Veterans’ NHS Wales – Helping veterans get back on track

Veterans’ NHS Wales (VNHSW) provides free, specialist support to veterans who are experiencing mental health difficulties related to their military service.

Mental health support 🧠

If you are a veteran experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other service-related mental health difficulties, support is available.

Physical health support 💪

Veterans who need help with physical health problems can also access NHS services.

Find your nearest clinic 📍

Veteran self-referral to Veterans’ NHS Wales 📝

If you are a veteran and would like to refer yourself, please use the online referral form below.

If you need help completing the form, guidance is available on the referral page.

To request a paper copy of the referral form, email: admin.vnhswc&[email protected]

What to expect after referral 📞

• You will be contacted as soon as possible, usually by phone. If phone contact is not possible, we will email or write to you.
• An assessment will be arranged with your local Veterans Therapist at a convenient location, or via video or telephone.
• The assessment may last up to 90 minutes and can be split into shorter sessions if needed.
• You will be asked about your current difficulties, daily impact, background, military service, and any previous support.
• Your consent will be requested to access your Military Service and Medical Records.
• A personalised care plan will be agreed and shared with you and your GP. Other NHS services may be involved if required.

Please have your Service Number available when making a referral.

Guidance for professionals and organisations 👩‍⚕️

Referral guidance for Social Services, Veterans UK, RBL, CAB, SSAFA, and other organisations:

• Veterans or reservists with mild mental health difficulties should first be assessed by their GP.
• Those with service-related mental health needs requiring specialist care should be referred via the online referral form.
• Urgent or emergency cases should be directed immediately to GP services, local crisis teams, or Emergency Units.
• Veterans with non-service-related mental health issues or other specialist needs should be managed via their GP.
• If a veteran refuses GP engagement despite encouragement, referral to Veterans’ NHS Wales may be considered to support engagement.

Summary of therapy eligibility 📋

Therapy with a Veterans Therapist is available for veterans with mild to moderate, service-related common mental health difficulties.

Veterans with complex needs may be better supported by NHS secondary mental health services.

Examples of complex needs include:

• Risk 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 or neurological disorders

Veterans Therapists are available for case discussion and advice before referral and can support onward referral where appropriate.

Contact Veterans’ NHS Wales 📧

For general enquiries or to request a paper referral form:

Email: admin.vnhswc&[email protected]