Once the online referral form has been received by the hub in Cardiff, or a paper copy has been received by the relevant Local Health Board, the veteran will be contacted as soon as possible.

Contact will usually be by telephone in the first instance, where possible. The service may also contact the veteran by email or letter to arrange a suitable time for an assessment with the local Veterans Therapist.

The assessment will take place in a suitable location near the veteran’s home where possible. It may also take place by video call or telephone.

The assessment may last up to 90 minutes. The veteran will be asked to describe their current problems or symptoms and how these affect day-to-day life. The assessment can be split into shorter meetings if requested.

Information will also be gathered about the veteran’s background, military service and any previous difficulties.

Consent will be needed to access military service and medical records. This is to verify service and help the veteran access Veterans NHS Wales.

After the initial assessment, an agreed management plan will be developed. The veteran will be given relevant information about how they can be supported or treated. This management plan will also be sent to their GP.

If needed, other NHS specialist services may be contacted on behalf of the veteran to support an evidence-based treatment package.

This guidance is for veterans, reservists and organisations such as Social Services, Veterans UK, the Royal British Legion, Citizens Advice and SSAFA.

1. Veterans or reservists with mild mental health difficulties should be encouraged to contact their GP for assessment and appropriate management.
2. Veterans and reservists with service-related mental health needs that may require more specific care should be referred to Veterans NHS Wales using the online referral form.
3. Veterans or reservists requiring urgent or emergency assessment, for example if they pose a significant risk to themselves or others, should be referred to their GP, local mental health crisis service or local Emergency Department.
4. Veterans or reservists with non-service-related mental health difficulties, or conditions requiring other specialist mental health services, should be encouraged to contact their GP. This may include dementia, psychosis or substance dependence.
5. Veterans or reservists covered by points 1 and 4 who are not willing to contact their GP, despite encouragement, can be referred to Veterans NHS Wales if this is felt necessary to help them engage with appropriate NHS services.

Therapy with a Veterans Therapist is for veterans with common mental health difficulties of mild to moderate severity.

Treatment is aimed at veterans with service-related mental health problems.

Veterans with more complex needs, who are unlikely to respond to brief outpatient psychological therapy, should be referred to local NHS secondary mental health services.

Complex needs may include:

• Risk issues involving harm to self or others
• Severe depression with suicidal thoughts
• Severe and enduring mental illness, such as psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• Personality disorders
• Drug or alcohol dependency
• Dementia and neurological brain disorders

Veterans Therapists can be approached by the relevant Local Health Board for case discussion, advice or to discuss whether a referral to Veterans NHS Wales is appropriate before a referral is made.

The Veterans Therapist can also help connect veterans with complex needs to other appropriate services.

Veterans and professionals who would like to self-refer using a paper form can contact Veterans NHS Wales to request a copy.

Email: [email protected]

Email Veterans NHS Wales