Australia-Based
Our psychiatrists are located in Australia and governed by Australian law.
Online Appointments
Telehealth for veterans anywhere in Australia.
Bulk Billed
Veterans are bulk billed, wherever they live in Australia.
At JAAS Psych, Dr Thurairetnam Sivaruban (Dr Ruban) and Dr Venkat Ramakrishnan have extensive experience in veterans’ mental health assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological conditions, and the assessment of DVA-related psychological injury claims.
On this page: DVA claims · Telehealth · Eligibility · Fees & questions · FAQs
How We Help Veterans
Choose the option that sounds most like you. If you’re not sure, ask your GP for a referral and our team will help you work out the right appointment.
DVA Psychological Injury
Claim Support
Comprehensive psychiatric assessments and medical reports to support DVA-related psychological injury claims.
Assessment and Treatment of Psychological Conditions
Specialist psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and ongoing treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders.
Independent Psychiatric Assessments for DVA Claims
Independent psychiatric assessments and reports to help DVA decide psychological injury claims.
Our team guides you through each step.
1. Referral: your GP emails or faxes us a referral, plus any DVA letters about your claim.
2. Assessment: a secure video assessment of your service history and symptoms. It isn’t a treatment session.
3. Report: the psychiatrist writes a clinical opinion for your claim. DVA makes the decision.
Have ready: your Veteran Card or DVA file number, DVA letters, current medications and any previous psychiatric reports.
JAAS Psych is independent of DVA. DVA makes all claim decisions, so we can’t guarantee a claim will be accepted.
Telehealth Psychiatry for Veterans All Over Australia
See Dr Thurairetnam Sivaruban (Dr Ruban) , Dr Venkat by secure video from home, wherever you live in Australia. Veterans are bulk billed regardless of their Modified Monash (MM) zone. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and a reliable internet connection. Appointments are in Sydney time (AEST).
Joining Your Video Call
Safety First: Please do not attempt to join the call while driving or in any situation that could compromise your safety or that of others.
Step 1: Find a Quiet Place
Ensure you are in a quiet, private space where you can speak freely without interruptions. This is essential for the confidentiality and effectiveness of your session.
Step 2: Join Video Call
Click on the Join Video Call button found in the top menu of our website. This will take you to the virtual waiting room of your doctor.
Step 3: Wait for Your Doctor
Your doctor will pick up the video call prior to your scheduled appointment time. Please be patient as they may be finishing up with a previous patient.
Eligibility and DVA Funding
Our admin team checks your Veteran Card and GP referral before we book.
Bulk Billed, Any Location
Veterans are bulk billed regardless of their Modified Monash zone, wherever they live in Australia.
Veteran Gold Card
We accept the Gold Card for eligible psychiatric assessment and treatment.
Veteran White Card
We accept the White Card where it covers mental health, including under Non-Liability Health Care.
Not on a Veteran Card yet?
Most current and former full-time ADF members can get mental health treatment funded through a White Card without proving the condition is linked to service. This is called Non-Liability Health Care. Apply through MyService or call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Questions About DVA Fees or Eligibility?
Ask our assistant
Our assistant can help with current DVA fees for assessments and treatment, what a Gold or White Card usually covers, how DVA claim assessments work and how to get a GP referral.
Our assistant gives general information only. It can’t give medical advice, confirm your eligibility or guarantee DVA funding. Our admin team confirms these before booking. Please don’t share personal health details in the chat.
Our Veteran Psychiatrists
Dr Thurairetnam Sivaruban
Dr Sivaruban (Dr Ruban)
General Adult Psychiatrist
More than 13 years’ experience in general adult psychiatry and telehealth care.
Dr Venkat Ramakrishnan
Dr Venkat
Psychiatrist
More than 16 years’ experience treating mood, anxiety, psychosis and addiction disorders.
GP Referrals for DVA Psychiatric Services
Referrals work the same way as for all JAAS Psych services. GP referral letters are valid for 12 months.
1. Get a Referral
Ask your GP for a referral to Dr Thurairetnam Sivaruban (Dr Ruban), Dr Venkat, or the next available JAAS Psych psychiatrist.
2. Send It to Us
Email info@jaaspsych.com.au or fax 02 8088 4788.
3. We Contact You
Our admin team contacts you to confirm your eligibility and book a video consultation.
For DVA patients, please ask your GP to include
DVA Details: Your DVA file number and card type (Gold or White).
DVA Letters: A copy of any letter or forms DVA has sent you about your claim.
Contact JAAS Psych
Prefer to talk to our team? Get in touch and we’ll get back to you.
Fax
02 8088 4788
Veteran Mental Health FAQs
JAAS Psych is an independent private practice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Who can use JAAS Psych telehealth?
Veterans anywhere in Australia. Veterans are bulk billed regardless of their Modified Monash zone. Our admin team checks your Veteran Card and GP referral before booking.
Is JAAS Psych
part of DVA?
No. JAAS Psych is an independent private practice. We accept the Veteran Card for eligible services, but we aren’t part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Do I need a referral for DVA Psychiatric Services?
Yes. You need a GP referral letter, which is valid for 12 months. Your GP can email or fax it to us. If DVA has written to you about a claim, please send a copy of that letter too.
How much does
it cost?
Veterans are bulk billed, wherever they live. If you have questions about your Veteran Card or appointment type, ask our assistant on this page or contact our team.
Can I use my DVA White Card for mental health care?
Yes, if your White Card covers mental health. Many veterans have this through Non-Liability Health Care, which doesn’t require proving the condition was caused by service.
What happens in a DVA claim assessment?
A psychiatrist talks with you by secure video about your service, your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, then writes a report for your claim. DVA makes the decision on your claim.
Will an assessment guarantee my claim is accepted?
No. DVA decides all claims. We give an accurate, independent clinical opinion.
I’m still serving.
Can I be seen?
Health care for current ADF members is usually arranged through Defence. Please talk to your Defence health provider first.
What do I need for a telehealth appointment?
A smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera, a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private space. At your appointment time, click Join Video Call in the top menu of our website to enter your doctor’s virtual waiting room.
We’re Not An Emergency Service
Telehealth services, including those provided by JAAS Psych, are not for emergencies. In case of immediate risk, dial 000 or visit your local hospital’s emergency department.
If you are seeking additional supports, please see below.
Lifeline
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Suicide Call Back Service
Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Beyond Blue
Whether you're seeking mental health information or 24/7 qualified support for you or someone else, Beyond Blue here for you.
headspace
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.