Support for
Therapy that understands service. Psychology for veterans and first responders.
Psychological support for current and former Defence Force personnel, veterans, first responders, and humanitarian workers — with experience across the unique demands of service.
Key information you should know
- We work with current and former ADF personnel, veterans, emergency services workers, and humanitarian / crisis responders — and their families.
- DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs) funding is accepted for eligible veterans — no out-of-pocket cost with a valid referral.
- Our clinicians include practitioners with direct lived experience of service and humanitarian crisis response work.
Signs you might benefit from veterans and first responders support
- Difficulty transitioning out of service or adjusting after deployment
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or hypervigilance linked to operational experience
- Sleep disruption, irritability, or feeling constantly 'switched on'
- Moral injury — distress from actions taken, witnessed, or unable to prevent
- Relationship strain with partners, children, or fellow service members
- Substance use as a way of managing what service has put you through
- Grief, survivor guilt, or loss connected to colleagues or those you've supported
How therapy can help with veterans and first responders
Defence, emergency services, and frontline roles expose people to events most others never face. Hypervigilance, nightmares, moral injury, and relationship strain are common reasons to seek help.
Our psychologists understand service culture and the barriers that can stop people from accessing care. DVA and other funding pathways may apply depending on your circumstances.
Psychologists who support veterans and first responders
4 psychologists with experience in veterans and first responders.
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with SusannaDr Susanna Zito
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Susanna Zito offers evidence-based psychological support informed by extensive clinical experience via telehealth. She is an EMDR accredited practitioner and Board Approved Supervisor with a special interest in trauma and humanitarian crisis response.
Telehealth
Accepting new clientsBook with RyanRyan Dixon
Psychologist
Ryan is a thoughtful and down to earth psychologist who brings a strong blend of clinical expertise, relationship-focused work and real world experience to support individuals and couples through meaningful change.
2 clinics
Common questions about veterans and first responders
Who is this support for?
This support is for current and former Defence Force personnel, veterans, emergency services workers, and humanitarian or crisis responders, along with their families. These roles carry unique demands and exposures, and the impact can show up during service or long after. Seeking support is a sign of strength. Our clinicians include practitioners with direct experience of service and crisis response work.
How do I know if I should reach out?
Consider support if you are noticing ongoing stress, sleep difficulties, irritability, low mood, intrusive memories, or feeling on edge, or if work, relationships, or daily life are being affected. These are common responses to demanding roles, not weakness, and you do not need to be in crisis. If you are ever concerned about your safety, contact your GP, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Open Arms for veterans and families.
What kind of therapy do you provide for veterans and first responders?
Support is tailored to the demands of service and response work, and can include evidence-based trauma approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR where relevant, alongside mindfulness and grounding skills and help with stress, sleep, mood, and transitions. Our clinicians understand the culture and pressures of these roles. Care is paced and collaborative, and we can coordinate with your other providers where helpful.
Is DVA funding accepted?
Yes. We accept Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) funding for eligible veterans, which can mean no out-of-pocket cost with a valid referral. For others, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates on individual sessions, and no referral is needed to book privately. Contact us and we can explain the pathways and match you with an experienced clinician.
How common is PTSD in veterans and first responders?
Rates of PTSD are higher in these groups than in the general community, because the work involves repeated exposure to traumatic and high-pressure situations. Australian research suggests emergency services workers experience PTSD at notably higher rates than the wider population. That said, not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD, and effective, evidence-based support is available. Reaching out early tends to make recovery more straightforward.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.