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 Veteran Card holders: the Veteran Card – All Conditions (formerly the Gold Card) and the Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (formerly the White Card).
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 and no out-of-pocket cost. Sessions are provided in treatment cycles of up to 12 sessions or one year, renewed by your GP for as long as treatment is clinically necessary.
DVA at a glance:
- No out-of-pocket cost
- Veteran Card – All Conditions: all health conditions covered
- Veteran Card – Specific Conditions: accepted service-related conditions, plus mental health care under Non-Liability Health Care
- GP referral required
- All major psychological conditions covered
- Telehealth available
All Conditions vs Specific Conditions
Your DVA card type determines what psychology services are covered:
Veteran Card – All Conditions (formerly Gold Card)
All Conditions card holders receive fully funded treatment for all health conditions — not just service-related ones. Psychology is fully covered with no gap payment, in treatment cycles your GP renews for as long as they are clinically necessary.
- All psychological conditions covered
- Treatment cycles of up to 12 sessions or 1 year
- GP referral renewed for each new cycle
- No out-of-pocket cost
Veteran Card – Specific Conditions (formerly White Card)
Specific Conditions 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 (mental health care is also available under Non-Liability Health Care)
- 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 which Veteran Card you hold (All Conditions or Specific Conditions) and confirm which health conditions are covered under your card. Contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) 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
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. Each referral covers a treatment cycle of up to 12 sessions or one year, and your GP can renew it for as long as treatment is clinically necessary.
There is no overall cap. Sessions are provided in treatment cycles of up to 12 sessions or one year, and your GP can refer you for further cycles for as long as treatment is clinically necessary.
Yes — DVA funding covers Telehealth psychology sessions. This is especially helpful for veterans in regional areas or those with mobility challenges.
Under DVA’s Non-Liability Health Care, anyone who has completed at least one day of continuous full-time service in the ADF can get fully funded treatment for any mental health condition, without DVA accepting liability. Otherwise, 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.
Exploring your options? See our complete guide to all psychology funding types — Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover, TAC, DVA, FAS, private health and self-funded.
Sources
DVA – Mental Health Care for Veterans
DVA – Non-Liability Health Care
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA)
Last reviewed: June 2026. Information on this page is general in nature. Refer to the DVA website for the most current eligibility and Veteran Card details.