What is the prevalence rate for substance use disorder in contemporary ex-serving veterans?

18 March 2026
Overview

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.

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period

What strategies are effective for reducing the stigma associated with mental health disorder?

18 March 2026

Evidence Profile

Summary Report

Technical Report

Overview

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.

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period

What emerging interventions are effective for the treatment of adults with PTSD?

18 March 2026
Overview

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).

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period

Is stepped care an effective model for the delivery of treatment for depression and anxiety?

18 March 2026
Overview

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.

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period

What are effective interventions for veterans with sleep disturbances?

18 March 2026
Overview

The aim of the current review was to examine the scientific literature for evidence of effective interventions for veterans with sleep disturbances. It is important to note that guidelines and several systematic reviews exist for the treatment of insomnia in adults however; there were no specific guidelines or systematic reviews pertaining to the treatment of sleep disturbances and/or insomnia in veterans specifically. Findings from civilian adult populations may not necessarily apply to veterans, who differ from community samples in several ways, including higher rates of psychiatric disorders and military-related causes of sleep disturbances. As such, veterans with sleep disturbances may differ in response to treatment compared to a community population.

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period
Subcategory Topic

What are the effective interventions for veterans with problematic anger and aggression?

18 March 2026
Overview

Despite increasing numbers of veterans returning from deployment with problematic anger and aggression, the treatment of anger within this population has not been thoroughly investigated. In contrast to areas of research such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there has been comparatively little attention directed toward other less clinically prominent behavioural outcomes of combat exposure that still have the potential to adversely impact the health and well-being of returning service members. The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment was to examine the scientific literature for evidence of effective interventions veterans with problematic anger and aggression.

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period
Subcategory Topic

What are effective psychological or multi-modal interventions for adults experiencing chronic pain?

18 March 2026
Overview

In the past decade there has been growing recognition of the psychosocial factors that increase vulnerability to chronic pain, and a shift towards focusing on psychological interventions that may address some of these vulnerabilities. The aim of the current review was to examine the efficacy of psychological interventions and multi-modal interventions that include a psychological component, for the treatment of chronic pain. This REA focused on those categories of psychological and multi-modal therapies that are most commonly used to treat chronic pain in adults, and which were identified as being of most relevance to DVA. Specifically, the REA examined literature relating to the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), multidisciplinary pain management programs (MPMPs), mindfulness-based interventions and behavioural therapy.

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period
Subcategory Topic

Is online video counselling at least equally acceptable and equally as effective as in-person counselling?

18 March 2026
Overview

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to investigate the efficacy of one-to-one online video counselling for the treatment of adults with mental health concerns and compare this treatment with traditional in-person counselling in terms of clinical outcomes, therapeutic alliance, client satisfaction and attrition.

First Author
Research Publication Type
Service Period

Hallucinogens as treatment for PTSD, anxiety and depression

18 March 2026
Overview

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.

First Author
Service Period
Subcategory Topic

The importance of sport for veteran physical and mental wellbeing

18 March 2026
Overview

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence to investigate the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities and whether these benefits are linked to the type of sporting activity being undertaken.

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to examine the evidence to investigate the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities and whether these benefits are linked to the type of sporting activity being undertaken.

Research Publication Type
Service Period