Veteran Mental Health Services
Before proceeding to open a relationship with DVA, RAAF Association advice is the seek the counsel of a qualified Advocate to advise you on your entitlements and how to proceed. Interfacing with DVA can be a complicated process and without qualified advice, you can end up confused and not achieving justified outcomes. Contact with an Advocate can be arranged through Air Force Association and many Ex-Service organisations.
If you have served at least one day in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including reservists, DVA provides free mental health care for veterans and counselling and support for families. They also offer resources to help you monitor and manage your wellbeing.
Support can help you develop skills to manage:
- anxiety and depression
- stress or anger
- trauma
- poor sleep
- social isolation
- addiction
- relationship challenges
- grief and loss
- dealing with change
Here are several options are available to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Consult a general practitioner (GP)
Start by talking to your GP. Your GP can:
- refer you to the right medical professionals
- provide you with a comprehensive Veteran Health Check
Talk to a mental health professional
If you have served at least one day in the ADF, you can access free mental health care.
You may be able to access professional counselling by:
- contacting Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046
- seeing your GP for a referral to a psychologist or other mental health professional
Help is available for families through the Family Support Package is to help your family manage challenging life situations.
The types of counselling provided include:
- resilience training
- grief and loss counselling
- drug and alcohol counselling
- personal and relationship counselling
- parenting skills and support counselling
- mental health first aid training
- financial counselling and financial management support; and
- counselling for gambling
This counselling is in addition to services offered by Open Arms - Veteran & Families Counselling.
AFA NSW has advocates that can help get you the assistance you need to manage depression, anxiety and PTSD. Reach out to us here.
To find out more visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs Website here.
