DVA Psychology in Melbourne

Veterans and eligible DVA card holders can access fully funded psychology sessions at The Talk Shop — with no out-of-pocket cost. We are a registered DVA provider accepting both Gold Card and White Card holders.

DVA-Funded Psychology for Veterans

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funds a wide range of health services for eligible Australian veterans and their families. Psychology is a fully covered service — meaning no gap payment, no out-of-pocket cost, and no limit for Gold Card holders.

DVA at a glance:

  • No out-of-pocket cost
  • Gold Card: unlimited sessions for all health conditions
  • White Card: service-related conditions covered
  • GP referral required
  • All major psychological conditions covered
  • Telehealth available

Gold Card vs White Card

Your DVA card type determines what psychology services are covered:

Gold Card — Comprehensive Coverage

Gold Card holders receive fully funded treatment for all health conditions — not just service-related ones. Psychology sessions are unlimited and fully covered with no gap payment.

  • All psychological conditions covered
  • Unlimited sessions (clinically justified)
  • No GP cap on referrals
  • No out-of-pocket cost

White Card — Service-Related Coverage

White Card holders receive fully funded treatment for conditions related to their military service. This includes PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other accepted service-related mental health conditions.

  • Service-related conditions covered
  • DVA must accept liability for the condition
  • GP referral to The Talk Shop required
  • No out-of-pocket cost for covered conditions

How to Access DVA-Funded Psychology

Getting started with DVA-funded psychology is straightforward:

Confirm Your DVA Card Type

Check whether you hold a Gold Card or White Card and confirm which health conditions are covered under your card. Contact DVA on 1800 555 254 or visit dva.gov.au if unsure.

Visit Your GP for a Referral

Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to The Talk Shop for psychology services. Your GP will address the referral letter to The Talk Shop specifically.

Book at The Talk Shop

Call us on 1300 224 665 or book online. Let us know you are a DVA card holder and provide your DVA card number. We will verify your entitlements and confirm your appointment.

Attend Your Sessions

Attend your psychology sessions with no out-of-pocket cost. We bill DVA directly on your behalf. Your psychologist will provide updates to your GP as required by DVA.

Psychological Conditions We Treat Under DVA

Combat & Service Trauma

  • PTSD & complex trauma
  • Moral injury
  • Combat-related stress
  • Operational stress reactions

Mental Health

  • Anxiety & depression
  • Sleep disturbance & nightmares
  • Anger & emotional regulation
  • Grief & loss

Adjustment & Transition

  • Relationship & family difficulties
  • Substance use concerns
  • Transition to civilian life
  • Identity & purpose post-service

Other Ways to Fund Your Sessions

Medicare (Better Access)

Rebated sessions with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan

Private Health Insurance

Pay upfront, claim reimbursement from your extras fund

EAP (Employee Assistance)

Employer-funded confidential counselling sessions

Self-Funded

Flexible private pay with no referral needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — a referral from your GP or treating medical officer is required. Your GP will address the referral letter to The Talk Shop. There is no cap on the number of sessions your GP can refer you for under DVA.

No. Gold Card holders have access to an unlimited number of DVA-funded psychology sessions, provided they are clinically justified and your psychologist continues to recommend treatment.

Yes — DVA funding covers Telehealth psychology sessions. This is especially helpful for veterans in regional areas or those with mobility challenges.

If DVA has not yet accepted liability for your condition, you may still access sessions through Medicare (with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan) while your claim is processed.

Some DVA programs extend support to family members of veterans. The Veterans’ Family Counselling program provides free counselling to partners and children of veterans. Contact DVA or call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 for details.

Yes — The Talk Shop is a registered DVA provider. Call us on 1300 224 665 and we will confirm acceptance of your referral and book your first appointment.

Ready to Book?

Our psychologists have experience supporting veterans and their families. Contact us today to book your DVA-funded psychology session.