Veterans and DVA - Trauma-informed Psychological Care

Yes. DVA-funded psychological treatment requires an appropriate referral from your GP or medical specialist. Your doctor can discuss your needs with you and send a referral through.

Yes. Onemind Psychology provides psychological services to eligible DVA clients. Your eligibility for funded treatment depends on your DVA arrangements and the conditions covered by your card.

Please check with DVA to clarify the conditions of your card.

https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/health-support/health-services/mental-health-care/non-liability-health-care-mental-health-veterans

No. Veterans may seek psychological support for a range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties, adjustment after service, stress, trauma and PTSD.

You don’t need to have a particular diagnosis to talk about what you’re experiencing.

Yes. Onemind Psychology has experience working with current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and with the psychological effects that can arise from military service and other high-stress experiences.

Therapy is individualised to your circumstances rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Yes. Onemind Psychology has experience working with current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and with the psychological effects that can arise from military service and other high-stress experiences.

Therapy is individualised to your circumstances rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Yes. EMDR can be provided via secure telehealth for clients when it is clinically appropriate.

During your initial appointments, your psychologist will determine whether telehealth is suitable for you and whether any adjustments to the way EMDR is delivered are needed.

Your first appointment is an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy, your current difficulties and relevant aspects of your history.

Your psychologist will work with you to understand what is happening and develop an appropriate treatment approach. You do not have to tell your entire trauma history in your first session and sessions are client focused and collaborative whilst moving at a pace that is comfortable for you. Your psychologist will work with you, gain feedback on what is helpful for you during a session and will do their best to make sure you are comfortable.

No.

Trauma therapy does not mean that you have to immediately describe everything that has happened to you. Therapy can begin by establishing safety, understanding your current difficulties and developing strategies to help you feel more settled and in control.

Trauma processing can be introduced when and if it is appropriate for you.

Yes.

You don’t need to have everything worked out before seeking support. We can explore the difficulties you’re experiencing and consider how your current symptoms, circumstances and history may be connected.

Yes. Psychological difficulties can have multiple contributing factors. DVA clients may seek support for concerns such as anxiety, depression, sleep, relationships, emotional regulation, adjustment and other psychological difficulties.

Your referral and DVA eligibility will determine what treatment can be provided under DVA funding.

Eligible DVA-funded services are billed directly to DVA when the appropriate referral and funding requirements are met.

If you are unsure about your eligibility or referral, contact the practice before your appointment so we can clarify the process.

Both options may be available. Onemind Psychology is based at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast and also provides secure telehealth appointments.

Telehealth can be particularly useful for veterans who live outside the Gold Coast or who find travelling to appointments difficult.

That’s completely okay. You don’t need to have been in therapy before, and you don’t need to know exactly what you need help with.

The first appointment can simply be a starting point for understanding what’s been happening and deciding what support may be appropriate.

The first step is to speak with your GP or medical specialist about your psychological needs and obtain the appropriate DVA referral.

Once your referral is arranged, you can contact Onemind Psychology to enquire about an appointment.