How to get support
Open Arms makes it easy to get support for yourself or someone you care about.
Who we help
We provide free and confidential counselling, group programs and peer support to anyone who has served at least one day of continuous fulltime service in the Navy, Army or Air Force, and their immediate families.
See: Who we help
What to expect when you contact us
The following table describes our contact process:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Speak to us by calling 1800 011 046 or visiting one of our offices. Or, if you use our online contact form, we will contact you by phone or email |
| 2 | Answer some questions about your situation. This can be a brief conversation or might include a longer interview to help identify the most appropriate services and support for you Note: If you are distressed or in crisis, you will be transferred to speak to a counsellor immediately |
| 3 | We will link you to the most suitable services, for example, an Open Arms counsellor, peer worker, specialist service or treatment program that best suits your needs |
| 4 | We welcome your feedback. Let us know how we are doing or if there is more we can do to help you |
Confidentiality
Your confidentiality and privacy are extremely important to us.
Open Arms is a counselling service administered by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA). We won't share your information with other government agencies or external parties without your consent. Current serving member information is not shared with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) without your consent. Your information is only shared under exceptional circumstances such as where your safety or the safety of others is at serious risk, or in accordance with the law.
Open Arms services
We understand the common issues facing serving and ex-serving ADF members and their families.
Our services include:
- counselling
- peer support
- mental health training programs
- group treatment programs and workshops
- suicide prevention and resilience training
- crisis accommodation support
We have counsellors in major city centres and outreach counsellors that service all of Australia.
Open Arms is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week on 1800 011 046.
Get support
Contact us by:
- phone - call 1800 011 046 and let us know what's going on
- web form - contact us through our website contact form
- visiting - one of our offices across Australia
- referral - from your GP or health officer
See also
-
Signs & symptoms
There are signs and symptoms to be aware of that could be an early indication of an emerging mental health issue. This may include feeling down or anxious, persistent worry, or issues in everyday life such as poor sleep or pain. -
Living well
A range of services are available to the current and ex-serving community and their families to stay healthy. -
Self-help tools
These tools provide practical information and exercises for those affected by mental health or trauma to help improve wellbeing.