Joint Health Command

Directorate of Mental Health

About Us

The Directorate of Mental Health (DMH) is a multi-disciplinary Joint Health Command Directorate that consists of uniformed and civilian specialists from medical, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, chaplains, social workers and administrative staff. DMH is located in Canberra and there are Mental Health Teams throughout Australia and operationally on overseas deployment who help provide support to Defence members and their families.

What is our main aim

To provide timely, evidence based mental health support to Commanders and Australian Defence Force (ADF) members through the development of policy, training and treatment programs which, while evidence based, is adapted to the special conditions found in military service.

What We Provide

DMH has an integrated, multi-disciplinary focus for the delivery of a broad spectrum of mental health services, including mental health promotion, training, prevention, early identification, treatment and rehabilitation. We recognise that mental health is not solely related to diagnosable mental disorders, but encompasses a broad range of lifestyle, mental wellbeing and job performance factors. Through the ADF Mental Health Strategy (MHS) we are able to focus on prevention and evidence-based treatment to maximise retention and enhance the quality of life for Defence personnel.

We have six key initiatives:

• Integration and Enhancement of ADF Mental Health Services,

• ADF Mental Health Research and Surveillance,

• Enhanced Resilience and Wellbeing in the ADF;

• ADF Critical Incident Mental Health Support,

• ADF Suicide Prevention Program, and

• ADF Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Service.

Should you wish to provide feedback on the ADF Mental Health Strategy Internet Pages or have any enquiries, please Email DMH.mentalhealth@defence.gov.au

24 November, 2009