Aerospace Psychiatry
Mental Health Built for the Cockpit
The Flight Shrink is a clinical practice devoted to pilots, aircrew, and aviation professionals who need thoughtful, FAA-savvy mental health care. General psychiatry services are also provided to other high-performing professionals.
How I Can Help:
- Medication management and therapy for pilots and other professionals
- HIMS psychiatry evaluations for FAA special issuance
- Consulting for pilots returning to duty
- Education for aviation medical decision-makers
About
Kevin Heacock MD
Kevin Heacock MD is a flight surgeon and board-certified psychiatrist based near Dayton, Ohio. He helps adults navigate stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep problems, and performance issues with a practical, structured approach that aims to be both supportive and efficient. Many patients appreciate his ability to translate complex mental health topics into clear, actionable next steps.
Dr. Heacock has served as the Neuropsychiatry Branch Chief and Aerospace Medicine Branch Chief at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and is an Assistant Professor in Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine Psychiatry Residency Program. He earned his MD from Penn State College of Medicine (2005), completed an internal medicine internship at Lankenau Medical Center (2006), and trained in psychiatry at Wright State University (2013). His career has included leadership roles in aerospace psychiatry and operational medicine, including overseas service as a flight surgeon.
In addition to clinical work, Dr. Heacock has extensive experience in high-stakes evaluation and risk assessment. He has served as a consultant for NASA astronaut selection, performing psychiatric assessments of top astronaut applicants for the 2021 and 2025 Astronaut Candidate classes. He also presents nationally and internationally on aviation/professional mental health and return-to-flying decision-making after psychiatric illness.
If you’re looking for a psychiatrist who is calm, thorough, and direct, Dr. Heacock is known for a collaborative style that respects your time and your goals.
Credentials
- USAF flight surgeon and board-certified psychiatrist
- Former Neuropsychiatry Branch Chief, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine
- Former Aerospace Medicine Branch Chief, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine
- Assistant Professor, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
- Consultant for NASA Astronaut Candidate selection (2021, 2025)
Services
Medication management
Evaluation and ongoing management for mood, anxiety, trauma, and attention concerns, with careful attention to FAA considerations when applicable.
Therapy appointments
Evidence-based psychotherapy with a practical, performance-focused lens. Sessions can be tailored to aviation stressors and career pressures.
Return-to-flying planning
Structured follow-up and readiness planning for stabilized patients who want a clear, compliant path forward.
Consulting + education
Briefings for aviation organizations on mental health trends, policy impact, and strategies to support crew wellbeing.
HIMS Psychiatry Evaluations
I provide HIMS psychiatry evaluations for pilots and aviation professionals seeking FAA special issuance. These evaluations focus on clinical stability, compliance, and the documentation required by the FAA.
Each case is different. I coordinate with you and your HIMS AME to ensure expectations and timelines are clear.
Focused support for pilots
- Initial psychiatric assessment and FAA-compatible documentation
- Ongoing monitoring when indicated by the FAA or care plan
- Collaboration with flight medicine and therapy providers
- Clear, candid communication about risks and next steps
Newsletter + Podcast
The Flight Shrink newsletter and podcast cover Aviation/Professional mental health, FAA updates, and practical guidance for pilots and families.
Archive
The newsletter archive is hosted on Substack.
- Flight #23 - Aeromedical Safety - The Risk Matrix
- Flight #22 - Aeromedical Safety - Previous Suicide Attempt
- Flight #21 - Aeromedical Risk - The 1% Rule
- Upgrade #3 - Mindfulness Practice with Less Instruction
- Upgrade #2 - Mindfulness Chair Flying Practice for Pilots
Latest post
Contact
Ready to discuss care, a HIMS evaluation, or a consultation? Reach out and I will respond with next steps and availability.
Email the PracticeReady to book now? Schedule an appointment!
Important Note:
The views expressed in The Flight Shrink are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any of the organizations with which Dr. Heacock works. The content of The Flight Shrink is not medical advice. The Flight Shrink is for informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations. Use of the information is at the reader’s own risk. Any recommendations of products or services are made in general and may not apply to a specific person, situation, or illness. Please seek care from a medical professional if you have concerns for any mental health symptoms.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741. For those in other countries here is a Google site with helplines: support.google.com/websearch/answer/11181469.