Veteran Mental Health
Frequently Asked Questions

ACTIV (Australian Centre for Trauma in Veterans) is a specialised organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care and support services for Australian Veterans. Our services include psychiatric assessments, DVA claim assessments, medicolegal reports, trauma-informed therapy, telehealth consultations, and residential treatment programs. ACTIV is committed to supporting Veterans through every stage of their mental health journey with expert, compassionate care.

To access ACTIV mental health services, you can contact our clinic directly through our website or through our online referral system. A referral from your treating health practitioner (GP or specialist) is required for most services. Veterans can also self-refer for initial consultations. Our team will guide you through the process and help determine the most appropriate ACTIV program for your needs, whether that's in-person appointments or telehealth sessions.

Yes, ACTIV provides comprehensive telehealth services for Veterans across Australia. Our telehealth platform allows Veterans to access mental health consultations, psychiatric assessments, and ongoing therapy sessions from the comfort of their home. Telehealth appointments are particularly beneficial for Veterans in regional or remote areas, those with mobility challenges, or anyone who prefers the convenience of virtual care. All ACTIV telehealth services maintain the same high standard of care as our in-person appointments.

A DVA Assessment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation conducted to support your Department of Veterans' Affairs claim. This assessment documents your mental health condition, its connection to your military service, and the impact on your daily functioning. DVA Assessments are essential for Veterans seeking compensation, treatment funding, or recognition of service-related conditions. ACTIV's experienced psychiatrists conduct thorough DVA Assessments that meet all DVA requirements and provide detailed medicolegal reports.

A comprehensive DVA Assessment at ACTIV typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of your case. This includes a detailed clinical interview, review of your medical and service history, and assessment of your current mental health status. Following the assessment, our psychiatrists prepare a detailed medicolegal report, which is usually completed within 2-4 weeks. ACTIV ensures all DVA Assessments are thorough, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner to support your claim.

Yes, DVA Assessment costs may be covered depending on your DVA entitlements. If you have a DVA Gold or White Card, many assessment services are covered. For initial liability claims, DVA may cover the cost of the assessment as part of the claims process. ACTIV staff can help you understand your entitlements and navigate the DVA funding process. We recommend contacting DVA or your advocate to confirm coverage before your appointment.

ACTIV specialises in treating a wide range of mental health conditions commonly experienced by Veterans, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, moral injury, adjustment disorders, and substance use disorders. Our mental health professionals are experts in trauma-informed care and understand the unique challenges Veterans face. ACTIV provides evidence-based treatments tailored to each Veteran's specific mental health needs and recovery goals.

ACTIV employs a range of evidence-based mental health treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused therapy, medication management, and group therapy programs. Our mental health team creates individualised treatment plans that may combine multiple approaches for optimal outcomes. ACTIV also offers innovative programs like ACTIV8, which integrates physical exercise with mental health treatment for holistic Veteran care.

ACTIV provides services to both current serving Australian Defence Force members and Veterans who have transitioned from service. Whether you served in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and regardless of when you served, ACTIV is here to support your mental health needs. We also extend support to Veteran families, recognising that military service impacts the entire family unit. ACTIV welcomes all Veterans seeking mental health care and DVA assessment services.

Yes, ACTIV recognises that military service and Veteran mental health challenges affect the entire family. We offer family-inclusive treatment approaches and can provide guidance and resources for Veteran families. Our team understands the unique stressors faced by Veteran families and can help connect family members with appropriate support services. ACTIV believes that supporting Veteran families is essential to achieving positive mental health outcomes for Veterans.

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. At ACTIV, our entire team is trained in trauma-informed practices, ensuring that every interaction with Veterans is conducted with sensitivity and understanding. We create safe, supportive environments where Veterans can address their trauma without fear of re-traumatisation. ACTIV's trauma specialists use evidence-based therapies specifically designed to help Veterans process and heal from traumatic experiences.

Moral injury refers to the psychological distress that can occur when someone acts in ways that violate their moral beliefs, or witnesses others doing so. This is particularly relevant for Veterans who may have experienced morally challenging situations during service. ACTIV specialises in treating moral injury alongside other trauma-related conditions. Our psychiatrists and therapists understand the unique nature of moral injury and provide specialised treatment approaches to help Veterans process these experiences and find healing.

ACTIV provides comprehensive medicolegal services for Veterans, including independent psychiatric assessments, expert reports for DVA claims, impairment assessments, and second opinion evaluations. Our medicolegal reports are prepared by experienced psychiatrists who understand DVA requirements and legal standards. ACTIV medicolegal services support Veterans in compensation claims, appeals, and other legal proceedings requiring expert psychiatric opinion. All reports are thorough, objective, and professionally presented.

ACTIV medicolegal reports provide essential evidence for DVA claims by documenting your mental health condition, establishing the link to military service, and assessing the level of impairment. These reports are prepared to DVA standards and include detailed clinical findings, diagnosis, and professional opinions. ACTIV medicolegal reports can support initial liability claims, permanent impairment assessments, and appeals. Our psychiatrists can also provide testimony if required for your DVA claim.

To prepare for your ACTIV telehealth appointment, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a private, quiet space where you can speak freely. Test your device's camera and microphone beforehand. Have any relevant documents ready, such as your DVA card, referral letter, and list of current medications. ACTIV will send you a secure link before your telehealth appointment. If you experience technical difficulties, our team is available to assist and can reschedule if needed.

Research shows that telehealth mental health services can be equally effective as in-person treatment for many conditions. ACTIV's telehealth platform provides the same quality of care, allowing our psychiatrists and therapists to conduct thorough assessments and deliver evidence-based treatments remotely. Many Veterans find telehealth more accessible and comfortable, which can enhance engagement with treatment. ACTIV offers both telehealth and in-person options, allowing Veterans to choose the format that best suits their needs.

ACTIV8 is ACTIV's innovative wellness program that combines physical exercise with mental health treatment for Veterans. The program recognises the powerful connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing. ACTIV8 includes structured exercise sessions, group activities, and therapeutic support, all designed specifically for Veterans. Participants in ACTIV8 often experience improvements in mood, sleep, physical fitness, and overall mental health. The program is available to Veterans with various fitness levels and can be adapted to individual needs.

The VIP (Veteran Intensive Program) Residential Program is ACTIV's immersive treatment option for Veterans requiring intensive mental health support. This residential program provides a structured, supportive environment where Veterans can focus entirely on their recovery. The VIP program includes daily therapy sessions, psychiatric care, group activities, and holistic wellness components. ACTIV's VIP Residential Program is ideal for Veterans with complex mental health needs or those who would benefit from a break from daily stressors to concentrate on healing.