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This chapter outlines DVA’s policy on psychosocial rehabilitation.

What is psychosocial rehabilitation?

Psychosocial rehabilitation is to assist with overcoming barriers that may be impacting upon a veteran’s wellbeing or ability to function independently. Barriers may arise due to a veteran’s perception of their injury or illness, changes in their life, their self-identify and place in the community. Psychosocial rehabilitation can assist with changing these perceptions by providing education and experiences to the client to challenge these perceptions and develop new skills and thinking in relation to their barriers.

The aim of psychosocial rehabilitation is to provide a sustainable outcome to remove the barrier long term.

Psychosocial rehabilitation provides for a wide range of supports as the barriers it addresses do not need to relate specifically to an accepted condition, and because what presents as a challenge or barrier to each client will be unique.

Psychosocial rehabilitation includes support and referral, where needed, for:

• Education on managing finances
• Linking clients to housing support organisations
• Counselling to assist with adjustment to their injury
• Building a meaningful support network
• Creating social connections within the community
• Finding a valued role within the community
• Establishing healthy routines and habits
• Building skills and knowledge about how to independently access supports and services in their community
• Building confidence and/or resilience
• Life management skills including those relating to family functioning