No changes to fully-funded mental health treatment for veterans

Any veteran who has completed one day of full-time service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can access fully funded mental health treatment within Australia. Treatment can be accessed for as long as it is needed, at no cost to the veteran, under Non-Liability Health Care (mental health) (NLHC mental health). Reservists with border protection or disaster relief service or those involved in a serious, service-related training accident may also be eligible.

Recent reports have incorrectly claimed that restrictions have been introduced for exercise physiology and other allied health services under NLHC (mental health). DVA assures veterans, there have been no changes to treatment eligibility for White Card holders accessing care under NLHC (mental health).

DVA continues to provide fully funded mental health treatment to veterans under NLHC (mental health) arrangements. Accessing treatment early for mental health conditions can lead to improved overall health. Conditions treated through NLHC (mental health) do not need to be related to military service, and a claim for compensation is not required to access treatment. However, a Veteran White Card is needed to pay for treatments provided under NLHC (mental health), so it is important to check with each provider that they will accept a White Card before making an appointment.

Watch the following video to learn more about NLHC (mental health), including how to access it, how to check if your White Card covers fully funded mental health treatment, or how to apply for a White Card if you don’t already have one.

DVA also offers free and confidential counselling services to veterans and families, available 24/7 through Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling. For more information or support call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website.

For more information about NLHC (mental health) call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit the NLHC page on the DVA web site.