The Reserve Assistance Program provides access to mental health support services to members of the Reserves and their families to discuss work or personal issues. It is a confidential service.

In the total workforce system, a member on Reserve service is described as a member in Service category 3, 4 or 5. A member of the Reserves rendering continuous full-time service is described as a Reserve member on Service option C. A member on Service option C is not a member on Reserve service.

Examples: Persons may wish to use the Reserve Assistance Program for issues such as the following.

1. A personal crisis.

2. Relationship and family issues.

3. Other physical and emotional difficulties.

Examples:

1. A member attends three counselling sessions for one issue. The member may attend four sessions for another issue that arises a few months later.

2. The member's partner may attend four counselling sessions without the member.

Example: If all additional sessions are approved the person gets eight sessions to discuss an issue.

This provision ensures the person's privacy.

Note on disclosure of personal information:

1. A Defence member may provide written consent for health information to be released to specific individuals in their chain of command.

2. In all other situations information can only be disclosed in accordance with the exemptions to the Privacy Act 1988.

How to get counselling advice

The Reserve Assistance Program can be accessed by calling 1300 687 327.

Related information:

1. Other services may be available.

2. The ADF Health and Wellbeing site lists many help numbers. These include Defence services and community support numbers, such as Lifeline.

3. You could also see your civilian general practitioner. Your civilian employer may have an employee assistance scheme.

4. In an emergency call 000.