(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Members of the military will be able to receive mental health screenings upon returning from deployment under legislation that Congressman John Carter (R-TX) co-sponsored today.

The Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 directs the Secretary of Defense to provide an in-person mental health screening for each deployed member of the Armed Forces.

The goal of the act is to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues for which additional care and treatment may be necessary.

"This measure will allow our nation’s military to receive the medical treatment they deserve after serving our country so heroically," Carter said. "There’s a tremendous opportunity here to improve the support we provide to our military."

The results of health screenings will also be shared with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in order to ensure that health care and treatment continue from treatment provided by the Department of Defense transition to treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.