Nundah Private Hospital provides specialist veteran mental health treatment in Brisbane for current and former Australian Defence Force personnel, DVA cardholders, and first responders. Our dedicated psychiatric team understands the complexity of service-related mental health conditions and delivers personalised, evidence-based care through inpatient, day program, and outpatient services -- with DVA-funded treatment available for eligible patients.
At Nundah Private Hospital, we recognise that military and emergency service backgrounds bring a unique set of experiences, stressors, and barriers to help-seeking. Our psychiatrist-led mood disorder, trauma, and mental health programs are structured to meet those needs -- combining medical expertise, evidence-based psychological therapies, and a care environment built around trust, clinical safety, and genuine specialist support.
We accept DVA White Card and Gold Card holders for eligible mental health admissions and programs, and our team can assist you and your referring practitioner with the DVA approval and referral process from the outset. Whether you are managing PTSD and trauma, depression, anxiety, or a combination of service-related conditions, Nundah Private offers a clear, supported pathway into specialist private mental health care in Brisbane.
Veteran mental health support in Brisbane is available through Nundah Private Hospital -- a dedicated 58-bed private psychiatric hospital providing psychiatrist-led inpatient, day program, and outpatient care for adults with service-related mental health conditions. DVA-funded treatment is available for eligible cardholders, and our team supports patients and referrers through the funding approval process.
Veterans and first responders face mental health challenges that are often more complex than those managed in a standard outpatient setting. Exposure to critical incidents, operational stress, moral injury, and the transition from service to civilian life can contribute to conditions including PTSD, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Accessing care through a specialist private hospital means your treatment is guided by an experienced Psychiatrist with access to a full multidisciplinary team -- not a single practitioner working in isolation.
At Nundah Private, we understand that many veterans and first responders approach mental health treatment cautiously -- often having managed symptoms for years before seeking specialist support. Our care model is built around evidence, clinical safety, and treating each person as an individual. We do not apply a one-size approach, and we do not require you to have all the answers before you reach out.
Veterans, defence personnel, and first responders are at elevated risk of a range of mental health conditions linked to occupational exposure, operational trauma, and the cumulative impact of service. Common conditions include PTSD, complex trauma, depression, anxiety disorders, moral injury, and substance use disorders. Many people present with more than one condition simultaneously, requiring integrated psychiatric and psychological treatment.
Conditions commonly treated through the veteran and first responder program at Nundah Private include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Acute stress disorder and adjustment disorder
Major depressive disorder and chronic depression
Anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety and panic disorder
Moral injury -- distress arising from actions taken or witnessed that conflict with deeply held values
Substance use disorders co-occurring with mental health conditions
Bipolar disorder and mood disorders
Burnout and occupational stress requiring structured clinical intervention
Veteran mental health treatment is most effective when it combines psychiatric assessment and medication management with evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to service-related conditions. At Nundah Private, treatment is delivered by an experienced Psychiatrist working within a multidisciplinary team, across inpatient and day program settings as clinically indicated.
All treatment begins with a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. Your Psychiatrist will take a thorough history covering your service background, mental health symptoms, previous treatment, medications, and current functioning. This assessment forms the basis of your personalised treatment plan and ensures any co-occurring conditions -- such as PTSD combined with depression or substance use -- are identified and addressed together rather than in isolation.
Psychological therapies are a core component of veteran mental health treatment. Nundah Private’s psychologists deliver evidence-based, trauma-focused therapies as part of a coordinated treatment plan. These may include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Group Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) andDialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.. Therapies are selected based on your presenting conditions, treatment history, and recovery goals -- not applied generically.
The appropriate level of care is determined following your psychiatric assessment. Inpatient admission provides 24-hour clinical support and is recommended where safety concerns, acute symptom severity, or medication stabilisation require a higher level of oversight. Structured day programs provide intensive therapeutic support for those who do not require inpatient admission but need more than standard outpatient appointments -- combining group therapy, individual therapy, psychoeducation, and allied health support within a structured daily schedule.
Your Psychiatrist will review, initiate, or adjust medication as part of your treatment plan. For veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or mood disorders, appropriate medication management is often an important component of stabilisation and recovery. Medication changes are monitored carefully throughout your admission or program, with your GP and any existing treating practitioners kept informed throughout the process.
Nundah Private Hospital is located in Brisbane’s inner north, approximately 15 minutes from the CBD. The hospital is a dedicated 58-bed private psychiatric facility with access via the Gateway Motorway, Clem Jones Tunnel, and public transport, making it accessible to veterans and defence community members across South East Queensland.
Our multidisciplinary team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, an Exercise Physiologist, Mental Health Nurses, Music and Art Therapists, and a Dietitian. Care is coordinated by a dedicated Care Coordinator assigned to each patient, who acts as your central point of contact throughout treatment and supports transitions between service levels as your clinical needs change.
DVA Gold Card holders are generally entitled to treatment for all mental health conditions at no cost, subject to DVA approval. DVA White Card holders are entitled to treatment for accepted service-related conditions. Both card types may cover inpatient psychiatric admissions and structured mental health day programs at approved private hospitals.
To access DVA-funded mental health treatment at Nundah Private, you will need a referral from your GP or treating practitioner to a Psychiatrist. DVA prior approval is required for inpatient admissions in most circumstances. Our Admissions Team will assist you and your referring practitioner with the approval process and provide clear information about any applicable out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. To begin, get in touch with our Admissions Team directly.
The veteran and DVA mental health program at Nundah Private is suitable for adults who may be experiencing service-related mental health conditions and require specialist hospital-based treatment. You may wish to consider the program if you:
are a current or former ADF member, DVA cardholder, or first responder (police, paramedic, firefighter) experiencing significant mental health symptoms
have been diagnosed with or are seeking assessment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, moral injury, or a co-occurring condition
are not finding sufficient support through your current outpatient GP or psychologist appointments
need a higher level of structured care, including inpatient admission or a structured day program
hold a DVA Gold Card or White Card and want to access DVA-funded private mental health treatment in Brisbane
are self-funding or using private health insurance, or transitioning between funding arrangements
have a referral from a GP, Psychiatrist, or treating practitioner for specialist psychiatric assessment
Comprehensive psychiatric assessment. Your Psychiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your mental health history, service background, current symptoms, existing medications, and recovery goals. This forms the foundation of your personalised treatment plan.
Personalised treatment planning. Your Psychiatrist and treating team will develop a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis, presentation, and level of care. This may include inpatient admission, day program participation, individual therapy, medication review, and allied health support.
Evidence-based psychological therapy. You will work with a Psychologist on therapies selected to address your specific conditions -- which may include group EMDR, TF-CBT, ACT or DBT, depending on your presentation and treatment goals.
Medication management and review. Your Psychiatrist will assess your current medications and recommend adjustments where appropriate. Medication response is monitored throughout treatment and communicated to your GP.
Structured group programs and allied health support. Depending on your treatment plan, you may participate in structured group programs covering trauma recovery, mood regulation, wellbeing skills, and sleep hygiene. Allied health support from Occupational Therapists, an Exercise Physiologist, Music and Art Therapists, and a Dietitian may also be integrated.
Regular review and stepped care. Your Psychiatrist and treating team will review your progress regularly. Care intensity can be stepped up or down based on your clinical needs, episode phase, and recovery progress across inpatient, day program, and outpatient levels of care.
Discharge planning and ongoing support. Before discharge, your team will develop a follow-up plan that may include outpatient appointments, community referrals, crisis planning, and connection to DVA community support services. Ongoing outpatient care is available through our on-site clinic as part of your care pathway.
Each patient at Nundah Private is supported by a dedicated Care Coordinator throughout their treatment. Your Care Coordinator acts as your central point of contact -- facilitating communication between your Psychiatrist, psychologist, nursing team, and allied health practitioners, and supporting you through transitions between levels of care. For veteran and DVA patients, your Care Coordinator also liaises with our Veteran Liaison Officer where appropriate.
Talk to your GP or treating doctor. Ask your GP or treating healthcare practitioner for a referral to a Psychiatrist with admitting rights to Nundah Private Hospital, specifying that you wish to access DVA-funded treatment if you are a cardholder. You can also contact our team directly on 07 3524 5555 for guidance. See our getting a referral page for full details.
Our Admissions Team will be in touch. Once we receive your referral, our Admissions Team will contact you to conduct a confidential phone assessment, confirm your DVA card status and funding eligibility, and obtain any DVA prior approval required for your admission or program.
Psychiatrist review and treatment confirmation. Your referral and assessment information is reviewed by a Psychiatrist. The team will confirm the recommended level of care, advise on funding arrangements and out-of-pocket costs, and guide you through the next steps before treatment begins.
Information for GPs and referrers: GPs and treating practitioners can refer DVA cardholders and other veterans directly to our Admissions Team for psychiatric assessment and mental health treatment. We are a DVA-approved provider and can assist with prior approval documentation. Contact our Admissions Team on 1800 231 444 or visit our referral process page for full details.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Open Arms -- Veterans and Families Counselling on 1800 011 046. In an emergency, call 000.
How do veterans access private mental health care in Brisbane?
Veterans access private mental health care through a referral from their GP or treating practitioner to a Psychiatrist. DVA cardholders may be eligible for DVA-funded treatment, which covers inpatient admissions and day programs at approved private hospitals. Contact the hospital’s Admissions Team directly for guidance on the referral process and DVA approval requirements.
What is the difference between a DVA Gold Card and a White Card for mental health treatment?
DVA Gold Card holders are generally entitled to hospital and specialist treatment for all health conditions, including mental health, at no cost to the patient -- subject to DVA approval. DVA White Card holders are entitled to treatment for conditions accepted by DVA as service-related. Both card types may cover private inpatient mental health admissions and structured day programs at approved hospitals. Your Admissions Team can confirm your entitlements before treatment begins.
Does DVA cover PTSD treatment in a private hospital?
Yes, in most circumstances. PTSD is an accepted condition under DVA for eligible cardholders. DVA Gold Card holders are covered for PTSD treatment regardless of whether it is service-related. White Card holders are covered where PTSD has been accepted as a service-related condition. Inpatient admissions typically require prior DVA approval. Our Admissions Team can assist with this process from the outset.
Can first responders access treatment at Nundah Private Hospital?
Yes. First responders -- including police officers, paramedics, and firefighters -- are welcome to access mental health treatment at Nundah Private. First responders are not eligible for DVA funding but may be covered through private health insurance, WorkCover, or self-funding arrangements. Our Admissions Team can assist with confirming your funding options. Contact us to discuss your situation and available pathways.
Does veteran mental health treatment require hospitalisation?
Not always. Inpatient admission is recommended where symptoms are acute, safety is a concern, or medication stabilisation requires a higher level of oversight. Many veterans and first responders are treated effectively through structured day programs or outpatient appointments without requiring an inpatient stay. The appropriate level of care is determined with your doctor following a comprehensive assessment.
Do I need a referral to access veteran mental health treatment in Brisbane?
Yes. Access to the program at Nundah Private Hospital requires a referral from a GP or treating healthcare practitioner to a Psychiatrist. DVA cardholders should advise their GP that they wish to access DVA-funded private treatment. Our team can assist with the process once a referral is in place. Visit our getting a referral page for more information.
Will there be out-of-pocket costs for DVA-funded treatment at Nundah Private?
For eligible DVA Gold Card holders, hospital-based mental health treatment is generally covered with no out-of-pocket costs. White Card holders are covered for accepted service-related conditions. In some circumstances, gap fees may apply -- particularly for specialist consultations billed above the DVA schedule fee. Our Admissions Team will confirm your specific entitlements and outline any applicable costs before your admission. See our payment information page for full details.
Seeking specialist mental health treatment takes courage -- and the right support makes a genuine difference. At Nundah Private Hospital, we provide dedicated veteran mental health care in Brisbane through a psychiatrist-led, evidence-based program that understands the unique pressures of service and the barriers that can make reaching out difficult.
Whether you are a veteran managing PTSD, a DVA cardholder seeking a funded private admission, a first responder looking for structured specialist care, or a GP seeking a clear referral pathway for a patient -- our Admissions Team is here to help. We support you through every step from initial contact to treatment and beyond.
To learn more about our veteran and DVA mental health program, or to discuss a referral, contact our team today.
