DVA CARD UPDATE - AUGUST 2026
DVA began reissuing Veteran Card - All Conditions and Veteran Card - Specific Conditions from July 2026. DVA says the new cards work the same way and current cards remain valid until replacements arrive, even if an expiry date is shown. Check MyService or call 1800 VETERAN if you are unsure.
VETERANS & DVA PSYCHOLOGY
DVA Psychology Support for Veterans
Meyer Institute provides psychological therapy for eligible veterans and Veteran Card holders. Appointments are available at selected Melbourne locations and by video telehealth across Australia where clinically appropriate. If you are unsure whether your Gold or White Card covers psychology, use the pathway checker below and we will explain what is needed before booking.
Eligible DVA-funded sessions are billed directly to DVA with no gap when Meyer Institute accepts your Veteran Card as full payment and a valid referral, treatment entitlement and service fit are confirmed.
Registered psychologists
Melbourne appointments
Video telehealth Australia-wide
Clear DVA referral guidance
Meyer Institute is not an emergency or 24-hour service. If there is immediate danger, call 000. Open Arms provides free and confidential 24/7 support on 1800 011 046. Current ADF members can also call the Defence Mental Health All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.
Can DVA fund my psychology appointments?
Often, yes. DVA may fund psychological treatment when you hold a Veteran Card - All Conditions (Gold Card), or a Veteran Card - Specific Conditions (White Card) that lists the relevant mental health entitlement. Psychology also requires a valid allied-health referral and a provider who accepts the Veteran Card for payment.
When Meyer Institute confirms that your treatment is eligible and accepts your Veteran Card as full payment, approved DVA treatment is billed directly and no gap fee is charged. Eligibility is determined by DVA and should be checked before the first appointment.
A Veteran Card can be shown as a physical card, in MyService or in the myGov wallet. Treatment coverage applies only to the person named on the card and generally only while the person is in Australia.
Your White Card may cover all mental health conditions
Non-Liability Health Care (mental health), often shortened to NLHC, can provide fully funded treatment for all mental health conditions without requiring you to prove that ADF service caused the condition.
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Current and former full-time ADF members may be eligible.
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Reservists with at least one day of continuous full-time service may be eligible.
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Reservists without continuous full-time service may still be eligible after disaster-relief service, border-protection service or involvement in a serious service-related training accident.
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Ordinary training on reserve service days is not continuous full-time service for this purpose.
HOW TO CHECK COVER
Log in to MyService, open 'Your card', select 'View card details', then open 'Conditions listed'. Look for 'All mental health conditions - treatment only' or a specific mental health condition marked 'Treatment' or 'Treatment Only'. You can also call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
HOW TO ADD COVER
If mental health cover is not listed, you can apply through MyService, call DVA, email NLHC@dva.gov.au or use DVA's Application for Health Care for Mental Health Condition(s). Treatment may begin after DVA approves the application, even while the physical card or digital listing is being updated, if you can show the acceptance letter.
How to start DVA-funded psychology
1. Check your card and mental health cover
Gold Card holders generally have treatment cover for all conditions. White Card holders should check MyService or an acceptance letter for the relevant mental health entitlement.
2. Ask for a DVA allied-health referral
Your GP or medical specialist can use DVA form D0904/D904 or their own referral letter. The referral must identify your card type, the condition to be treated and the required clinical information.
3. Send a short Meyer Institute enquiry
Tell us your card type, whether mental health cover is listed, whether you have a referral, and whether you prefer Melbourne or video telehealth. Do not put a detailed trauma history in the form.
4. We confirm the pathway before booking
The practice checks service fit, availability, referral details, DVA entitlement and whether any approval is needed. We will give you secure instructions if card or referral documents are required.
5. Begin the treatment cycle
The first consultation includes a care plan and treatment goals. The referral covers up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever ends first. Your psychologist reports to your usual GP near the end of the cycle, and your GP may refer another cycle if clinically needed.
What veteran-focused psychological therapy may support
Military service, injury, transition and life after service can affect people in different ways. Therapy begins with your current needs, functioning, strengths and goals rather than assuming every veteran has the same experience.
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Trauma and PTSD symptoms, including hypervigilance, nightmares, avoidance and intrusive memories
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Anxiety, panic, persistent worry and difficulty switching off
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Depression, low motivation, grief, loss and disconnection
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Sleep difficulties, fatigue and disrupted routines
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Anger, irritability and emotional regulation
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Moral injury, guilt, shame or a changed sense of identity
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Transition from service, loss of role and adjustment to civilian life
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Relationship, parenting and family strain
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Chronic pain, tinnitus-related distress, injury and health adjustment
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Alcohol or substance concerns, with specialist referral where a higher level of care is needed
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Work, study, confidence and return-to-employment concerns
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Isolation, trust and rebuilding social connection
Sessions are collaborative, trauma-informed and evidence-informed. Depending on your needs and the treating psychologist's competence, therapy may draw on approaches such as CBT, ACT, behavioural strategies, grounding, emotion regulation, sleep interventions and carefully paced trauma-focused work. Detailed disclosure is not required in the enquiry form or at the beginning of the first appointment.
DVA treatment cycles are renewable when care remains clinically necessary
A psychology referral is valid for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever ends first. This is a review cycle, not a lifetime limit. Your usual GP can provide additional referrals when further psychological treatment is clinically necessary.
The first appointment in a treatment cycle may be held in person or by video telehealth. It cannot be held by telephone under DVA's permanent telehealth arrangements. Later telephone sessions are used only when video is unavailable and the service can still be delivered safely and appropriately.
Meyer Institute can offer video telehealth to eligible clients across Australia where it is clinically suitable. DVA Veteran Cards generally cannot be used for treatment while the person is overseas.
What DVA-funded psychology does - and does not - automatically include
Standard psychological treatment consultations, the Patient Care Plan, an End of Cycle Report to the usual GP, and clinically appropriate liaison or case conferencing within DVA requirements and available item rules.
A Veteran Card does not automatically fund a medico-legal opinion, compensation assessment, court report, independent psychiatric assessment, extensive administrative report or any service outside DVA's fee schedule. Some services require DVA to request or approve them separately. Ask before arranging an assessment or report.
Meyer Institute is an independent psychology practice. We are not part of DVA, Defence or Open Arms and cannot decide Veteran Card eligibility, compensation claims or DVA entitlements.
Support options for families and current serving members
A Veteran Card pays only for the person named on the card. Partners and family members may be eligible for free and confidential counselling through Open Arms, or may use Medicare or private psychology pathways with Meyer Institute where the service is suitable.
Current full-time ADF members usually receive health care through Defence arrangements first. DVA may fund care in some circumstances, including eligible NLHC mental health treatment or transition arrangements. Current serving members should confirm the correct referral and funding pathway before booking.
Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling
Open Arms is a separate, free and confidential service for eligible serving and ex-serving ADF members and families. It offers 24/7 telephone support, individual, couple and family counselling, group programs and peer support. Call 1800 011 046. A DVA psychology referral is not required to contact Open Arms.
Coordinated Veterans' Care (CVC) Program
CVC is led by the person's usual GP and care coordinator for eligible Veteran Card holders with chronic conditions, complex care needs and a risk of hospitalisation. Gold Card holders with chronic conditions may be eligible. White Card holders need a chronic DVA-accepted mental health condition; a treatment-only NLHC listing by itself does not meet the White Card CVC rule. Ask your usual GP whether CVC is appropriate.
At Risk Client Framework
Some people with severe health needs, functional impairment or complex psychosocial factors may need a tailored allied-health referral arrangement. The usual GP can assess this and lodge DVA form D9540 for a 3, 6 or 12 month arrangement. DVA approval is not required, but the GP must send the completed form to DVA.
Trauma Recovery Programs
DVA-contracted hospitals provide intensive Trauma Recovery Programs for eligible Gold or White Card holders with a clinical PTSD diagnosis. Programs combine group and individual treatment and commonly run for about 4 weeks full-time or up to 12 weeks part-time. A GP or psychiatrist can refer when clinically appropriate.
Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program
Eligible Gold or White Card holders may apply when they have a PTSD diagnosis from a psychiatrist, have received PTSD treatment from a psychiatrist or psychologist for at least 3 months, and are assessed as able to participate in the training and care of a psychiatric assistance dog. The treating mental health professional completes the application when clinically suitable.
Veterans' and Families' Hubs
Hubs connect current and former ADF members and families with locally available wellbeing, advocacy, employment, housing, social, physical-health and mental-health supports. Each hub has its own service model and fees may vary. Use the DVA hubs directory to find the nearest service.
Alcohol and other drug programs
DVA may fund recognised alcohol and drug treatment programs for eligible veterans. Psychology can support some alcohol or substance concerns, but withdrawal, acute risk or severe dependence may require medical, specialist or residential care. Ask your GP, DVA or Open Arms about the appropriate level of support.
FOR GPS, MEDICAL SPECIALISTS & HOSPITAL DISCHARGE TEAMS
Refer a veteran for DVA-funded psychology
Meyer Institute accepts enquiries for eligible Veteran Card-funded psychological treatment, subject to clinician availability, service fit, a valid referral and verified DVA treatment entitlement. Referrals may use DVA form D0904/D904 or the referrer's own letter if all required information is included.
REFERRAL REQUIREMENTS
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Client's full name, date of birth, address and DVA file number
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Veteran Card type - All Conditions/Gold or Specific Conditions/White
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For a White Card, the accepted condition or confirmed mental-health entitlement to be treated
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The condition/reason for referral and relevant clinical history, medication and risk information
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Referrer's name, provider number, practice, contact details, referral date and referral period
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Confirmation that the referrer is the usual GP, a medical specialist or an authorised hospital-discharge referrer
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Residential aged-care details and other treating providers where relevant
A referral covers up to 12 psychology sessions or one year, whichever ends first. The psychologist develops a Patient Care Plan and sends an End of Cycle Report to the usual GP. If further treatment is clinically required, the usual GP can issue another treatment-cycle referral.
Check your DVA psychology pathway
Send a short enquiry and we will contact you to check the suitable funding, referral and appointment pathway. Please do not include a detailed trauma history, DVA file number or card image in this form. This form is not monitored continuously and is not for urgent support.
FAQ
Does DVA pay for psychology sessions?
DVA may fund psychology when you hold a Veteran Card - All Conditions (Gold Card), or a Veteran Card - Specific Conditions (White Card) that covers the mental health condition being treated. A valid referral and a provider who accepts the card are also required. Eligibility should be confirmed before the first appointment.
Do I need a GP referral to see a DVA psychologist?
Yes. DVA-funded psychology is an allied-health service and requires a referral. Your GP or medical specialist can use DVA form D0904/D904 or their own referral letter if it includes all required information. After the first treatment cycle, further referrals are normally provided by your usual GP.
How many DVA psychology sessions can I receive?
Each treatment-cycle referral covers up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever ends first. This is not a lifetime limit. Your usual GP may provide another treatment-cycle referral when further psychology is clinically necessary.
Does a White Card cover all mental health conditions?
It can, if DVA has added Non-Liability Health Care mental health coverage to your card. Check MyService under Your card > View card details > Conditions listed. Look for 'All mental health conditions - treatment only' or a specific mental health condition marked Treatment or Treatment Only.
Do I have to prove my mental health condition was caused by service?
Not for eligible treatment under NLHC mental health. Eligible serving and ex-serving ADF members can receive treatment for all mental health conditions without proving that service caused the condition. DVA must still approve and list the treatment entitlement.
Will I pay a gap fee?
When Meyer Institute accepts an eligible Veteran Card as full payment for an approved DVA service, the session is billed directly to DVA and no gap fee is charged. This is subject to a valid referral, verified treatment entitlement, clinical suitability and the service being within DVA rules.
Can my first DVA psychology appointment be by telehealth?
Yes. The first consultation in a treatment cycle can be delivered in person or by video conference when clinically suitable. It cannot be a telephone-only consultation under DVA's permanent telehealth arrangements. Later telephone sessions are available only when video is unavailable and the service can be delivered safely.
Does an Orange Card cover psychology?
No. The Veteran Card - Pharmaceuticals Only, commonly called the Orange Card, provides pharmaceutical concessions and cannot be used for psychology or other medical treatment. Ask about NLHC, Open Arms, Medicare or private pathways.
Can family members use the veteran's card?
No. A Veteran Card covers only the person named on the card. Eligible partners and family members may be able to use Open Arms, Medicare or private psychology pathways.
Can Meyer Institute write a DVA compensation or court report?
DVA-funded treatment does not automatically include medico-legal, compensation or court reports. Some reports must be specifically requested or approved by DVA and others may be outside the treatment relationship. Contact the practice before arranging any assessment or report.
I do not have mental health cover on my White Card. What can I do?
You can apply through MyService, call DVA on 1800 VETERAN, email NLHC@dva.gov.au or use the DVA mental-health treatment application form. Open Arms is also available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 for free and confidential support.
Can DVA fund sessions while I am overseas?
Veteran Cards work in Australia and generally cannot be used for treatment overseas. Confirm any exceptional arrangements directly with DVA before receiving treatment outside Australia.
What is the difference between Meyer Institute and Open Arms?
Meyer Institute is an independent psychology practice that may provide DVA-funded therapy to eligible cardholders with a referral. Open Arms is a separate DVA-administered service offering free and confidential 24/7 support, counselling, peer support and programs for eligible veterans and families.
What changed on 1 July 2026?
New rehabilitation and compensation claims are now considered under the improved MRCA after the VEA and DRCA closed to new claims. DVA states that this did not change Veteran Card treatment entitlements or how card-funded treatment is delivered.
Not sure which DVA pathway applies?
You do not need to work it out alone. Send a short enquiry and Meyer Institute will contact you to clarify your card, mental health cover, referral status, preferred appointment format and service fit before booking.
Meyer Institute is an independent psychology practice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Australian Defence Force or Open Arms. DVA determines eligibility and may change card, referral, fee and program rules. Information last reviewed 20 August 2026. Confirm current entitlements with DVA.