🎖️ Veterans’ NHS Wales

Veterans’ NHS Wales provides dedicated healthcare support to help veterans get back on track with their lives.

🧠 Mental health support

Mental health information

💪 Physical health support

Physical health information

Find your nearest clinic

📝 Veteran self-referral

If you are a veteran and would like to refer yourself to Veterans’ NHS Wales, you can do so using the referral form below.

Veteran referral form

For help completing the referral form:

Contact Veterans’ NHS Wales

📞 What you can expect

Once your online referral is received (or a paper referral by the relevant Local Health Board), you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Initial contact is usually by telephone, but may also be by email or letter, to arrange an assessment with a local Veterans Therapist (VT).

Assessments usually take place:

  • At a suitable location near your home, where possible
  • Or by video consultation or telephone

The assessment can last up to 90 minutes and may be split into shorter sessions if requested.

During the assessment, you will be asked about:

  • Your current difficulties and how they affect day-to-day life
  • Your background and military service
  • Any previous mental or physical health difficulties

Your consent will be required to access military service and medical records to confirm eligibility for Veterans’ NHS Wales.

After the assessment, an agreed care and management plan will be developed. A copy will also be shared with your GP. If needed, referrals to other NHS specialist services will be made on your behalf.

Note: Your service number is required to verify service in the Armed Forces.

📋 Referral guidance

  1. Veterans or reservists with mild mental health difficulties should be encouraged to see their GP.
  2. Service-related mental health needs requiring specialist input should be referred to Veterans’ NHS Wales.
  3. Urgent or emergency situations should be directed to the GP, local mental health crisis service, or Emergency Department.
  4. Non-service-related or complex mental health conditions should be managed initially by the GP.
  5. If a veteran is unwilling to see their GP, referral to Veterans’ NHS Wales may still be appropriate to support engagement.

🧩 Summary

Veterans Therapists provide treatment for veterans with mild to moderate, service-related mental health difficulties.

Veterans with complex needs may be referred to local NHS secondary mental health services. Complex needs include:

  • Risk of harm to self or others
  • Severe depression with suicidal thoughts
  • Severe or enduring mental illness (such as psychosis or bipolar disorder)
  • Personality disorders
  • Drug or alcohol dependency
  • Dementia or neurological conditions

Veterans Therapists can also advise professionals about suitability for referral and help connect veterans with the most appropriate services.

If you require a paper referral form, please email [email protected].