DVA Psychologist
Supporting Veterans with compassion, strength, and understanding
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Psychological support for veterans from someone who’s served
As a DVA-affiliated and Open Arms psychologist, I provide evidence-based mental health support for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
Before becoming a psychologist, I served in the Royal Australian Air Force. I understand the structure, culture and pressures of military life, along with the challenges that can follow transition into civilian life. You won’t need to spend half your session explaining acronyms, rank structures or service culture. I already understand, and I recognise what that transition can carry.
If you’re navigating transition, relationship strain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or simply feeling unsettled after service, support is available. You do not need to be in crisis to seek help.
I work with DVA Gold and White Card holders and eligible ADF members, and sessions are delivered in line with Department of Veterans’ Affairs referral pathways.
What is a DVA psychologist?
A DVA-affiliated psychologist provides mental health support to veterans of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in association with the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA).
Sometimes, you might hear these mental health professionals referred to more broadly as 'veterans' psychologists'.
A veteran’s psychologist understands the unique needs of the veteran community and is trained in recognising and resolving common concerns in this field. They understand the issues without you needing to over-explain yourself or your experiences.
They don't just service military veterans – they can also assist the families of veterans, who might also have questions and concerns relating to their family member's service.
Benefits of working with a psychologist as a veteran
Military service is an extremely complicated and difficult field of work – as well as a way of life. A veteran’s psychologist needs to understand this complexity and be able to tailor their support to meet these challenges. Working with someone who has experience in this area – and someone like me who has lived military experience – can be crucial to understanding the mental health challenges that can come along with military service.
Therapy Methodologies for DVA Clients
I'm trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapy modalities suitable for veterans’ mental health treatment. I also recognise that sometimes, it's not just a one-technique approach that's necessary. Especially for veterans who might have a complex constellation of concerns and complex needs, I can provide a range of evidence-based, trauma-focused therapies, and tailor them to your needs.
These strategies and methodologies include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Schema Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
- Gottman Method
When to seek DVA mental health support
As a veteran, you are entitled to receive support to help manage mental health challenges linked to your military service.
You do not need to feel as if you are in crisis to reach out – counselling can help you manage challenges, no matter how big or small they might seem when you face them alone.
How a DVA-affiliated psychologist can help you
There is no perfect, singular reason to seek support, but these are some of the most common reasons that veterans bring when seeking my services.
Transitioning to civilian life
Whether it's feelings of unpreparedness or fear at the loss of structure or identity, transitioning to civilian life presents serious emotional challenges that shouldn't be underestimated. Working with a psychologist can give you strategies and stability during this period of change.
Relationship/ Interpersonal difficulties
Military service can put strain on personal relationships of all kinds – with partners, with friends, and with family. Veterans shouldn't have to manage the struggle alone, or feel alone in their stresses: a DVA-affiliated mental health professional can provide essential support and stability to strengthen relationships and general well-being.
PTSD, depression, and anxiety
As the mental health conditions most commonly associated with military service, a therapist who specialises in working with veterans will be well-positioned to help recognise and manage these conditions.
Why veterans choose Brendon Wright Psychology
Qualified clinical psychologist
I hold a Masters of Clinical Psychology as well as an Honours Degree in Psychological Science. I'm also registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), so you can have confidence that I'm always operating within evidence-based frameworks.
Lived experience of military service
I have a background in the Royal Australian Air Force, giving me a deep understanding of the struggles and transitions that come as part of a military life. I am dedicated to helping ex-military personnel improve their well-being and have experience in a range of therapy approaches that can help achieve this.
Understanding and supportive mental health care
Especially if you've never sought treatment before, the process of coming to a psychologist can be pretty daunting. I pride myself on creating a flexible and understanding environment that gives you time to tell your own story and navigate your own challenges with plenty of support along the way.
Extensive training and knowledge
I've had both extensive training and extensive experience across a truly diverse range of mental health care services. From private practice to working in prison mental health services, I'm extremely well prepared to handle a whole variety of mental health support challenges. No matter how simple or complex, I'm Brendon Wright, and I'm here to help.
FAQs
Embark on a journey towards mental well-being with our experienced, compassionate guidance.
If you're a current full-time serving member of the Australian Defence Force or a former full-time serving member, you are likely to be eligible for support through the DVA. Family members of these veterans are also, in many cases, eligible. Veteran Gold Card Holders, as well as White Card Holders (for certain conditions), are eligible: your psychologist will be able to let you know if you meet the criteria.
First, you'll need a valid referral from your general practitioner to a DVA-affiliated psychologist. Once the psychologist accepts your referral, they handle the billing with DVA, so you don't have to complete any further steps to claim your benefit.
It's not always about a specific diagnosis or a mental illness – sometimes it's just about navigating life's challenges. For veterans, those challenges can be extremely varied and complex, which is why it's still completely acceptable to come and see a psychologist or other medical specialist with issues related to your service that you might not consider to be conventionally defined as mental health challenges.
Your first session can be daunting – especially if you've never seen a mental health professional before. Our first session will cover an initial assessment to see if we're a good match: we can talk through the challenges you're experiencing and any goals you've got for our sessions. It's also okay not to have any goals just yet! I'll guide you through, so don't feel pressured to prepare more than you're willing to.
Veterans can seek up to 12 sessions with an allied health provider per year before needing a new referral from their GP. Your referral from your GP will also be valid for a year after its issue date, so don't feel like you have to rush into starting sessions before you're ready.
Yes. Telehealth sessions are available for DVA clients on request. Prior to your appointment, you will receive a secure link to join the session. Fees, referral requirements and billing arrangements remain the same as in-person appointments.
