BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
DVA is committed to supporting veterans to achieve improved mental health and wellbeing outcomes by providing access to a range of programs and treatment options.
From 1 July 2023, new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment resistant depression using psychedelic drugs were approved for use in Australia. The treatment was not immediately available to veterans, however the Repatriation Commission, and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission has now approved DVA to fund psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP), which includes MDMA for the treatment of PTSD and psilocybin for the treatment of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD).
PAP is not a first line treatment. Rather, recipients of this treatment will need to have undertaken current treatment options without success prior to being eligible for PAP treatment.
To ensure that veterans can access PAP in a safe manner, DVA requires veterans and medical providers to meet strict guidelines. Only psychiatrists who are authorised by the TGA will be eligible to request funding on behalf of veterans with severe PTSD and/or TRD.
There is only one funding pathway for PAP treatment due to its status as an emerging therapy. This requires the authorised psychiatrist applying for funding and being approved prior to delivering the treatment. DVA will not agree to retrospective funding of treatment providers, and we are unable to reimburse veterans the treatment costs if they self-fund as a private patient.
PAP is an emerging treatment and there may be risks and side-effects that are not yet known. We will continue to monitor and review our funding position for PAP, alongside developing research regarding the efficacy and safety of MDMA and psilocybin as a treatment options in-line with the Therapeutic Goods Administration regulations and advice.
If you think you might benefit from PAP treatment, discuss this with your treating GP or mental health provider. They can provide you a referral to a PAP provider.
The approval of these treatments is encouraging news for the veteran community, particularly for those who have been diagnosed with PTSD or depression and have persistent symptoms despite undergoing usual evidence-based treatments. More information is available on the DVA website: www.dva.gov.au/what-we-help-with/your-mental-wellbeing/psychedelic-assi…
Current and former serving members of the ADF who have completed one day of full-time service are eligible to access fully funded mental health treatment for as long as clinically required through the Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC) program (mental health). Some reservists are also eligible. You do not need to prove that your condition is related to military service and there is no need to submit a claim for compensation. Visit www.dva.gov.au/free-mental-health-care
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Current serving personnel, veterans and families who are experiencing concerns about their mental health are encouraged to reach out for support. Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families. Free and confidential help is available 24/7. Call 1800 046 011 or visit www.openarms.gov.au
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Story courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Image by Max from Pixabay