Online Case Formulation Training Program – Veterans’ Mental Health

5 May 2014

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, today launched a new Case Formulation e-learning programme to assist clinicians prioritise multiple conditions and adopt a case formulation and treatment planning approach with their clients.

The Minister showcased some of the other resources that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has developed to support the mental health and well-being of the new generation of Australian veterans and their families.

DVA offers a range of free online training programmes to increase the knowledge and skills of mental health providers who treat serving and ex-serving personnel.

The e-learning programmes are available to all mental health providers, and deliver insight into the unique veteran experience and the specific mental health issues veterans face.

“The mental health of veterans is a key priority for the Coalition Government and part of this is ensuring that mental health practitioners are able to respond to the needs of contemporary veterans,” Senator Ronaldson said.

“Veterans commonly present with comorbid disorders and complex needs that require careful treatment planning. Military personnel have a unique occupational experience.”

“Addressing the mental health needs of veterans is a challenge not only for DVA, but for all governments as well as for veterans and their families. It is clear to me that early intervention is undoubtedly the surest way to minimise the risk of escalating symptoms which in the worst cases can lead to tragic loss of life.”

“I am pleased that we have been able to partner with tertiary institutions, like the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, in developing these evidence-based resources.”

“The ongoing development of new resources and professional tools means that mental health providers are much better prepared to recognise mental health problems, intervene early and provide effective treatments,” Senator Ronaldson concluded.

For further information on Online Case Formulation Training Programme and other veteran mental health related education programmes, please go to the At Ease website.

Media inquiries: Minister Ronaldson: Brad Rowswell 6277 7820 or 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) and Veterans Line can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546)