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.

The 'Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study' led by Mr Robert Cornall AO was released in December 2018. The aim of this study was to recommend the most suitable advocacy model for Australian veterans and families. You can learn more about this in the Terms of Reference.

Read more about reviews and reports on the veteran advocacy system.

This report investigates technology and its use for physical and mental health programs.

The Technology Use and Wellbeing Report is one of the first studies worldwide to investigate the use of the internet and new and emerging programs and technologies that support the wellbeing and mental health of serving and ex-serving military members. Specifically, this report investigates technology and its use for physical and mental health programs, including implications for future health-service delivery in the ADF and veteran community.

This report is part of the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme, which is the most comprehensive study undertaken in Australia on the impact of military service on the mental, physical and social health of serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families. The Programme is made up of three studies, with this report comprising part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Transition Study. The other two studies are Impact of Combat and Family Wellbeing.

The Strategic Research Framework (SRF) sets out the principles, objectives and priorities for DVA to facilitate research and evaluation in areas of special strength or need as identified in priority research areas. Research and analysis help to identify emerging issues facing the veteran and defence communities and their families, and are integral to developing effective departmental policy, shaping service delivery responses, and evaluating programs and pilots.

This report was funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to assess available literature on the psychological and vocational outcomes of delivering support services to the families of veterans at times of high family stress. The review considered interventions being provided to veterans in Australia, and other English speaking countries who may have similar veteran experiences.  

The literature review was undertaken in the context of the growing body of research and policy evidence suggesting that veterans can be challenged by transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) into civilian life, with a consequential direct negative impact on the wellbeing of the veteran and family members. The aim of this literature review was to examine available peer reviewed research regarding the support available to families of veterans in order to inform the establishment of a policy framework.

• The review yielded 34 results, primarily considering the experiences of veterans and their families in the United States. The absence of peer-reviewed literature from New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom highlights that this topic is one that is still in its infancy.
• Overall, studies indicated that family involvement in care was most definitely a contributing factor to veterans achieving positive psychological and interpersonal outcomes. The review noted that younger veterans, in particular, liked the message of family involvement, the use of digital support tools and therapy that accommodated childcare needs.
• While the literature highlights some potential programs which could assist Australian veterans and their families, including online education tools for adults and children, the need for further research in this area is apparent, specifically in the Australian context.

The Review of PTSD Group Treatment Programs was undertaken by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) to ensure that services offered to clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) were evidence-based and met the needs of both older and contemporary veteran cohorts.

This review came about following a recommendation out of the Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-Service Community, undertaken by Professor David Dunt in 2009 comprised two phases. The first was a literature review of evidence-based best practice treatment for PTSD.

The second phase critically reviewed PTSD programs offered by providers contracted to DVA. This included the process of referral, the programs themselves, discharge planning and follow-up.

The report offers guidance on the next phase of group treatment programs and DVA will work closely with providers and the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health to ensure treatment programs better met the needs of contemporary veterans. Changes to programs will only be implemented where more effective treatment and improved treatment outcomes for participants will be achieved.

The final report, Examination of the Potential Exposure of RAN Personnel to Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins and Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans via Drinking Water, was submitted by the National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX) and Queensland Health Scientific Services to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in December 2002.

The aim of the study was to investigate the potential for exposure of sailors to contaminants via drinking water during the Vietnam War. On Navy ships and Army small ships, potable water was produced from evaporative distillation of surrounding estuarine water. This water may have contained contaminants in solution.

The purpose of this report is to collate evidence gleaned from the international research literature, as well as the personal experiences of claimants, family members, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) personnel, in order to inform our understanding of the relationship between applying for compensation and adverse mental health outcomes.