DVA Psychiatric Assessments Melbourne

During a DVA psychiatric assessment, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an experienced psychiatrist. This includes a detailed clinical interview to understand your mental health history, current symptoms, and how these conditions impact your daily life. The assessment typically takes 2-3 hours and is designed to gather all necessary information to provide an objective and thorough report for the DVA.

For a psychiatric assessment for veterans, you need to have a psychiatric report request from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). This request is necessary to proceed with the assessment.

We understand the unique mental health challenges faced by female veterans in a predominantly male military environment. To address this, our team includes four female psychiatrists, providing an option for female veterans who may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues with a female doctor.

Unlike civilian assessments, these evaluations focus on factors like combat exposure, military culture, and service-related stressors, providing a more contextual analysis of conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety that may be related to military experiences in a more trauma-informed manner. 

1. Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling

Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling and support for veterans and their families. Services include individual, couple, and family counselling, as well as group programs and mental health education.

Contact: 1800 011 046 (24/7 support line) - Website: https://www.openarms.gov.au/

2. Veteran Family Support Program

Delivered through Open Arms, this program offers a range of support services to help families build resilience and manage the challenges of military life, including workshops and support groups.

Contact: Accessed through Open Arms.

3. Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation

This foundation supports veterans' children through mental health education and recreational activities. The focus is on kids aged 8-18 who are living in families affected by mental illness due to military service.

Contact:1300 566 525 - Website https://kookaburrakids.org.au/

4. Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Family Support Package

The DVA offers a range of support services, including financial support for childcare, counselling, and educational assistance for children of veterans. The package is aimed at families of veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Contact:1800 838 372

5. Soldier On Australia

Soldier On offers mental health and well-being services to veterans and their families. These include psychological support, social connections, and employment services.

Contact: 1300 620 380

Website https://soldieron.org.au/

6. The Younger Heroes

This program supports the children of veterans by fostering stronger relationships between parents and children through outdoor adventure camps and family activities.

Website https://theyoungerheroes.org/

7. Legacy Australia

Legacy supports families of veterans who have lost their lives or health due to service. They provide financial and social support, including counselling and family welfare services. –

Contact:1800 534 229.

Website: https://www.legacy.com.au/

8. RSL DefenceCare.

The RSL offers support services, including counselling, financial advice, and emergency assistance to veterans and their families.

Contact: 1300 232 564

Website: https://www.rsldefencecare.org.au/

These services are designed to support the mental health and well-being of veteran families, providing them with the necessary resources and care to navigate the unique challenges associated with military life. 

9. Lifeline 

In an emergency where you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm or severe distress, it is best to dial 000 or visit your local Hospital Emergency Department.

Contact: 000

Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/