Who we help
Mental health support for Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, veterans & their families
What to expect
Learn about what to expect when you reach out to Open Arms for free, military-aware mental health and wellbeing support.
Confidentiality and privacy
Open Arms offers confidential counselling, and we are committed to your privacy and confidentiality. In some circumstances with your consent, we can work with ADF and other parts of DVA to support you.
Services
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 range of group activities includes both face to face group treatment programs and online groups.
Community and Peer Program
Community and Peer Workers (Peers) have lived experience of military service or military family life and have undergone their own mental health journey. Peers walk along-side Open Arms’ clients and their families to provide, and connect them with, the support and resources they need to overcome their mental health challenges.
Online Programs
Open Arms funds two online programs to support the mental health, wellbeing, and everyday lives of veterans and families—offering practical tools, meaningful connection, and peer-led support, wherever they are.
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.
Sign up for new online Stepping Out Program
Open Arms is now offering free online access to its 2-day Stepping Out group program as well as a 2-hour introductory program.
Free online mindfulness program for veterans and families
When Royal Australian Air Force veteran EJ was medically discharged from Defence and going through a marriage breakdown, the impact on her mental and physical health was, at times, overwhelming.
Vietnam veteran Gary McKay and his battle with PTSD
The nightmares began for the Australian Army veteran, Military Cross recipient and author when he landed in a Vietnamese jail more than 30 years after surviving near fatal gunshot wounds during the Vietnam War.
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