Exercise Physiology for Veterans

Exercise Physiology services are available to eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients and are designed to support physical function, rehabilitation, pain management, and long-term health.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are allied health professionals trained to deliver safe, evidence-based exercise programs for people with injuries, chronic conditions, and complex health needs.

White Card Holders

Veterans who hold a DVA White Card may access exercise physiology services for accepted service-related conditions only.

This means:

Treatment must relate directly to a condition accepted by DVA

A valid referral from a GP or medical specialist is required

Services must be clinically necessary and goal-focused

White Card holders may also be eligible for treatment of:

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All mental health conditions
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Cancer (malignant neoplasm)
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Pulmonary tuberculosis
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Exercise physiology for White Card holders can be provided in a clinic, gym, at home, or via telehealth, where appropriate and supported by referral.

Gold Card Holders

Veterans with a DVA Gold Card are eligible to access exercise physiology services for any clinically necessary condition, not just service-related ones.

This allows support for a wide range of health needs, including (but not limited to):

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Chronic pain and injuries
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Post-surgical rehabilitation
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Cardiovascular and metabolic conditions
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Mobility, balance, and functional decline

Mental health conditions supported by exercise

Gold Card holders still require a valid referral, but have broader access to ongoing allied health support.

TPI (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated)

Veterans who are classified as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) are eligible for DVA-funded exercise physiology services without the standard treatment cycle limits.

For TPI veterans:

Ongoing exercise physiology can be provided as long as it remains clinically appropriate

Programs focus on maintaining function, independence, and quality of life

Treatment is tailored to individual capacity, health conditions, and long-term needs

Referrals and Treatment

To access DVA-funded exercise physiology:

A referral is required from a GP, specialist, hospital doctor, or discharge planner

Services must be delivered by an ESSA-accredited Exercise Physiologist registered with DVA

Treatment plans are individualised and reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing clinical benefit

Psychology for Veterans

Eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients can access funded psychology services when treatment is clinically required and provided by a registered psychologist.

Psychology services focus on practical, evidence-based support to improve mental health, resilience, coping strategies, and overall wellbeing.

White Card Holders

Veterans who hold a DVA White Card that covers mental health can access psychology services under Non-Liability Health Care, meaning treatment is available for all mental health conditions, regardless of whether they are formally accepted as service-related.

Treatment must be clinically necessary and supported by a valid referral.

Referrals and Appointments

To access DVA-funded psychology services:

A referral is required from a GP, psychiatrist, hospital doctor, or medical specialist

Referrals generally cover up to 12 sessions or 12 months, whichever comes first

Further referrals can be provided if additional support is clinically required

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or referral process, we can support you to help you get started.

Gold Card Holders

Veterans with a DVA Gold Card are eligible to access psychology services for any clinically necessary mental health condition.

This provides broad access to ongoing mental health care, including:

Short- or longer-term psychological support

Therapy focused on daily functioning and quality of life

Support alongside physical rehabilitation or health management

Gold Card holders are not limited to service-related conditions.

Types of Support

DVA card holds can access psychology support for concerns such as:

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Anxiety, depression, and stress
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Trauma-related symptoms
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Adjustment difficulties
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Sleep issues and mood changes
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TPI (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated)

Veterans classified as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) can access ongoing psychology services where treatment remains clinically appropriate.

Support focuses on:

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Long-term mental wellbeing
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Coping with complex or lifelong health conditions

Maintaining independence and quality of life

Care is individualised and reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing benefit.