Blog

How Can I Access NDIS Psychologists?

March 20, 2024

Psychologist listen to her patient in a good mood

The NDIS provides support for people with disability who want psychological support. To ensure that there is as much information as possible about accessing this service, we will cover how to access NDIS Psychologists and obtain any necessary mental health support.

Psychology vs. Psychiatry

People often get these related mental health sciences mixed up.

There are several significant differences between Psychology and Psychiatry. The first is that a psychiatrist is a doctor. Psychiatrists complete medical training before specialising in psychiatry. They understand the link between mind and body so they can prescribe medication and recommend specific therapies.

A psychologist, however, is not a doctor. Psychologists are mental health specialists who provide psychotherapy, or counselling.

Accessing Mental Health Support Through the NDIS

The NDIS guidelines for receiving mental health support considers two types of support: clinical and non-clinical. The NDIS goes into specifics with a few case studies on its website.

Clinical Support

Clinical support typically involves medical interventions, therapies, and treatments at hospitals or clinics.

The NDIS does not provide clinical support or treatment funding, as the Australian Healthcare system already reimburses these types of support through Medicare and other schemes.

Non-Clinical Support

Non-clinical supports can include community support groups, domestic assistance, or capacity-building support (such as cooking or finance management classes).

The NDIS considers itself the best funding support body for these types of mental health support. These programs assist with a participant’s ongoing psychosocial growth and independence.

Accessing Psychology Through the NDIS

The NDIS funds psychology services that are provided in a non-clinical capacity. This includes coaching to improve motivation, focus, skills, and more to enhance independence. It can also include social work, such as mediation between family, friends, or colleagues.

To access NDIS funded psychology, you need to be an NDIS participant. If your NDIS plan includes psychology services, you can work with your Support Coordinator to find an NDIS-funded psychologist who you are comfortable with.

Interaction Disability Services

Interaction Disability Services is a not-for-profit organisation and NDIS provider that supports people with intellectual disability.

We provide Supported Accommodation, Support Coordination, Community Access and Self-Care, and Behaviour and Allied Health Services. We can help you make the most of your NDIS plan so you get the supports you need. If you are located in Blacktown, Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Parramatta, or Penrith, we have supports tailored to your area.