With a DVA Card, veterans can access fully funded mental health care—no diagnosis or proof of service-related cause required. Support is just a step away. Click here.
DVA Mental Health Admissions for Veterans | Townsville
We are a Tier 1 provider for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) providing Veteran Care backed by lived experience.
Veteran & DVA Mental Health Care in Townsville
Supporting those who serve — and their families
Townsville Private Clinic is a Tier 1 provider for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) — the highest level of recognition DVA awards — giving veterans priority access to specialised mental health care. Veterans holding a DVA Card can access fully funded treatment with no diagnosis or proof of service-related cause required. Our team includes veterans and individuals with Defence experience, whose lived understanding of military life shapes the care we provide.
Looking for more detail? Explore our related pages below for further support and information.
DVA Services at Townsville Private Clinic
Why Choose Us as a Tier 1 DVA Provider
Townsville Private Hospital is proud to support the health and wellbeing of our veteran community.
As a Tier 1 provider, we’ve achieved the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ highest level of recognition, ensuring veterans receive priority access to specialised mental health services tailored to their unique challenges. We also actively employ veterans and individuals with defence experience, whose lived understanding of military life enhances our ability to deliver compassionate, relevant care to those who’ve served.
As part of this esteemed relationship, we provide a variety of psychiatric services to veterans and war widows, including:
- Pre-admission and discharge planning support
- Assistance in the coordination and streamlining of care
- Referrals to appropriate services and resources
- Our Veteran Liaison Officer works with ex-service organisations to coordinate DVA visits and provide information support.
- Acting as a single point of contact for DVA patients, their families, carers, ex-service organisations, and the DVA, particularly regarding the resolution of concerns and problems
- General health and lifestyle education, and counselling
Who should go to Townsville Private Clinic?
Our program is designed with the unique needs of veterans in mind, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can heal and thrive. With a team of experienced professionals and a range of therapeutic options, we are committed to helping veteran personnel who are suffering from the following achieve their best possible mental health.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Dual Diagnosis (e.g., substance abuse with anxiety or depression)
- Other mental health challenges related to military service
Meet the team behind the care
Paul Haughton
With over 40 years of experience in the British and Australian Army, I bring a wealth of knowledge from my lived military experience. I’ve had the privilege of operating in various countries, which has enriched my understanding of the unique challenges faced by our veteran community.
I began my nursing career in the Emergency Department before transitioning into Mental Health, where I have worked in both adult acute and adolescent inpatient settings, as well as serving as a nurse educator.
I am eager to embrace the challenges ahead and am committed to sharing my knowledge and experience with fellow staff members and our patients. Together, we can enhance our care practices and make a positive impact on those we serve.
The At Ease Unit: Stigma-Free Care for Veterans & First Responders
Our At EASE Unit is a dedicated facility offering specialised, stigma-free mental health support for military personnel and first responders. As part of our Tier 1 DVA-recognised services, the unit provides early intervention, personalised care, and targeted day programs designed to strengthen resilience and reduce the impact of PTSD, anxiety, and other service-related challenges. Led by a multidisciplinary team—including our Veteran Liaison Officer with over four decades of military experience—the unit fosters a safe, empathetic environment where those who serve can access the care they need to recover, reconnect, and thrive.
DVA-Approved Treatment Programs
Inpatient Program
Our veteran-focused program is meticulously designed to address the diverse mental health needs of veterans, including conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and dual diagnosis. This comprehensive program offers a holistic approach to mental health care, ensuring that each veteran receives personalized and effective treatment.
Day Programs
Townsville Private Clinic provides comprehensive and intensive DVA Approved treatment programs for a wide range of mental health concerns. An experienced team of mental health professionals facilitate our programs, and patient attendance is under the care of their admitting Psychiatrist.
See our list below for a summary of DVA-Approved program - please contact us to confirm avaiablity.
Trauma Response Program
The Trauma Recovery Program (TRP) sessions provide skills and techniques to manage PTSD more effectively, understand its impact on oneself and others, as well as fostering a support network for participants. This program also offers individual therapy sessions alongside the group program.
*Please note this group is for ADF/ DVA or First Responders only
Beyond the Uniform
Beyond the Uniform provides vital resources, education, and practical skills to help manage the emotional and psychological challenges that may arise during the transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to civilian life. An 8-week free psychoeducation course designed to support veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force transitioning to civilian life following medical discharge.
Safe Recovery Program
This program may be useful for people diagnosed with PTSD or who have experienced trauma in their life and would like to gain a deeper understanding of this issue and find skills and strategies to cope better in life. This program is for those who do not meet the criteria for the Trauma Recovery Program (TRP) i.e they are not ADF/DVA or first responders. *Please Note* The PCL5 is required in addition to the referral form for this program.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Veterans (DBT-V)
The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Veterans Program is suitable for Veterans or current serving Defence members of the Australian Defence Force, and who are struggling with managing intense emotions or moods, display impulsive behaviours, or who are having difficulties in their relationships.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy program aims to give participants the opportunity to look at various aspects of their lives that they may find challenging. It is designed for people who want to identify, understand, and change unhelpful patterns of thinking which may by negatively affecting their day-to-day life.
Dealing with Distress
This program is skills based and assists participants to tolerate intense feelings and learn to manage impulsive or unhelpful behaviours. It is based on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) principles and combines standard Cognitive Behavioural and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques and for emotion regulation and reality testing with concepts of mindful awareness, distress tolerance, effective communication, and the process of acceptance.
Food and Mood
Improving diet with a solid nutritional foundation can be part of an individual’s mental health wellness toolbox. The Mood & Food program provides the knowledge, skills and support to assist patients to move towards healthier food choices. It may be useful for individuals diagnosed with mood disorder and who would like to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of food and nutrition on their mental health and looking for ways to improve their nutrition. They will experience learning modules, check your knowledge activities, reflective practice activities, goal setting, meal planning, and recipe selection as well as scheduled homework practice to enhance their learning.
Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder (ASUD)
Alcohol and substance use disorders are frequently associated with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, medical health problems and social problems. This program is designed to assist people who misuse alcohol, drugs or prescription medications and / or have issues with dependency or problematic behaviours as a result of their usage.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The ACT program is based on the principle of accepting what is out of your personal control while committing to taking values-based action to enrich your life and make it more meaningful. The aim of the group is for individuals to learn to handle painful thoughts and feelings in such a way that they have less impact and influence (mindfulness skills), and to clarify what is truly important and meaningful (clarify values). It teaches participants to use this knowledge to guide, inspire and motivate themselves to set goals and take action that enriches their life.
Contact Us
For up-to-date program information, including sessions times, please contact the Townsville Private Clinic Day Programs Team.
P: 07 4431 1600
E: townsville@aurocurahealth.com.au
How to Get Started
1. You're covered — If you hold a DVA Card, you're eligible for fully funded mental health care, no diagnosis required.
2. Get a referral — Ask your GP, psychiatrist or treating specialist to refer you to Townsville Private Clinic, or submit a referral directly below.
3. Talk to our Veteran Liaison Officer — We'll explain the DVA process, and answer any questions before you commit.
4. We coordinate the rest — From admission through to discharge planning, our team liaises directly with DVA on your behalf.
Supporting Our Community
We know that meaningful change happens when communities come together. Through this partnership, we're honoured to help raise awareness, strengthen local support networks and contribute to making a positive difference in the lives of veterans and their loved ones.
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