Aviation Mental Health Resources
Guides for pilots navigating the intersection of mental health and the FAA — alongside curated external resources. Written and maintained by a Texas-licensed aviation psychologist.
Mental Health and the FAA Medical — A Clinician’s Complete Guide
Form 8500-8, disqualifying conditions, the HIMS program, the Fast Track pathway, Special Issuance walkthrough, and the documentation the FAA actually wants to see — all in one place.
“Start with the pillar guide. It connects to everything else.”
Find What You’re Looking For
Guides organized by the questions pilots actually search for. Live articles are linked directly — additional content is in development.
Navigating the Certificate
Special Issuances, reporting requirements, Form 8500-8, and how to protect your medical.
- Mental Health & the FAA Medical — Complete Guide
- FAA Medical Consultation Service
- The FAA’s Disqualifying Conditions, ExplainedComing Soon
- Special Issuance Step-by-Step WalkthroughComing Soon
- How to Answer Question 18 on Form 8500-8Coming Soon
Managing the Operational Load
Recognizing burnout as a nervous system issue — and doing something about it.
- Pilot Burnout & Anxiety Self-Assessment
- Aviation Therapy Service
- Pilot Burnout: What Actually WorksComing Soon
- Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorder — What the Distinction Costs YouComing Soon
- How Nervous System Dysregulation Affects Cockpit PerformanceComing Soon
Optimizing for the Long Game
Check ride prep, career transitions, recovery protocols, and decision debriefing.
- Aviation Performance Coaching Service
- Preparing for Upgrade — The Mental SideComing Soon
- Check Ride Anxiety: Why Technique Alone Doesn’t Fix ItComing Soon
- Recovery Protocols for Irregular SchedulesComing Soon
- Post-Incident: Rebuilding Operational ConfidenceComing Soon
ADHD, Depression, PTSD & Sleep
Condition-specific regulatory pathways and clinical guidance for pilots.
- ADHD Fast Track Evaluation Service
- Can Pilots Have ADHD? A Regulatory & Clinical AnswerComing Soon
- Depression and the FAA: What Pilots Actually Need to KnowComing Soon
- PTSD After a Critical Incident — The AME QuestionComing Soon
- Sleep Disorders in Pilots — FAA ImplicationsComing Soon
Official FAA & Support Organizations
Curated primary source documents and trusted support organizations. All FAA links go directly to official government sources.
The Pilot’s Guide to Burnout
A practical field guide covering how to recognize burnout as a nervous system regulation issue rather than a discipline failure — and what to actually do about it. Includes the Aviation Burnout & Anxiety Self-Assessment.
- Identify your current burnout stage
- Understand nervous system dysregulation signals
- Distinguish occupational stress from clinical concern
- Know when self-management isn’t enough
When Reading Isn’t Enough
Reading Is a Good Start.
A Plan Is Better.
Articles give you information. A consultation with an aviation psychologist gives you a strategy specific to your situation, your history, and your certificate.
Confidential · FAA-Informed · No Judgment
IN THE MEDIA
Check out some of the podcasts, articles, videos, & news segments Dr. Abigail Powell is featured on
EP7 - Cockpit Casual: The Podcast
The Podcast is a weekly debrief from ferry pilots Steve Giordano and Bob Allen
Services
Resources
About Us
Dr. Abigail Powell, PhD, LP, CMNCS
-Aviation Psychologist in Texas, Florida, and Arizona
"I grew up around pilots. I speak aviation before I speak clinical."
@TheAviationTherapist
(972) 884-0729
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