The NDIS is the National Disability Insurance Scheme that has been introduced to provide support for people with disabilities. Psychology services and the NDIS are often intertwined to best support NDIS participants.
In this blog post, we will discuss what NDIS psychology services involve and how you can access ones that are right for you.
What is a psychosocial disability?
NDIS uses the term “psychosocial disability” to refer to a disability resulting from a mental health issue. However, not every person with a mental health problem will have this type of disability.
The NDIS criteria for a psychosocial disability is that the disability is permanent, and results in a need for support for the rest of the person’s life. This means that episodic mental health conditions (where symptoms come and go) can still be considered a disability under NDIS.
To be eligible for NDIS funding, you will need to have a diagnosis of a mental health condition from a qualified mental health professional.
You will also need to provide evidence that the condition is having a significant impact on your ability to function in everyday life.
What are NDIS Psychology Services?
NDIS psychology services are psychological support and treatment services that aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of NDIS participants.
NDIS psychology services can provide many benefits for those who are struggling with their mental health. These services can help to improve mental health symptoms, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and gain a better understanding of your condition.
What NDIS psychology services are available?
Psychology services can be provided by psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals.
The type of NDIS psychology service that is right for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.
Some of the NDIS psychology and mental health services that are available include:
- counselling
- psychological therapy
- case management
- group work
- skill development
- psychosocial recovery coaching
Our team of psychologists can provide these services, whilst helping you work towards your NDIS goals.
What are the benefits of NDIS Psychology Services?
NDIS psychology services can provide many benefits for those who are struggling with their mental health.
These services can help to improve mental health symptoms, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and gain a better understanding of your condition.
Some of the specific benefits of NDIS psychology services include:
– Improving mental health symptoms of conditions such as anxiety and depression.
– Learning how to cope with stress and anxiety in a healthy way.
– Developing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with difficult situations.
– Gaining a better understanding of your condition and what you can do to manage it.
– Improving self-esteem and confidence: NDIS psychology services can help to improve your self-esteem and confidence. This can be a great help if you are struggling with your mental health.
NDIS psychology services can also be beneficial for carers and families of those with a mental health condition.
These services can provide support and education on how to best care for someone with a mental health condition.
How do I access NDIS Psychology Services?
If you are an NDIS participant, you can access NDIS psychology services through your NDIS plan. You can discuss your needs with your NDIS planner, LAC, support coordinator, or psychosocial recovery coach, and they can help you determine what type of services are right for you.
Will the NDIS fund clinical psychology for my mental health?
Mental health support from psychologists is vital for people with disabilities, but the NDIS can only fund psychology in specific cases.
The NDIS may fund non-clinical mental health supports if there’s a reasonable and necessary need.
The NDIS will only fund mental health supports that:
- Pertain to an ongoing psychosocial disability (a disability arising from a mental health condition)
- Improve functional capacity and independence.
What are ‘non-clinical’ mental health supports?
Examples of non-clinical treatments include:
- Skill development to improve independence and functional capacity in certain areas.
- Helping you from a psychological perspective to help you work with other supports and services and work towards your NDIS goals.
- Improving emotional regulation, communication, and certain behavioural skills.
Although, certain presentations of mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may be better suited to being treated by the mainstream health service, not the NDIS.
In this case, obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan and seeing a psychologist through the Medicare Better Access Scheme may be more suitable.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan
A Mental Health Treatment Plan, previously called a Mental Health Care Plan, is a care plan your doctor creates to help you manage a mental health condition. With this treatment plan, you’re eligible for a Medicare rebate of up to 20 individual psychologist appointments. However, after the first six appointments, you’ll need to see your doctor again for review.
Contact us
If you are struggling with your mental health, our NDIS psychology services may be the right fit for you. To book an appointment, contact our office today. Our psychologists are here to help you regain control of your life.