Managing common injuries after leaving Defence
The physical demands of the Defence Force can often lead to injury, and, depending on the severity, may result in medical discharge and ongoing challenges following transition.
Meet the Mates4Mates clinical team
28 July 2023
Exercise physiologists provide clinical exercise interventions to improve health conditions, assist in injury rehabilitation and improve quality of life regardless of age, fitness level or health conditions.
Effective treatments for veterans and their family members at Mates4Mates include physical rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, health education, pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation, group fitness activities, movement for mental health, and more, offered both in one-on-one appointments and in group class settings.
Counsellors use talk-based therapy to help people to develop self-awareness and insight, make positive changes in their lives and generally assist people with life issues including relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and stress.
This may include developing strategies to improve mindfulness and relaxation or learning skills that support improved relationships, such as assertive communication. Mates and family members do not require a GP referral to see a counsellor at Mates4Mates.
Social Workers
Social workers can provide interventions such as supportive counselling for relationship and family separation issues, advice and support with unexpected situational crisis, and assistance with adjustment to planned and unexpected lifestyle changes.
They can also assist veterans who may be experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness, harmful addictions, financial difficulties, and other lifestyle factors such as isolation, stage of life challenges, family reunification, health challenges and bereavement.
In addition, they can provide links and make referrals to other organisations and services as required to support the individual’s wellbeing and improve their current situation. Social workers can also provide services with GP referrals in some instances.
Clinical support at Mates4Mates
Our clinical team provide a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share and be heard.
To book an appointment with a Mates4Mates psychologist or exercise physiologist, you will need a Medicare or DVA referral from your GP. To book an appointment with a social worker or counsellor, speak to the friendly Mates4Mates team.
Serving ADF members can be referred to Mates4Mates clinical services by the on base Medical Officer.
The clinical team are also available to see clients via telehealth (video call or telephone).
For more information or to book an appointment with the Mates4Mates clinical team, please call 1300 4 MATES (62 837) or visit your local centre.
Using a range of evidence-based therapies for mental health and physical rehabilitation services, the clinical team at Mates4Mates is here to support you when you need it most.
We understand just how challenging it can be for current and ex-serving Defence Force members to overcome injury, trauma and other life challenges, which is why we ensure no one goes through recovery alone.
Family members of veterans and those still currently serving are also exposed to the challenges of military life and may require additional support for physical and mental health impacts.
At Mates4Mates, the following clinical services are provided at no cost to those eligible within the veteran and Defence community:
Mental health and wellbeing services
Service-related injuries and impacts aren’t always visible. Speaking with a skilled psychologist, counsellor or social worker is one of the most important things you can do to move forward from trauma, navigate through mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and addiction, improve relationships, or other life hurdles you’re facing.
Physical rehabilitation and wellbeing services
Many health conditions and physical injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Our accredited exercise physiologists offer a range of services to prevent and manage chronic health conditions and physical injuries using exercise-based interventions to rebuild physical function, health and wellness.
Mates4Mates clinicians
Psychologists
Psychologists use a variety of therapies and techniques to assist their clients with problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, sleep disorders, adjustment to life changes, pain management, anger, managing stress, grief, relationship challenges, parenting issues and family problems.
At Mates4Mates, common treatments include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as a focus on development of skills to assist with improved emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
What does ‘provisional’ mean?
From time to time, Mates4Mates may have a provisional psychologist available for appointments. A provisional psychologist is someone who has completed their tertiary qualifications and is eligible to undertake a program of supervision (internship) as they develop their applied skills “on the job” while mentored by a fully registered and suitably trained psychologist.
Click here to meet our psychology team.
Exercise PhysiologistsExercise physiologists provide clinical exercise interventions to improve health conditions, assist in injury rehabilitation and improve quality of life regardless of age, fitness level or health conditions.
Effective treatments for veterans and their family members at Mates4Mates include physical rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, health education, pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation, group fitness activities, movement for mental health, and more, offered both in one-on-one appointments and in group class settings.
Click here to meet our exercise physiology team.
CounsellorsCounsellors use talk-based therapy to help people to develop self-awareness and insight, make positive changes in their lives and generally assist people with life issues including relationship issues, trauma, depression, anxiety and stress.
This may include developing strategies to improve mindfulness and relaxation or learning skills that support improved relationships, such as assertive communication. Mates and family members do not require a GP referral to see a counsellor at Mates4Mates.
Social Workers
Social workers can provide interventions such as supportive counselling for relationship and family separation issues, advice and support with unexpected situational crisis, and assistance with adjustment to planned and unexpected lifestyle changes.
They can also assist veterans who may be experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness, harmful addictions, financial difficulties, and other lifestyle factors such as isolation, stage of life challenges, family reunification, health challenges and bereavement.
In addition, they can provide links and make referrals to other organisations and services as required to support the individual’s wellbeing and improve their current situation. Social workers can also provide services with GP referrals in some instances.
Clinical support at Mates4Mates
Our clinical team provide a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share and be heard.
To book an appointment with a Mates4Mates psychologist or exercise physiologist, you will need a Medicare or DVA referral from your GP. To book an appointment with a social worker or counsellor, speak to the friendly Mates4Mates team.
Serving ADF members can be referred to Mates4Mates clinical services by the on base Medical Officer.
The clinical team are also available to see clients via telehealth (video call or telephone).
For more information or to book an appointment with the Mates4Mates clinical team, please call 1300 4 MATES (62 837) or visit your local centre.
