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Mental health & well being

The Australian Government recognises that mental health disorders arising from war or other military operations can place significant stress on veterans and their families. Promoting better mental health in veterans and their families is one of the key elements in meeting the health care needs of the veteran community. Towards Mental Health For The Veteran Community acknowledges this impact, and sets out a positive, integrated response.

The policy was developed as an essential tool in our pro-active approach to improving the integration and coordination of mental health services. It is the result of extensive consultation with veterans, their families and health specialists to improve our understanding of the extent and nature of the mental health needs in the veteran community.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) is working closely with other partners in the National Mental Health Strategy on a collaborative approach towards improving mental health care for veterans and their families. Towards Better Mental Health for the Veteran Community also acknowledges the importance the Australian Government places on a continued close working relationship between DVA and the Department of Defence.

Towards Better Mental Health for the Veteran Community was first released in February 2001 and was reprinted in August 2002 in response to the strong support from the veteran community and mental health service providers.

For more information refer: http://www.dva.gov.au/health/younger/mhealth/policy/pdfs/mhpolicy.pdf

Page currency, Latest update: 20 September, 2007