Trauma - Managing Mental Health Reactions to Major Disasters and Traumas

Where to Go for Help

There are a range of services available in Defence for serving members, families and Defence civilians.

Mental Health Resources

All Hours Support Line (ASL)
The ASL is a confidential telephone triage support service for ADF members and their families that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. <1800 628 036> (FREECALL within Australia) and <61 2 9425 3878> (outside Australia).

Local Medical Centres
Your local medical officer can provide immediate assistance and referrals as required.

Psychology Support Section
All Psychology Support Sections offer a 24 hour emergency service that can be accessed through your local Duty Officer/Officer of the Day.

Defence Community Organisation
From 27 February 2012 Defence families seeking advice, support or connection with their local community can call 1800 624 608.

The new Defence Family Helpline, run by the Defence Community Organisation, operates 24–7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists.

The Defence Family Helpline is for ADF members, their partners, children and relatives for whom the member has primary responsibility. Commanders can also call the Helpline when seeking support for an ADF member or information on support services available to Defence families.

The helpline can be called on 1800 624 608 or emailed at DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au.

Visit the http://www.defence.gov.au/dco website for more information.

Chaplains
There are Chaplains connected to most units throughout Australia who can provide support and appropriate referrals.

Defence Family Helpline
The new Defence Family Helpline, run by the Defence Community Organisation, operates 24–7 and is staffed by qualified human services professionals including social workers and psychologists. The Defence Family Helpline is for ADF members, their partners, children and relatives for whom the member has primary responsibility. Commanders can also call the Helpline when seeking support for an ADF member or information on support services available to Defence families. The helpline can be called on 1800 624 608 or emailed at DefenceFamilyHelpline@defence.gov.au.

Defence Civilian Employment Assistance Program
IPS offers confidential counselling at 200 locations throughout Australia to Defence civilians. During working hours call 1 300 36 6789 or for after hours crisis telephone counselling call 1800 451138.

Lifeline
131 114> If you, or a friend, need to talk to someone about a problem immediately, you can call Lifeline for the cost of a local call.

Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service (VVCS)
This service is available to veterans of all deployments and their families. VETLINE – 24 hour emergency line (Sydney/Canberra) <1800 011 046>