NDIS Mental Health Support

• Functional Capacity Assessments
• Support Independent Living Assessments
• Occupational Therapy capacity-building therapies
• Dietetic capacity-building therapies
• Psychology capacity-building therapies
• One-on-one therapy sessions
• Group therapy sessions
• Educational and training programs for organisations

• The NDIS provides support for those whose mental illnesses impede their ability to lead a fulfilling life.
• It’s important to understand that the NDIS doesn’t finance therapy for addressing mental illness symptoms, but rather focuses on continuous functional aid for daily living.
• To qualify for mental health assistance under the NDIS, individuals must provide evidence of their psychosocial disability and how it affects their daily life.
• Eligibility isn’t solely dependent on a specific mental health diagnosis, but rather on how the condition impacts daily life.
• Those with psychosocial disability, requiring aid in areas like communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care, and self-management, may be eligible for an NDIS plan.
• Support under the NDIS might encompass funding for therapies, transportation assistance, aid in setting goals and managing finances, as well as help with various daily tasks and activities.
• Eligibility criteria for the NDIS include age, residency, and disability requirements.

• Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Coordinator of Supports plays a vital role in helping you gather the necessary evidence for your NDIS application.
• Keeping a diary of daily challenges can ensure that the support you require on difficult days is well-documented and understood by your LAC.
• Requesting your doctor or specialist to provide notes at each appointment and organising these in a systematic folder along with other relevant medical history can be beneficial.
• When creating a written statement for the National Disability Insurance Agency’s (NDIA) consideration, seeking input from friends and family about your functional ability and the supports that could enhance your quality of life can add valuable perspective.

NDIS mental health support provides services and therapy to help people living with psychosocial disability or mental health conditions reach their goals, improve daily living, and participate more fully in their community. Supports may include psychology, counselling, occupational therapy, dietetics, and other allied health services.

To be eligible, a person must:

• Have a psychosocial disability (mental health condition that substantially impacts daily life)

• Show that supports are “reasonable and necessary”

• Meet the general NDIS eligibility criteria, including being under 65 and an Australian resident

Supports may include:

• Psychology & counselling: for anxiety, depression, trauma, or behavioural support

• Occupational therapy: to build independence, manage daily living, and support emotional regulation

• Speech pathology: for communication or social skills

• Dietetics: to improve nutrition and overall wellbeing

• Allied Health Assistants: for ongoing skill-building and therapy follow-up

• Support coordination: to connect participants with the right services

Yes. Many NDIS providers offer Telehealth options for psychology, counselling, occupational therapy, dietetics, and speech pathology. Telehealth can make support more accessible, flexible, and immediate — particularly for people in rural or remote areas.

NDIS plans are tailored to individual goals. Funding for mental health supports may be allocated under:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

• Capacity Building – Improved Health and Wellbeing

• Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life

Your plan will outline the categories where you can claim therapy and mental health services.

Yes. Medicare provides short-term rebates (e.g., 10 psychology sessions per year via a Mental Health Care Plan). The NDIS funds ongoing therapy and supports if the mental health condition has a significant and lasting impact on daily function.

You can find providers through the NDIS Provider Finder, your Support Coordinator, or by searching online for registered NDIS providers in your area. Many organisations (including Telehealth-first services) offer immediate appointments with no waitlists.