Living with a mental health condition can feel like riding an unpredictable wave. Some days you’re energised and in control. Other days, even getting out of bed or replying to a text can feel like climbing a mountain. When these ups and downs start affecting your ability to work, study, maintain relationships, or take care of everyday tasks, it’s more than just a rough patch. It’s a sign that you might benefit from structured, long-term support.
That’s where the NDIS can help. For people whose mental health challenges have a lasting impact on their daily life, the NDIS offers specific support through what’s called psychosocial disability funding.
In this guide, we’ll break down what psychosocial disability means, what mental health supports the NDIS can (and can’t) fund, and how to take the next step toward getting the help you need.
What Is Psychosocial Disability?
Psychosocial disability is the term the NDIS uses when a person’s mental health condition leads to ongoing challenges with day-to-day functioning. It’s not about the diagnosis (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD), it’s about how that condition impacts your ability to manage life.
You might experience:
- Difficulty leaving the house or using public transport due to anxiety
- Trouble managing appointments, cooking, or household tasks
- Challenges staying focused or organised at work or school
- Social withdrawal or avoiding situations because they feel overwhelming
- Frequent changes in mood, energy, or motivation that disrupt your routine
If these challenges are persistent, impact your independence, and are unlikely to go away soon, you may be eligible for NDIS psychosocial disability support.
Types of Mental Health Supports You Can Include in Your NDIS Plan
The NDIS focuses on disability-related supports that help you build capacity, regain independence, and participate more fully in life.
Depending on your goals and needs, the NDIS may fund:
- Support workers to help with daily activities or attend appointments
- Skill-building programs to improve routines, budgeting, cooking, or decision-making
- Psychosocial recovery coaching for motivation, planning, and community connection
- Social and community participation to reduce isolation and build confidence
- Capacity building therapies (e.g., occupational therapy or behaviour support)
- Assistance with housing, transport, or supported employment if linked to your goals
What Mental Health Support The NDIS Does Not Fund
While the NDIS funds disability-related supports, it doesn’t replace the health system. This means it won’t cover psychiatric treatment or medication, psychology or counselling focused purely on treating symptoms. The NDIS won’t fund hospital or inpatient mental health care, crisis services, or general rehabilitation programs that aren’t linked to functional improvement. These types of clinical services remain the responsibility of Medicare, private health insurance, or state-based mental health systems. That said, your NDIS plan can work alongside your existing mental health treatment, offering extra support where therapy or medication alone might not be enough.
Am I Eligible for NDIS Mental Health Support?
To be eligible for NDIS funding under psychosocial disability, you’ll need to show that:
- You live with a mental health condition that causes long-term functional challenges
- These challenges affect your ability to work, study, socialise, manage self-care, or live independently
- Your condition is likely to be permanent or ongoing
- You require ongoing support (such as a support worker or assistive technology)
- These supports link directly to your NDIS goals, like improving independence or reconnecting with your community
- Health or mainstream services alone can’t meet your needs
You’ll need reports from professionals (like a GP, psychologist, OT, or psychiatrist) that describe how your condition impacts your life, not just the diagnosis itself.
FAQs: NDIS and Mental Health
1. Can the NDIS fund psychology sessions?
Yes, but only if the sessions are focused on building functional skills (like managing routines or improving communication), not just treating mental health symptoms. Therapeutic supports must relate directly to your psychosocial disability.
2. Can I use the NDIS and a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan at the same time?
Absolutely. Medicare covers clinical care, while the NDIS covers functional support. Together, they can provide a more complete support system.
3. What if I’m not eligible for the NDIS?
You may still be able to access community-based mental health services through your local Primary Health Network (PHN) or state programs. A GP or mental health provider can help you explore these options.
4. What is a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, and how are they different from a support worker?
A Psychosocial Recovery Coach is a specialised NDIS-funded role designed to support people with psychosocial disability. They combine mental health knowledge with coordination skills to help you build capacity, set goals, stay motivated, and connect with community services. Unlike support workers who assist with tasks, recovery coaches focus on long-term recovery and independence.
5. What’s the difference between mental health supports and psychosocial supports under the NDIS?
Mental health supports can refer broadly to therapy, medication, and crisis care, things typically provided by the health system. In contrast, psychosocial supports under the NDIS are focused on the functional impacts of your mental health condition. These include things like support workers, recovery coaching, social skill-building, or help managing your routine. These are aimed at increasing independence and community participation.
Let’s Build Your Mental Health Support Plan
Everyone’s journey with mental health is different and your support plan should reflect that. At Achora, we specialise in helping individuals with psychosocial disability and mental health conditions navigate the NDIS confidently. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk beside you. Book a free 15-minute NDIS consultation with Achora today. Let’s create a plan that puts your goals, your wellbeing, and your future first.