The NDIS psychology therapy supports help increase your skills, independence, inclusion and social and economic participation. Individual supports are related to your disability. For example, the psychologists at Jelly Health will work with you to design a therapy plan to help you achieve your NDIS goals. 

Psychologists can support NDIS participants to enhance their functional capacity across various domains, including social and communication skills development, behaviour intervention and support, and coaching for personal growth. 

Social Skills Development

Psychologists employ evidence-based techniques to facilitate social skills development among NDIS participants. Through targeted interventions and role-playing exercises, individuals learn to navigate social interactions with confidence and empathy. By fostering a deeper understanding of social cues and communication styles, participants are empowered to forge meaningful connections and actively engage with their community. 

Communication Skills Development

Psychologists focus on communication skills development to ensure effective expression and comprehension. Through tailored interventions, participants learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and interpret non-verbal cues accurately. By honing these skills, individuals can communicate more effectively with others, fostering stronger relationships and facilitating collaboration. 

Behaviour Intervention And Support

Psychologists provide behaviour intervention and support to address any challenges that may hinder functional capacity. By identifying triggers and implementing coping strategies, participants learn to manage challenging behaviours effectively and develop resilience in the face of adversity. 

Coaching For Personal Growth

Psychologists offer coaching sessions aimed at enhancing motivation, focus, knowledge, skills, resilience, and decision-making abilities. Through personalised goal setting and skill-building exercises, participants gain the confidence and tools necessary to pursue their aspirations and overcome obstacles. 

Overall, psychologists play a vital role in supporting NDIS participants in improving their functional capacity. By addressing social skills development, communication skills development, behaviour intervention and support, and coaching for personal growth, psychologists empower individuals to thrive and lead fulfilling lives within their communities. 

NDIS does not fund the clinical treatment of mental health conditions. This is accessed through the mental health system (talk to your GP or specialist). 

Yes, it’s possible to have both the NDIS and a mental health treatment plan at the same time. The NDIS focuses on providing support and services to individuals with permanent and significant disabilities, including those arising from mental health conditions. This support may include a wide range of services such as therapy, personal care, assistance with daily living activities, and access to allied health professionals. These supports are focused on building capacity. 

On the other hand, a mental health treatment plan, involves accessing psychological services to address specific clinical mental health concerns. These services may include counselling, therapy, medication management, and other interventions aimed at improving mental well-being. 

Having both the NDIS and a mental health treatment plan allows individuals to access a comprehensive range of supports tailored to their needs. The NDIS may cover broader disability-related supports, while a mental health treatment plan can address specific clinical mental health issues and coordinates clinical treatment. It’s essential for individuals to coordinate their supports and services to ensure they receive comprehensive and integrated care that addresses all aspects of their well-being. 

Psychology therapy supports are included in Capacity Building – Improved Dailing Living 

Item number: 15_054_0128_1_3  Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training – Psychologist 

These support items can only be delivered by a person with current AHPRA registration as a psychologist. 

A psychosocial disability is an impairment that is the result of a mental health condition. 

Psychosocial disabilities can include difficulty with communication, cognition, planning, goal setting and task management. People with psychosocial disability can often have an inability to recognise their own impaired functioning. 

Not everyone with a mental health condition will experience psychosocial disability. 

To qualify for the NDIS with a psychosocial disability the NDIA requires confirmation that your disability is 

1. Permanent – will be with you for life 
2. Significant – Results in substantially reduced functional capacity in one of the following areas: 
   • social interaction 
   • self-management 
   • self-care 
   • communication 
   • learning
3. Likely to require lifelong support 
4. Meet age requirements (be under the age of 65 at the time of applying) 

In addition to meeting the other NDIS criteria

If someone’s mental health goes up and down, the NDIS looks at how severe, how often, and how long these ups and downs happen when determining their application.  Even though the symptoms may change, the impairment and barriers caused by the mental health condition can be accumulative and can stay for a long time and might not go away completely. 

The NDIS adopts a comprehensive approach to recovery in mental health with the aim to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. At the core of this approach, is the recognition that recovery is a deeply personal journey. Furthermore, individuals with mental health conditions should have access to tailored supports that meet their unique needs and aspirations.

One key aspect of the NDIS approach to recovery, is its emphasis on person centred planning. This helps to ensure that an individuals preferences, strengths, and goals are central to the planning process. Furthermore, this enables participants to take ownership of their recovery journey as they work towards their personal goals in collaboration with their support network.

The NDIS also promotes a holistic understanding of recovery, recognising that it encompasses various dimensions of well-being. These dimensions include social, emotional, and physical aspects. As such, the NDIS offers a range of supports and services that address not only the symptoms of mental illness but also the broader factors that impact an individual’s quality of life. This may include supports for social inclusion, skill development, housing assistance, and access to allied health professionals such as psychologists and occupational therapists.

Overall, the NDIS approach to recovery in mental health is characterised by its commitment to person-centeredness, holistic support, and early intervention. This reflects a belief in the inherent dignity and potential of individuals living with mental health conditions. Through its flexible and individualised approach, the NDIS seeks to empower participants to overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

References

National Disability Insurance Scheme Psychosocial Disability Recovery Oriented Framework 

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works/mental-health-and-ndis#psychosocial-recovery-oriented-framework