Eligibility for psychology services under the NDIS
The NDIS doesn’t fund the actual treatment of a mental health condition, but instead provides support for you to perform participate in the community, and social and economic life.
If you’re deemed eligible for the NDIS as a result of a psychosocial disability, you may be able to receive services such as:
- counselling
- psychological therapy
- behavioural supports
- early childhood interventions.
These services are funded under the categories of Improved Daily Living and/or Improved Relationships within the Capacity Building Supports budget.
How can a psychologist help with disability?
Therapeutic support from a psychologist could help you to manage, or reduce, the impact of your psychosocial disability. The types of non-clinical treatments you may be able to access might include support with your:
- motivation and focus
- resilience
- decision-making
- independence
- relationship and social skills.
Gaining access to the NDIS
The first step to access the NDIS is to take the basic NDIS eligibility check. If you meet those criteria, the process requires you to evidence that you have a permanent mental health condition (that treatment will not remedy), which has resulted in substantially reduced functional capacity to carry out activities in at least one of the following areas:
- mobility
- communication
- social interaction
- learning
- self-care
- self-management.
Importantly, if you do have a mental health diagnosis – it is important for you to evidence how the condition impacts your daily life. You can demonstrate that by asking a mental health professional to complete a functional assessment, for example a Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HONOS), Life Skill Profile 16 (LSP-16) or World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS).
It can also be useful to provide statements from family, friends and support workers, relating to how you currently function on a day-to-day basis, as well as any other documentation or assessments relating to your condition.
Whenever access has been granted, and your NDIS Plan is in place, it’s time to connect with the right supports.
Interested in learning more?
To learn more about how a psychologist can help you meet your NDIS goals, follow the below link.