Mental health programs overview

An overview for providers of our program of mental health treatments for eligible veterans and their families to help them stay mentally well.

Funded mental health care

Under our Non-Liability Health Care (mental health) program, eligible veterans receive funded mental health treatment. The treatment must be mental health treatment for a mental health condition and provided by a mental health practitioner. This is available to any veteran who has served at least one day of continuous full-time service and is listed on their Veteran White Card.

Open Arms is a nationally accredited mental health service that provides free 24-hour counselling and support on 1800 011 046. Any veteran with at least one day of continuous full-time service can access support through Open Arms, as can their immediate family. 

You can refer a veteran to Open Arms by calling 1800 011 046, or they can self-refer on the same number. 

Open Arms services include:

• counselling for individuals, couples and families
• case management for clients with more complex needs
• group programs to develop skills and enhance support
• lived experience peer support
• after-hours triage and support
• information, education and self-help resources.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs

We fund drug and alcohol programs at approved rehabilitation facilities.

Mental Health Support

From 1 July 2023, some of the DVA contracted services for veteran military health formerly provided by Phoenix will change while we conduct a needs analysis and service review. The aim of the review is to ensure that the services provided under the Phoenix contract continue to meet the existing needs of our clients, staff and practitioners, and to identify future service requirements.

The General Advice Line will continue, free of charge, using the pre-existing contact number 1800 VET 777 (1800 838 777). Phoenix will provide information on general enquiries related to a range of veteran mental health topics, including information, resources, and available treatments.

The Practitioner Support Service (PSS) will pause, including the delivery of the Professional Advice Line, webinar series, and the multi-disciplinary panel for case consultations.

Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program

Through the Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program, eligible veterans may receive specially trained psychiatric assistance dogs, who perform specific tasks to help their owners when they are experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).