DVA PSYCHOLOGY
Clinical psychology services for eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card holders, with appointments available in Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast and by secure telehealth across Australia.
This page explains Veteran Card coverage, DVA referrals, treatment cycles, Non-Liability Health Care (mental health), fees and how to arrange an appointment.
Hennessy Clinical Psychology accepts eligible Veteran Cards for DVA-funded clinical psychology services. DVA can fund clinically necessary psychological treatment where the person’s Veteran Card provides the relevant entitlement.
DVA now refers to the familiar Gold Card as the Veteran Card – All Conditions and the familiar White Card as the Veteran Card – Specific Conditions. The familiar Gold Card and White Card names are still commonly used.
Before treatment begins, the practice will need to confirm that the relevant mental health condition is covered and that a valid DVA referral is in place.
The Veteran Card – All Conditions, commonly known as the Gold Card, provides access to clinically necessary treatment for all medical conditions within Australia. This includes eligible psychological treatment.
The Veteran Card – Specific Conditions, commonly known as the White Card, covers clinically required treatment for eligible conditions listed on the card. It may also provide fully funded mental health treatment through DVA’s Non-Liability Health Care (mental health) arrangements.
If you hold a White Card, you can check your mental health coverage in MyService → Your card → View card details → Conditions listed. DVA advises that eligible mental health coverage may appear as “All mental health conditions – treatment only” or as a specific mental health condition marked for treatment.
DVA’s Non-Liability Health Care (mental health) arrangements can provide fully funded treatment for mental health conditions to eligible veterans without requiring the veteran to prove that ADF service caused the condition.
Current and former full-time ADF members are eligible, including reservists with at least one day of continuous full-time service. Some reservists without continuous full-time service may also qualify in specified circumstances.
To receive treatment under these arrangements, an eligible veteran generally needs a Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (White Card) that includes mental health treatment. Veteran Card – All Conditions (Gold Card) holders are already eligible for mental health treatment.
A valid referral is required for DVA-funded psychology. DVA advises that the referral will usually come from the veteran’s usual treating GP. For the initial treatment cycle, a referral may also come from a medical specialist, treating hospital doctor or hospital discharge planner.
Under DVA’s allied health treatment-cycle arrangements, one referral can cover up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever ends first. If further psychology treatment is clinically necessary after the treatment cycle ends, a new referral from the usual GP is required. DVA allows as many treatment cycles as the GP determines are clinically necessary.
A GP can use DVA’s D0904 referral form, although DVA also allows GPs to provide an allied-health referral on their regular stationery provided the required referral information is included.
For eligible DVA-funded psychology services, Hennessy Clinical Psychology charges in accordance with the applicable DVA Schedule of Fees and payment arrangements.
When a provider accepts an eligible Veteran Card for a DVA-funded service, DVA requires the provider to accept the DVA fee as full payment. No gap fee can be charged to the Veteran Card holder for that DVA-funded service.
Eligibility, the referred condition and any applicable approval requirements should be confirmed before treatment begins.
DVA funding is an access and payment arrangement. Psychological treatment is based on your individual clinical needs and goals.
You can explore related areas of psychological support below.
Psychological treatment is tailored to the individual rather than determined by DVA funding status. Depending on the person’s needs and treatment goals, therapy may draw on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, mindfulness-based approaches, supportive psychotherapy and trauma-informed therapy.
DVA’s provider guidance also recognises specific trauma-focused therapies, including EMDR, prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy, within its psychology arrangements.
Learn about the psychological therapy approaches represented across Hennessy Clinical Psychology.
In-person clinical psychology appointments are available in Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast. Secure telehealth appointments are also available across Australia where they are clinically appropriate and consistent with current DVA requirements.
Before booking, please provide your Veteran Card details and referral information so the practice can confirm the relevant DVA arrangements.
Check that your Veteran Card covers the mental health condition for which you are seeking treatment. Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (White Card) holders can check the conditions listed on their card through DVA MyService.
Ask your usual treating GP for a DVA referral to a clinical psychologist. For an initial treatment cycle, DVA also permits referrals from certain other medical or hospital providers.
Provide the practice with your referral and relevant Veteran Card information before the first DVA-funded appointment so the funding arrangement can be checked.
Once the required information has been confirmed, an appointment can be arranged in Varsity Lakes or by telehealth where appropriate.
Yes. Hennessy Clinical Psychology accepts eligible Veteran Cards for DVA-funded clinical psychology services, subject to the person’s entitlement, referred condition and current DVA requirements.
Yes, where the card includes mental health treatment. Eligible veterans may receive fully funded treatment for mental health conditions through DVA’s Non-Liability Health Care arrangements. White Card holders should check the conditions listed on their individual card in MyService.
The Veteran Card – All Conditions, commonly known as the Gold Card, covers clinically necessary treatment for all medical conditions within Australia, including eligible psychological treatment.
Yes. DVA-funded allied health psychology requires a valid referral. The usual treating GP generally provides the referral. For an initial treatment cycle, a referral may also come from a medical specialist, treating hospital doctor or hospital discharge planner.
Under DVA’s allied health treatment-cycle arrangements, a referral can cover up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever ends first. If further treatment is clinically necessary, the usual GP can provide a new referral for another treatment cycle.
No gap fee can be charged for an eligible DVA-funded service when the provider accepts the Veteran Card. DVA requires the applicable DVA fee to be accepted as full payment.
Non-Liability Health Care can provide fully funded treatment for mental health conditions to eligible veterans without requiring them to prove that ADF service caused the mental health condition. Eligible White Card holders need mental health treatment coverage on their card.
Telehealth clinical psychology appointments are available through Hennessy Clinical Psychology where clinically appropriate and consistent with current DVA requirements.
DVA advises Veteran Card holders to check their card details and listed conditions in MyService. You can also contact DVA directly if you are unsure about your entitlement.
If you have a DVA Veteran Card and a referral for psychological treatment, contact Hennessy Clinical Psychology so the relevant DVA details can be checked before your first appointment.
If you are unsure whether your card covers mental health treatment, check your conditions through DVA MyService or contact DVA before booking.
Clinical Psychologist in Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast. Evidence-based psychology for adolescents and adults, with in-person appointments and Australia-wide telehealth.
Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
Trauma & PTSD
Neurodiversity
CBT
ACT
EMDR
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
This practice is not a crisis service.
If you require immediate assistance, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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