DVA Referrals: Symptoms and Treatment Options

If you have been referred to a psychologist or mental health clinician through the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), it's important to know that there are effective treatments available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall mental health.

What is the DVA?

The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) is a government agency that provides support to veterans and their families. The DVA provides funding for a range of services, including psychological therapy, to help veterans manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Who can be eligible for a DVA Referral?

To be eligible for a DVA referral for psychological support, an individual must:

Be a veteran or the family member of a veteran
Have a mental health condition related to military service
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

What is the process for a prospective DVA patient?

If you are a prospective DVA patient who has been referred to a psychologist or mental health clinician through the DVA, you will typically need to follow these steps:

Contact ICP admin team to align you with your mental health clinician registered with the DVA.
Schedule an initial assessment with your ICP clinician to determine your specific symptoms and treatment needs.
Work with your ICP therapist to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and goals.
Attend regular therapy sessions as recommended by your ICP clinician.

What symptom presentations are eligible for DVA Claims?

The symptoms of eligible DVA claims can vary depending on individual patient presentations, but common symptoms include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to military service
Depression or anxiety related to military service
Difficulty adjusting to civilian life after military service
Difficulty with relationships or social interactions due to military service

What are the treatment options for DVA Referrals?

There are several types of treatments available for DVA referrals, and the most effective treatment will depend on individual patient presentations. Common treatment options include:

Trauma-focused Therapy: Trauma-focused therapy is a type of therapy that helps individuals process traumatic events related to military service and develop coping skills to manage related symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to military service.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT is a type of therapy that focuses on improving relationships with others, which can be particularly helpful for veterans experiencing difficulty with relationships or social interactions.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories related to military service using a series of eye movements.

What to expect in therapy?

In therapy, you will work with our ICP clinician who is trained in treating veterans and their families. Your therapist will help you identify your specific symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and goals. You may learn coping skills and strategies to manage the challenges related to military service, improve relationships, and manage symptoms related to PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

How will seeking mental health support benefit you?

Seeking mental health support through a DVA referral can benefit you in many ways. It can help you:

Manage your symptoms related to military service
Develop coping skills and strategies to manage difficult emotions and situations related to military service
Improve your relationships with others
Increase your overall quality of life

If you have been referred to a psychologist or mental health clinician through the DVA, it's important to make a booking with ICP and our team will align you with a mental health clinician who is trained in treating DVA patients. With the right treatment and support, you can manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life.

Make a Booking