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Medicine-Assisted Therapy for Veterans Queensland

Assessment and Pathways

Exploring Medicine-Assisted Therapy as a Veteran

If you’re a DVA card holder in Queensland with treatment-resistant PTSD or depression, you may be eligible for Medicine-Assisted Therapy through DVA’s funding pathway. This page will help you understand the requirements and there is a self-screening assessment tool to determine if you may be suitable for further clinical evaluation.

If you are new to Medicine-Assisted Therapy, this may be a good place to begin:

Begin Here to Learn about Medicine-Assisted Therapy

Understanding the DVA Funding Pathway

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) now provides a specific funding pathway for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) under strict conditions. This is considered a fourth-line treatment, meaning it is only accessible after other evidence-based therapies have been exhausted.

Eligibility Criteria to apply for DVA Funding:
* Gold Card holders, or White Card holders  
* Clinical Diagnosis: A confirmed diagnosis of PTSD or Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
* Evidence of treatment history including multiple standard treatments of both medication and therapy that have been unsuccessful.
* The process must be led by a TGA-Authorised Prescribing Psychiatrist.

The Multidisciplinary Approach

Medicine-Assisted Therapy requires integrated care from multiple disciplines to ensure safety and efficacy. As a psychology clinic, our role is to provide the psychological framework that supports the safety and efficacy of long-term treatment outcomes including screening, preparation, active therapeutic support during medicine, and integration therapy. Our clinic works closely with TGA Authorised Prescriber psychiatrists who oversee the medical aspects of treatment, ensuring all clinical, and regulatory requirements are met across the depth and breath of the full treatment protocol.

Self-Assessment Screening & Pathway Identification

This self-assessment quiz helps you to determine if your history may align with the DVA’s strict funding requirements. It is a screening tool and does not constitute a medical diagnosis or a guarantee of treatment.

Disclaimer: All treatments involving restricted medicines are administered under the TGA’s Authorised Prescriber Scheme. We do not promote the use of any specific Schedule 8 or Schedule 9 substances. All treatment decisions are made by registered medical practitioners based on a comprehensive clinical assessment of risks and benefits. Funding is subject to DVA approval, submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Our clinic provides the documentation required for the DVA to make an informed decision.

This assessment and the information on this page are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or replace consultation with qualified healthcare practitioners.

Please note: If you are in immediate distress or experiencing a mental health emergency, contact: your GP, OpenArms (for Veterans & Families) 1800 011 046 or Lifeline 13 11 14 – if you are at imminent risk of harm to yourself or someone else call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the DVA pay for Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

    Under DVA's recently announced funding pathway, eligible veterans may access Medicine-Assisted Therapy with costs paid directly by DVA to approved treatment providers in two stages.

    1. Screening Assessment: DVA funds the initial screening process to determine if you're clinically suitable for treatment. This screening is mandatory and conducted by Authorised Prescribers and Clinical Psychologists working within Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) approved Medicine-Assisted Therapy programs.

    2. Treatment Funding: If you satisfy the screening requirements and are deemed suitable, DVA will fund the full treatment protocol at approved Medicine-Assisted Therapy clinics.

  • Can my regular Psychologist do this treatment?

    Unfortunately not. This treatment is part of a full treatment protocol that has been approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and led by an Authorised Prescribing Psychiatrist and Clinical Psychologist. Our clinic run approved protocols for PAP.

  • Should my psychologist write a letter?

    A letter from your current treating psychologist or psychiatrist can be helpful but is not required to begin the assessment process. If you meet the initial DVA criteria (determined through the quiz above or discussion with our Administration Team), our clinical Medicine-Assisted Therapy team will gather all necessary information on your behalf as part of the formal assessment process.

    Important: All DVA funding applications for Medicine-Assisted Therapy must be completed and submitted by the approved clinic and Authorised Prescriber providing the treatment. You do not need to manage this process yourself.

    If you already have a letter from your current provider, you're welcome to provide it, but our team will guide you through what's needed at each stage.

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