Who we help

Mental health and wellbeing support for:

Mental health support for Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, veterans & their families

  • Current serving uniforms hanging up

    Current serving

    Open Arms can help current Australian Defence Force personnel build resilience, and enhance their mental health and wellbeing.
  • ex-serving man drinking coffee with partner

    Ex-serving

    Open Arms can help all veterans work through mental health and wellbeing issues after they've left the service.
  • family having picnic

    Family

    Open Arms counselling is available to family members of current and ex-serving ADF personnel, including partners and both younger and adult children. Where there has been a death of a service person, parents and siblings can also access our service.

Signs and symptoms

There are a range of warning signs to look out for that may prevent you from being your best. If you are feeling down or anxious, or worried about what you are doing - there are things you can do, and support is available.

Get support

  • call us 1800 011 846

    Counselling

    Open Arms can provide individual, couple and family counselling to help improve your resilience, as well as enhance your mental health and wellbeing. Call 1800-011-046 for free and confidential 24/7 support.

  • Treatment programs and workshops

    Open Arms offers group treatment programs and educational workshops, relationship retreats, and suicide prevention workshops.
  • ex serviceman and family

    Eligibility

    If you have served in the ADF, you, your partner and your children can access support through Open Arms.
  • confidential

    Confidentiality and privacy

    Open Arms offers free and confidential counselling, and in some circumstances working with the DVA or ADF.

News

  • reading brochure

    Australian PTSD research creates new world-class therapy

    The Rapid Exposure Supporting Trauma Recovery (RESTORE) Trial investigated a new method of delivering PTSD treatment through an intensive form of exposure therapy delivered within a two-week period.
  • original vvcs staff

    Celebrating 40 years

    ‘Today’s celebration is an opportunity for us to reflect on the achievements of the Vietnam veterans who founded the service, and celebrate a service that continues to evolve to meet the needs of veterans and their families,’ said Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel.
  • new national manager Grant Pegg

    New National Manager appointed to Open Arms

    Dr Grant Pegg the new National Manager, Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling discusses the future of the organisation in this, its 40th year.

Open Arms for health professionals

Open Arms provides training and support to all our counsellors, to enable the ongoing delivery of high quality mental health assessment and clinical counselling for Australian veterans and their families