Can Pilots Be Seen at Heart Space Counseling Center Without Risking Their License?

Updated: Aug 22

You’re a pilot. People count on you to be calm under pressure, sharp in emergencies, and steady in the skies. But what happens when your mind starts feeling heavier than the cockpit controls? Can you talk to someone about it without risking everything you’ve worked for?

This is one of the most common and painful questions we hear from pilots and aviation professionals seeking therapy:

“Can I go to therapy without losing my license?”

The answer is: yes—carefully, ethically, and confidentially.

Pilots Struggle Too, But Often in Silence

The aviation industry creates a perfect storm of stressors to emotional wellbeing:

Irregular sleep cycles and circadian rhythm disruption
Long stretches away from loved ones
High-pressure environments and perfectionism
Fear of grounding if they admit to emotional distress

It’s no wonder that studies (such as the 2016 Harvard-led survey) found that 1 in 8 pilots met the criteria for clinical depression, and most reported not seeking help due to fear of professional consequences.

But emotional wellbeing is health. And it needs to be addressed early, before the stress, anxiety, or burnout turns into a crisis.

So… Can Pilots Actually Receive Emotional Support?

YES. Pilots can receive emotional wellbeing + peer support at Heart Space Counseling Center under the knowledge and expertise of Dr. Ron Benham. In fact, this type of support is encouraged—if done mindfully.

Most emotional and relationship challenges, when treated proactively and outside of a formal diagnosis that requires medication or inpatient care, do not need to be reported to the FAA. According to FAA guidelines:

“Seeing a counselor for help with life stressors, grief, or relationship difficulties does not require disclosure unless it involves a disqualifying diagnosis.”

Translation? You can talk to a professional about:

Burnout or fatigue
Marital or family stress
Anxiety symptoms that don’t require medication
Past trauma, grief, or emotional pain
Identity shifts after a major life change

If you’re not taking medications like SSRIs or have not been hospitalized for psychiatric issues, it is very likely the support you receive is private and non-reportable.

Still unsure? That’s where we come in.

At Heart Space Counseling Center, We Understand the FAA + Human Side

We specialize in emotional wellbeing support for pilots, flight crew, and aviation professionals in Lakewood, CO and online across the state. We’re here to help you navigate:

The emotional toll of your work
The impact on your relationships, marriage, or parenting
The weight of grief, trauma, or burnout
The questions of identity that can come after injury, career transitions, or close calls

And we do it all with the FAA’s guidelines in mind—so you get real help, not career damage.

Your Sessions Are Confidential And We Take That Seriously

Everything you say in session is protected under HIPAA privacy laws. We do not report your information to employers, licensing boards, or the FAA.

If you ever do face a situation that could involve FAA disclosure (such as starting medication or receiving a formal diagnosis), we have a network of referrals to help you navigate that process with full transparency, documentation, and advocacy, so you’re able to receive the help you need and stay in the air.

Flexible Scheduling for Irregular Lives

Dr. Ron Benham offers evening and weekend sessions to accommodate pilots on varying rosters. Whether you’re based out of Denver International or flying in and out of other hubs, our online services make it possible to stay grounded, emotionally, wherever you land.

Being a Pilot Doesn’t Mean You Have to Be Emotionless

You’re human, too. And you deserve support. This support doesn't make you weak. It makes you safe. Clear. Connected. Whole.

So yes, you can receive emotional support through Heart Space Counseling Center. And we’d be honored to walk with you.

Interested in Learning More?

Visit our Pilot and Aviation Professional Support page or Contact Us to schedule a consultation.