Depression in Veterans: DVA-Funded Psychology and Treatment Options
How depression shows up after service, the psychological treatments that work (CBT, behavioural activation, interpersonal therapy, ACT), how they combine with medication, and how DVA pays for all of it with no gap.
By ClearAccess Psychology · 25 October 2026
The short answer: depression is one of the most common mental health conditions among Australian veterans, and one of the most treatable. Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), behavioural activation and interpersonal therapy work well on their own for mild to moderate depression, and alongside medication for more severe depression. If you have at least one day of continuous full-time ADF service, DVA pays for your psychology, GP care, psychiatry and prescribed medication for depression, with no gap, whether or not your service caused it.
Checked against DVA's published rules on 25 October 2026. General information, not a diagnosis or treatment advice.
If you're thinking about suicide or feel unsafe, call 000, Open Arms on 1800 011 046 (24/7) or Lifeline on 13 11 14 now.
How does depression show up in veterans?
Depression is more than feeling down. It's a persistent low mood or loss of interest lasting two weeks or more, often with:
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Low energy, feeling flat or "running on empty"
- Losing interest in mates, hobbies, sex or things you used to enjoy
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling worthless, guilty or like a burden
- Irritability, which in many veterans shows up before sadness does
- Thoughts that people would be better off without you
After service, depression is often tangled up with other things: losing the structure, purpose and mateship of the ADF; chronic pain or injury; PTSD; drinking more; or poor sleep. Many veterans push through for years because they were trained to. You can keep pushing, or you can let someone help you carry it, and the second option tends to work faster.
Which psychological treatments work for depression?
Australian clinical guidelines (including the RANZCP mood disorders guidelines) support several psychological therapies:
| Therapy | What it focuses on | Good fit when… |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) | Spotting and testing the thoughts that drive low mood, and changing the patterns that keep it going. | You notice a harsh inner critic or a lot of "what's the point" thinking. |
| Behavioural activation | Rebuilding routine and doing things that matter to you, step by step, before motivation returns. | You've withdrawn and stopped doing things; structure used to suit you. |
| Interpersonal therapy (IPT) | Relationships, role changes and loss, such as leaving the ADF, separation or grief. | Your low mood started around a big life change. |
| Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) | Unhooking from painful thoughts and acting on your values. | You've tried to "think positive" and it hasn't stuck. |
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) | Preventing relapse once you're feeling better. | You've had depression more than once. |
Most courses of therapy for depression run for 8 to 20 sessions, and many people notice a change within the first six to eight weeks.
What about medication?
For moderate to severe depression, antidepressants prescribed by your GP or a psychiatrist, combined with psychological therapy, often work better than either alone. Under Non-Liability Health Care, DVA also covers prescribed medication for mental health conditions and psychiatrist appointments, so you can have the full combination with no out-of-pocket treatment costs.
How does DVA pay for depression treatment?
- Eligibility: current and former ADF members with at least one day of continuous full-time service (including reservists with CFTS), under Non-Liability Health Care. No need to prove service caused it.
- Card: a Veteran Gold Card, or a Veteran White Card with mental health listed. Check under "Conditions listed" in MyService, or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
- Referral: from your usual GP. Each referral covers a treatment cycle of up to 12 sessions or one year; your GP can renew it as many times as you need.
- Cost: a psychologist who accepts your Veteran Card must accept DVA's fee as full payment. You pay nothing.
- Telehealth: funded by video (and by phone when video isn't available). The first session of each cycle must be in person or by video.
Our step-by-step guide to accessing DVA psychology covers cards, referrals and treatment cycles in detail.
What to expect at your first session
Your psychologist will ask about your mood, sleep, energy, relationships, drinking, work and any thoughts of self-harm, and what you'd like to be different. You'll agree goals for the treatment cycle together. Most people leave the first session feeling a little lighter simply because they've said it out loud to someone who knows what they're doing.
How to find a psychologist for depression who bills DVA
On ClearAccess Psychology you can search for psychologists who bill DVA and treat depression, near you or by telehealth, and filter by approach (for example CBT or ACT) or by psychologists who work with veterans. Each profile shows plainly that DVA sessions cost you nothing.
You don't need to feel motivated to send an inquiry. You only need to send it.
Frequently asked questions
Does DVA cover depression treatment if it isn't related to my service?
Yes. Non-Liability Health Care covers treatment of all mental health conditions, including depression, for anyone with at least one day of continuous full-time ADF service, without proving a link to service.
Does DVA pay for antidepressants?
Yes. Under Non-Liability Health Care, DVA covers prescribed medication for mental health conditions. Ask your GP or pharmacist about how it applies to your card.
How many psychology sessions will I get for depression?
There's no annual limit. Each GP referral covers up to 12 sessions or a year, and your GP can renew it as often as you clinically need.
Which therapy is best for depression?
CBT, behavioural activation and interpersonal therapy have the strongest evidence. The best one for you depends on what's driving your depression; your psychologist will help you choose.
Can I see a psychologist for depression by video?
Yes. DVA funds psychology by video, and by phone when video isn't available. The first session of each treatment cycle must be in person or by video.
Sources
- DVA, Non-Liability Health Care (mental health) for veterans
- DVA, Allied health treatment cycle
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling