There are several ways you can refer a client to Open Arms for counselling and support.

Refer a client

You can refer a client to Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling by:

• phone - call 1800 011 046 and let us know the client's details with their consent
• self-referral - provide the client with our phone number to call us directly
• email - contact us at openarms.clientassist@dva.gov.au with client consent
• fax - send referral to 07 3550 9998.

Counselling services

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential, nation-wide counselling and support for veterans and their families. We specialise in providing counselling and support for war and service-related mental health conditions (such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use and suicide), as well as relationship and family counselling, and group based treatment and support options.

We have offices in state capitals, regional centres, and also provide an accessible service via our outreach counselling program and video counselling.

We can advise you about relevant community and inpatient (hospital) treatment and support options, as well as accessing psychiatry services. Access to Open Arms can be made separately from other DVA processes.

Confidentiality

In usual circumstances, clinical information is not released to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), other government agencies or external parties without the client's consent. Information may only be shared under exceptional circumstances or in accordance with the law.

Information is not shared with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) when the client self-refers to Open Arms. If they are a member of the ADF and have been referred through the ADF medical officer or Defence psychologist, periodic reports regarding treatment will be provided to the ADF Referring Authority.

See also