Find a Mental Health Professional for Veterans & Military

About Veterans & Military support

Veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force face unique mental health challenges shaped by the nature of military service, including exposure to trauma and operational stress, the demands of military culture on identity and relationships, and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse, relationship difficulties, and grief are all common in this population. Help-seeking can be complicated by stigma within military culture and uncertainty about how to navigate the civilian health system. Specialist services exist to support veterans and their families, offering practitioners who understand military culture and the specific presentations common in this population. Evidence-based trauma therapies including EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT are central to treatment. Support for partners and families is equally important, as military service and its aftermath affect the whole family system. In Australia, Open Arms (1800 011 046) is the primary free mental health service for veterans and their families. DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) funds a range of treatment for eligible veterans including GP, psychology, and specialist services. The Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health provides resources and training. Soldier On and RSL also offer community support programs.