use helps ensure continuity of care, supports multidisciplinary team coordination, and maintains accurate records for quality improvement, deployment readiness, and compliance with Air Force instructions.

Key Context in Air Force Mental Health:

  • Mental health care in the Air Force follows AFI 44-172, Mental Health (13 November 2015, certified current 23 April 2020). This instruction outlines roles, responsibilities, documentation requirements, and patient care processes in military treatment facilities (MTFs).
  • Documentation often integrates with the electronic health record (EHR), though certain sensitive mental health materials (such as detailed care plans, safety plans, or collateral information) may follow specific handling protocols.
  • The form supports a holistic approach, addressing not only primary diagnoses but also additional factors that could impact a service member’s well-being, mission readiness, or safety.

Purpose of the “Additional Problems” Section

The “Additional Problems – A” section on AF Form 3253A allows clinicians to expand on the primary care plan by documenting:

  • Co-occurring mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety alongside depression, trauma-related issues, or adjustment disorders).
  • Psychosocial or environmental stressors (family issues, work-related conflicts, financial concerns, or deployment-related challenges).
  • Behavioral health factors that influence treatment (sleep disturbances, substance use concerns, interpersonal difficulties).
  • Risk-related elements or protective factors that need ongoing monitoring.
  • Any other clinically relevant problems that do not fit neatly into the main care plan but require intervention, tracking, or coordination.

This modular approach promotes individualized, patient-centered care while maintaining clear, auditable records. In military settings, thorough documentation supports command notifications when required (per DoDI 6490.08 and AFI 44-172), fitness-for-duty assessments, and transitions of care (such as PCS moves).

Who Uses AF Form 3253A?

  • Mental Health Providers: Psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers, and mental health technicians in Air Force MTFs.
  • Multidisciplinary Teams: Including Behavioral Health Optimization Program (BHOP) providers, who may bridge primary care and specialty mental health.
  • Support Staff: For administrative tracking and compliance.

It is primarily used in outpatient mental health clinics, inpatient settings when applicable, and during evaluations such as command-directed mental health evaluations (when safety or readiness is a concern). Treatment remains voluntary in most cases, even if an evaluation is command-directed.

How AF Form 3253A Fits into Broader Mental Health Care?

The Air Force emphasizes targeted care, matching service members with the right level of clinical or non-clinical support early to promote resilience and readiness. Forms like 3253A help document complex cases where multiple problems intersect.

Related processes include:

  • Safety planning and suicide risk assessment.
  • Integration with the electronic health record (with sensitive information handled per policy).
  • Coordination with programs like ADAPT (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment) when substance use is a factor.
  • Profiles (AF Form 469) when duty limitations are needed.

Recent Department of the Air Force guidance (such as the Mental Health Overview) stresses reducing stigma, clarifying when to seek care, and distinguishing clinical treatment from non-clinical resources like Military OneSource or chaplains.

Download AF Form 3253A

Official versions of Air Force forms are available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Search for the form number or browse the medical forms section.

Provided Download Links (as shared):

Important Note: Always verify you are using the most current version directly from the official e-Publishing site or your local MTF. Forms and instructions can be updated to align with policy changes. Do not use outdated versions for official documentation.

For related guidance, refer to:

  • AFI 44-172 Mental Health
  • DoD and DAF publications on mental health evaluations and documentation.

Best Practices for Completing Mental Health Care Plan Forms

While specific block-by-block instructions for AF Form 3253A are provided with the official form or in local MTF training:

  1. Be clear, objective, and concise.
  2. Use standardized language consistent with DSM-5-TR criteria and military-specific considerations (e.g., impact on deployability or security clearances).
  3. Document rationale for interventions, goals, and review dates.
  4. Ensure privacy and compliance with HIPAA, Privacy Act, and AFI requirements for sensitive mental health records.
  5. Coordinate with the patient whenever possible and obtain informed consent as required.

Accurate completion supports high-quality care, legal/medical protection, and mission effectiveness.

Seeking Mental Health Support in the Air Force

If you are an Airman, Guardian, or beneficiary needing support:

  • Contact your local Mental Health Clinic or Behavioral Health Optimization Program (BHOP) in primary care for easier access.
  • Use the Military Crisis Line (988, then press 1) for immediate help.
  • Explore non-clinical resources first if appropriate (resilience training, peer support, chaplains).

The DAF encourages early help-seeking—mental health care is a sign of strength and supports long-term readiness.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace official guidance, training, or clinical advice. Policies and forms are subject to change. Consult the official Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site, your MTF mental health team, or current AFIs for authoritative information. Always follow chain-of-command and medical protocols.

Keywords: AF Form 3253A, Mental Health Patient Care Plan, Air Force mental health documentation, AFI 44-172, additional problems care plan, USAF mental health forms, military mental health records.