DVA has significantly expanded mental health support for veterans in 2025, including new treatment options and improved PTSD services. Here’s what you need to know about accessing these enhanced mental health resources.
Published by Dr. Tom | DrAdvocate.ai | June 2025
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has significantly expanded mental health support services in 2025, introducing new treatment modalities and improving access to existing services. As a Medical Doctor specializing in veterans’ health, I want to ensure you understand these important developments.
New Mental Health Strategy 2024-2029
Defence and DVA have jointly developed the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2029, representing a coordinated approach to supporting mental health throughout veterans’ lives – from recruitment through civilian transition and beyond.
Key Focus Areas:
- Suicide prevention as a primary priority
- Early intervention and prevention programs
- Timely access to care and support services
- Community connection initiatives
- Data-driven outcomes measurement
Emerging Treatment Options
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Since July 1, 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved limited use of:
- MDMA for PTSD treatment (by authorized psychiatrists)
- Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
While still limited to approved psychiatrists under strict conditions, this represents a significant advancement for veterans who haven’t responded to traditional treatments.
Advanced PTSD Treatments
DVA has commissioned research into emerging treatments including:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Stellate ganglion block (SGB)
- Ketamine-assisted therapy
- Virtual reality therapy
Enhanced Access to Mental Health Care
Immediate Access
If you’ve served even one day in the ADF, you can access:
- Fully funded mental health care without a claim
- 24/7 counseling through Open Arms (1800 011 046)
- GP referrals to psychologists and mental health professionals
- Digital self-help resources
White Card for Mental Health
Transitioning ADF members automatically receive a White Card allowing immediate access to mental health treatment without needing to lodge a formal claim.
Trauma Recovery Programs
DVA contracts hospitals nationwide to provide evidence-based Trauma Recovery Programs (TRPs) specifically for veterans with PTSD. These intensive programs focus on:
- Psychological growth and recovery
- Evidence-based treatment protocols
- Peer support integration
- Family involvement where appropriate
Family Support Services
Mental health support extends beyond the veteran to include:
- Free counseling for partners and children
- 24/7 family support through Open Arms
- Mental health literacy training
- Suicide prevention education
Budget 2025-26 Mental Health Investments
The 2025-26 Federal Budget included significant mental health investments:
- Extension of Military and Veteran Psychiatry Training Program
- Veterans’ Chaplaincy Pilot Program continuation
- Enhanced suicide recognition and intervention training
- Additional $11.9 million for key health and support programs
The Medical Evidence Advantage for Mental Health Claims
As a Medical Doctor, I understand that mental health conditions require specific documentation for DVA claims:
Essential Medical Evidence:
- Detailed psychiatric assessments meeting DVA criteria
- Functional impairment documentation
- Service connection establishment
- Comprehensive symptom tracking
- Treatment response documentation
Common Mental Health Conditions We Help Veterans Claim:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Adjustment disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Sleep disorders related to service
New Mental Health Rating Improvements
Recent improvements to mental health disability ratings include:
- Focus on symptom severity rather than work capacity
- Elimination of 0% ratings for diagnosed mental health conditions
- Minimum 10% rating for any diagnosed condition
- Clearer assessment criteria
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider professional DVA advocacy if you’re experiencing:
- Difficulty accessing appropriate treatment
- Claim denials for mental health conditions
- Inadequate compensation for your level of impairment
- Complex cases involving multiple conditions
- Appeals of previous decisions
How DrAdvocate.ai Can Help
As both a Medical Doctor and Veterans Advocate, I provide:
- Comprehensive mental health assessments for DVA claims
- Strategic claim preparation using proper medical documentation
- Appeal support for denied mental health claims
- Connection to appropriate treatment resources
- Ongoing advocacy throughout your recovery journey
If you’re struggling with service-related mental health issues, don’t wait. Contact DrAdvocate.ai at 0408 409 693 or [email protected] for confidential support and expert guidance.