Psychological Services

The transition period from military to civilian life is quickly becoming recognised as one of the most significant and stressful periods in the life of military members worldwide.

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 3 in 4 transitioned Australian Defence Force members are estimated to have met criteria for a mental disorder at some stage in their life that is either, prior to, during or after their military career.
Just over 20% of Transitioned ADF have experienced suicidal ideations, plans or attempts in the last 12 months.’

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Soldier On provides in-house, evidence-based psychology treatments to Defence personnel and veterans who have been impacted by their service to Australia. These services are also available to their family members, including partners, children, parents, and siblings.

Our psychologists are highly-skilled and trained to work with Defence personnel. Many have specific experience working with those affected by trauma.

Soldier On’s psychologists can help you with:

Transition from defence to civilian life
Impact of deployment, separation, relocation and family integration
Complex trauma, PTSD and stress-related issues
Mood disorders, such as depression
Anxiety disorders
Relationship and interpersonal difficulties

Services are available via Tele-Health with video or telephone link-ups. We are also offering Tele-health group sessions for support with stress management, parenting, relationships and mental health support. Psychology sessions will again be available face-to-face in most of our major office regions post COVID-19.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You can self-refer for our mental health support services which are free and confidential. Our psychologists will take you through our confidentiality agreement before you start your sessions.

OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP

As well as psychology sessions, Soldier On offers a number of other services that indirectly assist the mental health support of Defence personnel, veterans, and their family members. Many of our social connection activities and programs have been chosen to help Defence personnel and families overcome the impacts from their service.

Defence personnel, veterans, and family members have benefited from attending sailing days, art classes, yoga classes, writing classes, our ‘Surf Therapy’ Program, and coffee catch-ups.

Find out more about our social activities and programs and our new online initiative the Connect Hub to help support you better and keep you connected with Soldier On whilst we are facing the challenges of social distancing due to COVID-19.

RESOURCES/LATEST NEWS

5 Resources to support Mental Health during COVID-19

Understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on Mental Health article.
Read about the PTSD Coach Australia support App – or download free from your mobile phone app store.
Tips for maintaining mental health during COVD-19 from the Australian Psychological Society.
Online digital Mental Health Resources: Head to Health.
Tips for supporting families’ mental health during COVID-19 from the Child Mind Institute
Psychology response – Mental Wellbeing in Difficult Times

NEED HELP NOW?

Soldier On is not an immediate crisis support charity, but we do know who you can reach out to if you need help right away.

OPEN ARMS offers free services with counsellors and has a 24-hour contact number in case you need assistance outside of business hours. Open Arms is contactable on 1800 011 046.

BEYOND BLUE can be contacted for support any time of the day or night and provide one-on-one chats with trained mental health professionals. Their number is 1300 22 4636.

LIFELINE provides crisis support and suicide prevention services and is contactable on 13 11 14.