Submission in Response to the Draft: Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024

Posted byNathan DarvillPosted inUncategorized

To Whom It May Concern,

I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024. As a veteran who has personally experienced the challenges of transitioning from military service, I feel compelled to highlight critical gaps in the current mental health support framework and propose an evidence-based solution that will enhance the well-being of both serving members and veterans.

Addressing the Limitations of the Current Mental Health Support System

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) currently funds mental health services provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health social workers, and occupational therapists (OTs). While these professions play a crucial role, the accessibility and availability of these specialists are severely limited due to:

1. A Shortage of Practitioners Willing to Work Under DVA Rates

Many specialists opt out of providing services to veterans because the DVA’s remuneration does not align with private practice rates. This has created a bottleneck in service accessibility, leaving veterans waiting extended periods for critical mental health support. Delays in care increase the risk of deteriorating mental health conditions, including heightened suicide risk, substance abuse, and family breakdowns.

2. Lack of Mental Health Support in Rural and Remote Areas

Veterans in regional and rural Australia face significant barriers in accessing mental health care due to the limited number of DVA-funded specialists in these areas. This results in veterans either going without care or having to travel long distances, both of which create undue hardship and exacerbate mental health struggles.

The Case for Recognising Counsellors Under DVA Funding

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) are the two national peak bodies for counselling professionals in Australia. ACA and PACFA-registered counsellors are highly qualified professionals, meeting rigorous training, supervision, and ethical standards. These professionals undergo:

• Comprehensive education and training, including diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in counselling.

• Practical placements with hands-on experience in real-world settings.

• Ongoing professional development to maintain registration and ensure high-quality service delivery.

Research Evidence Supporting Counsellors in Veteran Mental Health

A 2021 study published in the Australian Journal of Psychology found that counselling interventions significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety in veterans. Further, research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2023) has shown that early intervention with counselling can mitigate suicide risk and improve long-term mental health outcomes.

Key Recommendation:

To improve accessibility and effectiveness of mental health care for veterans, DVA and ADF should formally recognise and fund ACA and PACFA-registered counsellors to provide therapy for veterans and serving members.

Expected Benefits of This Policy Change

1. Expanded Access to Mental Health Support

• Allowing ACA and PACFA counsellors to provide services under DVA funding would immediately increase the number of available mental health professionals for veterans.

2. Improved Mental Health Outcomes

• Veterans would experience reduced wait times for therapy, leading to earlier intervention, better treatment adherence, and improved mental well-being.

3. Enhanced Support for Rural and Remote Veterans

• ACA and PACFA counsellors are already widely distributed across Australia, including rural and remote areas where DVA-funded specialists are scarce.

4. Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solution

• Counsellors provide high-quality, evidence-based therapy at a lower cost than psychologists and psychiatrists, ensuring better financial sustainability of veteran mental health programs.

Conclusion

The mental health crisis among Australian veterans demands urgent action. Recognising and funding registered ACA and PACFA counsellors as part of the DVA mental health system is a practical, evidence-based, and cost-effective solution that will save lives and enhance the well-being of those who have served our nation.

I urge the Department of Defence and DVA to implement this policy change to ensure that no veteran is left behind in their time of need.

Sincerely,

Veteran & Mental Health Advocate

Published by Nathan Darvill

Nathan, currently immersed in the pursuit of his Bachelor's degree at the esteemed Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors, emerges as a dedicated and impassioned advocate for mental health awareness and the concomitant reduction of associated stigmas. Demonstrating a profound commitment to the cause, Nathan channels his energies beyond the academic realm, dedicating his leisure hours to crafting enlightening blogs aimed at fostering a culture of positive mental health and overall well-being. His literary endeavors materialize in the form of a blog, aptly titled "The Veteran Counsellor," a platform wherein he endeavors to disseminate insights conducive to the amelioration of mental health challenges. Through his dual roles as a scholar and a proactive disseminator of mental health awareness, Nathan not only contributes to the evolving discourse within the counseling domain but also actively engages with a wider audience. By intertwining academic pursuits with the practical application of his advocacy, Nathan epitomizes a synergistic approach to mental health promotion, thereby exemplifying a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between theoretical knowledge and its real-world impact. In essence, Nathan emerges as a multifaceted individual, seamlessly navigating the realms of academia and advocacy, with a resolute dedication to fostering positive mental health paradigms within society.

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