Open Arms Referrals
About Open Arms Referrals
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling is DVA’s free, confidential mental health and counselling service. It is for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families, however long they served and whatever their discharge status.
It offers individual, couples, family and group counselling, as well as crisis support. A referral can come from a GP or DVA, or a person can contact Open Arms themselves. A formal referral is not always needed to get started. It is a dedicated veteran and family service, separate from general mental health or disability services. Open Arms (1800 011 046, 24 hours a day) is the first contact for anyone who wants to use it or find out whether they qualify.
At a glance
- Free and confidential.
- For current and former ADF members and their families.
- Individual, couples, family and group counselling, plus crisis support.
- Phone 1800 011 046, 24 hours a day.
This is general information, not financial or funding advice. Program names, amounts and eligibility rules change over time. Always confirm current detail with the relevant official body before relying on it.
How to prepare before arranging support
- Phone Open Arms on 1800 011 046. The line is open 24 hours a day.
- Ask whether you qualify. It is for current and former ADF members and their families.
- A GP or DVA can refer you, but a formal referral is not always needed.
- Choose individual, couples, family or group counselling.
Information and records to have ready
- DVA card details and accepted-condition information
- Referral, assessment or prior-approval documents
- Treatment or support plan and relevant clinical instructions
- Provider quotes, service records and DVA correspondence
Questions to ask a provider
- Are you authorised or contracted for this DVA program?
- Is a referral or prior approval required before the first service?
- Will you bill DVA directly, and could the veteran have an out-of-pocket cost?
- How do you coordinate with treating professionals or a DVA case manager?
- What happens if DVA changes or declines the approval?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every card covers the same services
- Booking before referral or approval requirements are met
- Using a provider that cannot bill the relevant DVA program
- Treating disability registration as proof of DVA eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to use Open Arms?
A formal referral is not always needed. A GP or DVA can refer you, or you can contact Open Arms yourself on 1800 011 046, 24 hours a day.
Who can confirm what Open Arms Referrals means for me?
Ask the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. A provider can explain its services and billing, but it cannot make a binding funding decision for the responsible body.
Does a provider listing prove it accepts open arms referrals?
No. A directory or public-register listing describes a provider and the supports it lists. Confirm the funding arrangement, approval and current availability with the provider before booking.
What if the rules or my circumstances change?
Check the current guidance with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, tell your providers promptly and update written agreements or approvals before relying on the changed arrangement.
Official sources
Other Veterans topics
Browse providers or explore other funding topics.
Helpful reading
- NDIS jargon explained: the terms you will hear and what they mean: Plans, supports, coordinators, managers, registered providers: a plain-language glossary of the words that come up most often.
- NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
- Keeping records of your NDIS supports: a simple system: Good records make plan reviews, claim queries and changes of provider far easier. Here is a light-touch way to keep them.