DVA funded a four-year research trial through La Trobe University, in partnership with the Centre for Service and Therapy Dogs Australia (CSTDA), to provide detailed guidance and evidence to support best practice in the use of psychiatric assistance dogs for veterans with PTSD. Evolution Research were engaged to conduct the independent evaluation of the Trial.

The Trial’s objective was to train, allocate and monitor assistance dogs as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for veterans with PTSD, to determine the following outcomes: 

• the clinical utility of using specifically-trained assistance dogs as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for PTSD in a veteran population; 
• the benefits of specifically-trained assistance dogs used by veterans with PTSD in decreasing related caregiver burden; and 
• the key barriers and enablers for a possible future broader implementation of an assistance dog program of the type conducted under the Trial. 

The Trial evaluated the life experiences of 20 veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD through their journey of being paired with a specifically trained assistance dog. The veteran’s journey commenced at the time of recruitment and initial assessment, involvement in a comprehensive training program and matching of a dog to meet their unique needs. Following completion of the training program and preparedness the veteran received handover of their dog to live with them full time. 

Of the 20 veterans recruited, a total of 17 completed the Trial on 30 June 2022 and continue to live with their dog. The three veterans that did not complete the Trial voluntarily withdrew due to personal circumstances. Exit interviews to capture their experiences were conducted and noted in the evaluation report.

The Trial was successful in meeting its objectives and the evaluation findings and recommendations are being considered by DVA’s Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program for opportunities to enhance delivery of the Program.

The following comments were captured from trial participants and support persons during the evaluation and are included in the report

“I can’t express enough how much this program has been of benefit. I have little doubt that my service dog has saved my life” – Veteran John

“My wife says she “has the old me back”, my parents have commented on the change the dog has had on me, with comments such as…”we haven’t seen this bloke in 20yrs” – Veteran Brian

“I have more freedoms to do things that I like without feeling guilty or worrying about my husband. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication, patience and care shown to not only my husband but our entire family” - Support Person Jenny

“Conversations about difficult subjects have become approachable and easier. Our communication has improved in all aspects of our life” – Support Person Susan

This Rapid Evidence Assessment investigates the research literature analysing the risk factors for ex-serving personnel entering corrective services systems in Australia and/or other relevant jurisdictions. The report examines and synthesises recent research evidence regarding risk factors for entry into corrective services systems by ex-serving personnel across the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

This report overviews and contextualises the Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study methodology, describes the study populations and presents the key findings from the first two technical reports of the Study, Mental Health Prevalence and Pathways to Care. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study is one of three studies that comprise the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme.

Independent studies by Professor David Dunt - As part of its election commitment, the Australian Government committed to conduct a study to examine the broad issue of suicide in the ex-service community, including a number of specific cases of suicide over the past three years, to help identify the following:

• ex-service members who are at increased risk of self harm
• common contributing factors among ex-service members who have committed or attempted suicide
• the extent of suicide in the ex-service community
• lifestyle or other factors that may be contributing to suicide in the ex-service community
• recommended administrative reforms or initiatives to help combat suicide in the ex-service community.

The Government appointed Professor David Dunt to undertake the study. Professor Dunt is a public health specialist and epidemiologist with major interests in health program evaluation and health services research.  He was also appointed to conduct the Review of Mental Health Care in the Australian Defence Force and Transition through Discharge (Defence website).

Prof. Dunt presented his study to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in February 2009. The Minister announced the Government’s response (PDF 149 KB) in May 2009.

Terms of reference

The terms of reference for the study were developed in consultation with the National Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum.

See: Suicide study terms of reference (PDF 47 KB)

The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence rate of substance use disorder in contemporary ex-serving veterans. Specifically, nicotine, alcohol, drug, and non-specified substance use disorder prevalence rates will be reviewed.

This aim of this review was to assess the current standing of public and self-anti-stigma interventions and investigate what has been shown to be an effective intervention to reduce stigma at the public and individual level.

The aim of this review was to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of a number of therapies considered to be emerging interventions for the treatment of adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Three broad categories of emerging interventions for the treatment of adults with PTSD were considered. These included psychological interventions (mindfulness and power therapies), physical therapies (acupuncture), and a range of experiential psychotherapies including adventure therapy, art therapy, music therapy, or animal therapy (canine therapy, equine therapy).

The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of stepped care for the treatment of adults with depression or anxiety disorders. In consultation with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) a number of focal conditions were identified and the evidence to support the use of stepped care in the treatment of these was reviewed. This was an iterative process between ACPMH and DVA to capture the conditions of most relevance to DVA. The conditions initially identified were depressive disorders and anxiety disorders (i.e. GAD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)); however, an initial search of the literature suggested that other anxiety disorders such as OCD might also be considered, as well as anxiety disorders and symptoms thereof taken together.

The aim of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to hallucinogenic drug interventions for PTSD, anxiety, and depression in adults.

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to conduct a review of the scientific evidence regarding whether occupational exposures to jet fuels and specified solvents of most relevance to the military were associated with risks to the reproductive health of women.