New mental health hotline service
A new Veteran Mental Health GP Assistance Hotline has been established as part of the Government’s $1.4 million investment in mental health services for the veteran community.
The Hotline is available for GPs who are treating veterans. It is attended by health experts clinically trained in veteran mental health issues. The hotline provides health practitioners with free expert advice on the unique and complex mental health issues that veterans can face.
GPs and health professionals working with complex mental health patients are now be able to access a panel of highly experienced veteran and military mental health specialists, strengthening the ability of professionals to provide support to veterans in need, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The Hotline is available now by calling 1800 VET 777 (1800 838 777).
A General Advice Hotline is also available to any person in Australia who wants information and resources on veteran mental health and available treatments. It can also be accessed by calling 1800 VET 777 (1800 838 777) or through the Phoenix Australia website which also provides links to best practice and professional development resources.
The $1.4 million investment will also establish a Community of Practice (COP) for PTSD Trauma Recovery Program providers. The COP will create a network between PTSD service providers dedicated to the provision of evidence-informed mental health care for veterans.