Accessing Psychology through the NDIS

Psychologists can provide an important level of mental health support for individuals struggling with disability and learning difficulties. It can be challenging to understand the mental health side of NDIS and what you can be covered for. Below we will dive into what mental health services you could access with your NDIS plan and how it works.

Mental Health System vs. NDIS

Both the NDIS and mental health system can fund psychological services. The mental health system is responsible for treating mental health conditions typically through clinical means such as diagnosis and treatments (you can read the examples of treatment and care the mental health system should provide here). The NDIS however, focus on non-clinical mental health support with a focus on "functional ability and long term recovery" in relation to a disability. Essentially, to get funding for psychology through the NDIS, your condition must be related to the disability that you have met access criteria for and have a focus on building functional capacity and independence. You can read an NDIS Example here. If you have funding for psychology available, this will be listed under the category, "capacity building".

NDIS funds psychosocial recovery supports that focus on improving a person’s functional ability. This includes supports that enable people with psychosocial disabilities to:

• Increase their capacity

• Increase their level of independence to undertake daily living activities

• Be apart of their community, social and economic life

Some examples on the types of supports the NDIS may fund include:

• Skill development

• Capacity building supports to help you live at home

• Social skills development

• Social and recreation support

• Living, rental and home ownership support

• Support from allied health professionals

• Recovery coach

• New life stage transitions

What is a Psychosocial Disability?

Under the NDIS, the term mental health is used in relation to a specific clinical diagnosis or condition, for example, anxiety. A psychosocial disability on the other hand, is "a disability that may arise from a mental health issue" that impacts a person's day-to-day functioning.

Do you meet the criteria?

If you believe you may need NDIS support, you can check to see if you meet the disability requirements. The NDIS need evidence of all of the following:

• Your disability is caused by an impairment

• Your impairment is likely to be permanent

• Your permanent impairment substantially reduces your functional capacity to undertake one or more of the following activities: moving around, communicating, socialising, learning, or undertaking self-care or self-management tasks.

• Your permanent impairment affects your ability to work, study or take part in social life

• You’ll likely need support under the NDIS for your whole life

If you provide the NDIS evidence you have been diagnosed with one or more conditions on List A, they will most likely decide you meet the disability requirements. If you provide them evidence you have been diagnosed with a condition on List B, they will likely decide your disability is from an impairment that’s likely to be permanent (a loss or significant change to either your bodily functions, body structure or how you think and learn).

What to do if you think you're eligible:

If you think you are eligible for the NDIS, you can:

• Contact your local NDIS Office or local NDIS partner or call 1800 800 110 and ask for an NDIS Access Request Form (PDF 1MB) to be mailed or emailed to you.

• Download and complete the NDIS Access Request Form (PDF 1MB) on your computer and email it to enquiries@ndis.gov.au with supporting information.

• Download the NDIS Access Request Form (PDF 1MB) on your computer, print it out, and mail it to PO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601 with supporting information.

• Phone the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to be supported to apply to the NDIS.

The NDIS provides funding for various supports for individuals with different disabilities, and under certain circumstances this can also include psychology. The NDIS focuses on non-clinical mental health supports that are aimed at enhancing the functional capacity of an individual with psychosocial disabilities. If you suspect you may be eligible for NDIS support, it's essential to check whether your condition meets the necessary criteria and to gather appropriate documentation.

Accessing a Psychologist

Once you've got your NDIS plan and funding you can access the Talked platform to get connected with a psychologist that is best suited for you.

Resources:

https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/how-ndis-supports-work-menu/mainstream-and-community-supports/who-responsible-supports-you-need/mental-health-and-psychosocial-disability

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works/psychosocial-disability

https://www.health.gov.au/topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/what-were-doing-about-mental-health

https://reimagine.today/what-is-psychosocial-disability/what-does-psychosocial-disability-mean-to-you/

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/foundations/Pages/psychosocial-whatis.aspx#:~:text=%E2%80%9CPsychosocial%20disability%20is%20a%20term,with%20a%20mental%20health%20condition.

https://teamdsc.com.au/resources/is-psychology-funded-under-the-ndis

https://www.leapin.com.au/news/psychology-and-the-ndis-faqs/#:~:text=The%20NDIS%20may%20fund%20non,from%20a%20mental%20health%20condition)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=murCamfSBK8