Does March Ahead have a waitlist?
No. We book the next available appointment with an available clinician, for both clinical care and independent assessments, and veterans can typically be seen within days of contacting us.
Do veterans pay for these services?
No. Clinical care and DVA-requested assessments are fully funded through DVA, with no out-of-pocket cost to the veteran. Privately funded reports are the exception and are quoted before anything is booked.
Do I need a referral?
For ongoing clinical care, yes: a GP referral is required for DVA-funded treatment. For an independent psychiatric assessment for a DVA claim, no GP referral is required.
What is involved in a DVA psychiatric assessment?
A clinical interview with a FRANZCP psychiatrist, validated psychometric testing such as the PCL-5, PHQ-9 and GAD-7, a review of your service history and records, and an assessment of how your conditions affect daily life and work. The completed report is sent directly to DVA.
How long until my report is ready?
Reports are usually ready within two weeks of your consultation and are sent directly to DVA. Our team can confirm the expected timing when you book.
Can I use Telehealth if I live in a regional area or overseas?
In regional and remote Australia, yes: our secure video consultations give the same comprehensive service as in-person appointments. For veterans living overseas, independent DVA reports and private reports may be possible by Telehealth, confirmed case by case before booking; ongoing clinical care is for veterans in Australia.
Does March Ahead provide ongoing treatment?
Yes. Our Clinical Psychiatric Care arm provides ongoing treatment including diagnostic evaluation, medication management, therapy referrals and coordination with your GP and other providers.
What conditions do you assess and treat?
Trauma-related conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, traumatic brain injury and other service-related mental health challenges.
Can my treating psychiatrist also write my independent report?
No. An independent report comes from a psychiatrist who is not involved in your treatment; that is what makes it independent. Your treating psychiatrist can still provide treating reports about your care when DVA asks for them.
Are March Ahead's clinicians registered?
Yes. Every March Ahead clinician is registered with AHPRA. All our psychiatrists are Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP), and our psychologists are AHPRA registered.
What standards do March Ahead's reports follow?
Independent reports are prepared by non-treating FRANZCP psychiatrists in line with RANZCP professional standards and DVA guidelines. Every clinician is registered with Ahpra.
What makes a psychiatric report independent?
It is prepared by a FRANZCP psychiatrist who is not involved in the veteran's treatment, and the opinion rests on the clinical interview, testing and records alone. It follows RANZCP guidance and DVA requirements, and the process is the same whoever makes the referral. Treating reports from a veteran's own psychiatrist are a different kind of report, and DVA can use both.
What can veterans expect from March Ahead?
Every psychiatrist is a Fellow of the RANZCP with Ahpra specialist registration. Independent reports and treatment are kept as separate pathways, and reports are prepared in line with RANZCP standards and DVA guidelines. Veterans are seen by Telehealth anywhere in Australia or in person in Brisbane, at no out-of-pocket cost for DVA-funded services.
Who are March Ahead's services for?
Australian veterans and current or former ADF members who need ongoing psychiatric care, an independent psychiatric report for a DVA claim, a privately funded report for a CSC/MSBS or review matter, or online group therapy. GPs, DVA, advocates, solicitors and family members can also refer or enquire on a veteran's behalf.
