Veterans Mental Health Sydney | DVA Psychiatrist

Our Services

Defence & Veterans Support

We extend our deepest gratitude to defence personnel and veterans for their service and sacrifices. Military service asks a great deal, and the mental health challenges that can follow, during service, through transition, and long after discharge, deserve care from clinicians who genuinely understand them. Mind Connections is committed to breaking down barriers and delivering quality specialist care that fosters real recovery for current and former ADF members, police, and their families.

Clinicians consulting at Mind Connections bring over two decades of experience working with veterans and defence personnel, providing personalised, evidence-based care across the full spectrum of service-related mental health conditions.

Trauma and PTSD support

Trauma-informed care sits at the centre of our work with veterans. Clinicians use evidence-based therapies to address PTSD, anxiety, depression and the lasting effects of service-related trauma, helping you process what you have experienced and reclaim your life. Where PTSD or depression has not responded to standard treatments, advanced options including rTMS and esketamine nasal spray are available on site; rTMS is a non-invasive option with evidence in treatment-resistant PTSD, depression, OCD and substance use, and esketamine offers fast-acting relief for treatment-resistant depression.

Stress and resilience training

Not every challenge is a diagnosis. Programs at Mind Connections help defence personnel build practical tools to manage stress, strengthen coping, and develop resilience, supporting wellbeing during service and through the demands of transition.

Support for families

Families serve too. Partners and children carry the impacts of deployments, postings, transition, and a loved one's mental health challenges. Family support programs at Mind Connections strengthen relationships, foster understanding of military life and its effects, and connect families with practical resources. Group therapy programs focused on social reintegration also help veterans rebuild connection and community after service.

DVA claims and medico-legal assessments

Navigating the Department of Veterans' Affairs claims process can be daunting, and high-quality clinical documentation makes a genuine difference. Psychiatrists consulting at Mind Connections provide:

Comprehensive mental health assessments to support DVA claims, with accurate, professional documentation
Impairment assessments for mental health conditions resulting from service in the defence force or police force
Professional medico-legal reports that meet legal standards, supporting claims and documenting service-related mental health conditions

DVA-funded treatment

Veterans who hold a DVA Gold Card, or a White Card with accepted mental health conditions, can access psychiatric and psychological services at Mind Connections under the DVA fee schedule, typically with no gap payment. DVA also funds esketamine and TMS treatment for eligible veterans with pre-approval. Our reception team is experienced in DVA processes and can help you confirm eligibility and arrange the right referral.

Community partnerships

Mind Connections' commitment to the defence and veteran community extends beyond the clinic. Since 2011 we have proudly partnered with the Pawsitive Steps Festival in the Hills Shire, a community day promoting mental health education, help-seeking, and suicide and violence prevention. Through the Mind Connections Foundation, established in 2020, and our long-standing affiliation with Western Sydney University's medical program, we contribute to research, education and community wellbeing.

Getting started

A referral from your GP, a DVA-contracted provider, or an Open Arms or Veterans' Access Network contact can be used to access services. If you are unsure where to start, call either clinic and our reception team will guide you through the process. If you are in crisis right now, please call Open Arms on 1800 011 046, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or triple zero (000) in an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

I have a DVA White Card. What treatment can I access?

A White Card covers treatment for your accepted conditions. If your accepted conditions include mental health, you can access psychiatry and psychology services at Mind Connections under the DVA fee schedule, typically with no gap. Reception can confirm what your card covers.

Do I need a referral if I am DVA-funded?

Yes. A referral from your GP or another treating provider is still required. Our reception team is experienced with DVA paperwork and can guide you through it.

Can Mind Connections help with my DVA claim?

Yes. Psychiatrists consulting at Mind Connections provide comprehensive mental health assessments, impairment assessments and medico-legal reports that meet the standards required to support DVA claims.

I am still serving. Can I be seen?

Yes. Current serving members can access care with an appropriate referral. Clinicians are experienced with the considerations that apply to serving personnel, including fitness-for-duty sensitivities, and your care is confidential within the usual limits.

What if standard PTSD treatment has not worked for me?

Advanced options are available on site, including rTMS, which has evidence in treatment-resistant PTSD and depression, and esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. Both are delivered under psychiatric supervision, and DVA funds these treatments for eligible veterans with pre-approval.

Is there support for my partner and kids?

Yes. Family support programs help partners and children understand and navigate the impacts of service and mental health challenges, and family members can be involved in your care with your consent.

Can I attend by telehealth?

Many review and therapy appointments are available by secure video, which can be especially helpful for veterans in regional NSW. Some assessments, and treatments such as TMS and esketamine, require in-person attendance.

Where can I get urgent help?

Mind Connections is not a crisis service. For urgent support, call Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counselling) on 1800 011 046, the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or triple zero (000) in an emergency.

Getting Started

Your first appointment, made simple

Visit our 'What to expect' page to learn more about the booking process.

Obtain a referral

For psychiatry, ask your GP for a referral. For psychology, ask your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan and referral. This is what enables your Medicare rebates.