Nadia Teong

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, particularly when it comes to mental health.

“Veterans deserve mental health support that is easy to access, evidence-based, veteran-focused and veteran-informed,” says Master of Psychology (Clinical) graduate Nadia Teong.

“I wanted to create a space where veterans knew they could go to access mental health support, provided by professionals who also have lived experience of military life.”

As founder of Veterans Psychology – Australia’s only private psychology consultancy tailored to veterans’ unique experiences and needs – Nadia brings deep personal experience to her mission to improve mental health services and outcomes for veterans.

She served 11 years in the Australian Army as Senior Psychologist, completing operational tours in Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands, and remains an active Army Reservist. Since founding Veterans Psychology in 2021, she has built an expert team of 14 clinical psychologists, most of whom have first-hand military experience. All have worked within veteran contexts.

This distinctive model has seen referrals grow by 270 per cent, with veterans now accessing face-to-face services in Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and across Australia via telehealth. The company works closely with government agencies, businesses, and veteran mental health organisations.

A powerful advocate for veteran mental health, Nadia is reducing stigma, shaping public discourse and influencing policy. Awarded the Prince’s Trust Australia Beyond Service Award (Power of One category) and Enterprise Accelerate Award in 2023, she now adds the 2024 Alumni Award for Social Impact (Highly Commended) to her accolades.

“This recognition reinforces my commitment to advocate for lasting change, especially in light of the recent recommendations handed down by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.”