Accessing DVA Mental Health Services: Complete Guide
DVA provides extensive mental health services for Australian veterans — many of which are available at no cost. However, navigating the system can be confusing, especially if you’re already dealing with mental health challenges.
This guide explains the main pathways to accessing DVA mental health support and what you’re entitled to.
Key Point: Any veteran who has served at least one day of continuous full-time service can access free lifetime mental health treatment for any mental health condition through Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC). You do not need to prove your service caused these conditions.
Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) for Mental Health
NLHC is one of the most important entitlements for veteran mental health. It provides fully funded treatment for all mental health conditions without needing to prove a connection to your service.
Who is Eligible?
- Current and former full-time ADF members with at least one day of continuous full-time service
- Reservists who have rendered any period of continuous full-time service
- National servicemen
- Reservists (without CFTS) who rendered disaster relief service, border protection service, or were involved in a serious service-related training incident
What’s Covered?
- Treatment from a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical psychologist
- Mental health social workers and occupational therapists
- Mental health admissions to public or private hospitals
- Prescribed medication for mental health conditions
- Pathology and imaging required for diagnosis
- DVA-recognised alcohol and drug treatment programs
How to Access NLHC
- Get a Veteran White Card: If you don’t already have one, apply through MyService or call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
- Check your card covers mental health: Your card should show “All Mental Health Conditions” or NLHC coverage
- Find a provider who accepts Veteran Cards: Confirm with your chosen provider before making an appointment
- Show your card when you attend: The provider bills DVA directly — no out-of-pocket cost to you
Open Arms — Veterans & Families Counselling
Open Arms is a nationally accredited mental health service providing free, confidential support specifically for veterans and their immediate families. You can access Open Arms without a Veteran Card or referral.
Services Available
- 24/7 telephone counselling (1800 011 046)
- Individual, couple, and family counselling
- Group programs (including Stepping Out for transition)
- Peer support from Community and Peer Workers with lived experience
- Referrals to specialist treatment programs
Who Can Access Open Arms?
- Current serving ADF members
- Veterans (regardless of length or type of service)
- Immediate family members of veterans
Veteran Cards Explained
Veteran Gold Card
Provides access to all clinically necessary healthcare for all conditions, regardless of whether they’re service-related. Issued to veterans who reach 60+ impairment points, receive the Special Rate Disability Pension, or reach age 70 with qualifying service.
Veteran White Card
Provides access to treatment for specific conditions accepted as service-related, plus NLHC entitlements (mental health, cancer, tuberculosis for eligible veterans). This is the card most veterans will have.
Digital Veteran Cards
You can access a digital version of your Veteran Card through the MyService portal or the myGov wallet in the myGov app. The myGov app includes security features to confirm your card is genuine and valid.
Other Mental Health Support Options
Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs
DVA has established 17 hubs across Australia providing a central access point to local veteran services including mental health support, advocacy, employment advice, and social connection.
Trauma Recovery Programs
DVA funds specialised Trauma Recovery Programs in hospitals across Australia, providing intensive, evidence-based treatment for PTSD. These programs must meet DVA’s National Accreditation Standards.
Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) Program
For veterans with chronic conditions (including mental health), CVC provides coordinated care through a team approach with your GP.
Psychiatric Assistance Dogs
DVA’s Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program provides trained assistance dogs to help veterans manage psychiatric conditions. Eligibility criteria apply.
Compensation Claims for Mental Health Conditions
If you believe your mental health condition is related to your ADF service, you can lodge a compensation claim with DVA. A successful claim can provide:
- Compensation payments (lump sum and/or ongoing)
- The condition added to your White Card for ongoing treatment
- Potential pathway to Gold Card (if you accumulate 60+ impairment points)
Important: You don’t have to wait for a claim to be approved before accessing treatment. You can access mental health treatment through NLHC while your claim is being processed, and the Veteran Payment may provide financial support if you’re unable to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist through DVA?
For ongoing treatment, yes — you typically need a GP referral to see a psychiatrist or psychologist through your Veteran Card. However, for DVA-requested psychiatric assessments (such as for compensation claims), no referral is required.
Can I access services if I'm still serving?
Yes. Open Arms is available to current serving members and their families. The ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line (1800 628 036) is also available for serving members and families.
What if I can't find a provider who accepts my Veteran Card?
Call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or the Provider Enquiry line on 1800 550 457 for help finding providers in your area who accept Veteran Cards.
Is telehealth available for DVA mental health services?
Yes. DVA has permanently adopted telehealth arrangements. Veteran Card holders can access fully funded mental health services by video telehealth, including initial consultations.
Book with March Ahead
If you need an independent psychiatric assessment for your DVA claim, March Ahead can help. Our comprehensive assessments are available with no waitlist, via telehealth Australia-wide or in-person in Brisbane.
Related Resources
- Related: What is a DVA Psychiatric Assessment?
- Related: Evidence-Based Treatments for Veterans
- Service page: DVA Psychiatric Assessments