The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a transformative Australian government initiative designed to support individuals with a permanent and significant disability. It aims to promote independence, community involvement, and overall well-being. Given the crucial role of mental health in achieving these outcomes, many Australians wonder whether psychological services are covered under the NDIS. This article explores the inclusion of psychology within the NDIS framework, backed by current policies and evidence on the importance of psychological support for individuals with disabilities.
Psychological Services under the NDIS
The NDIS recognises the profound impact that mental health conditions can have on an individual’s daily life and their ability to participate in the community. Consequently, psychological services are indeed covered under the NDIS, provided they meet the criteria of being ‘reasonable and necessary’ supports. These services are tailored to assist participants in managing the functional impacts of their disability on daily living and achieving their goals (National Disability Insurance Agency, 2020).
Types of Psychological Supports Provided
Psychological services under the NDIS can include but are not limited to:
- Individual Counselling: Offering personal support to manage emotional difficulties, coping strategies, and behavioural interventions.
- Behaviour Support: Including strategies to address challenging behaviours that may be a result of or exacerbated by the individual’s disability.
- Capacity Building: Therapies aimed at improving cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction abilities.
- Therapeutic Supports: Services provided by psychologists or appropriately qualified professionals to address specific psychological and emotional needs.
These supports are designed to enhance participants’ functional abilities and foster greater independence, community participation, and overall well-being.
Eligibility for Psychological Services
To access psychological services under the NDIS, an individual must have a permanent and significant disability that impacts their functional capacity in daily activities. Mental health conditions that cause psychosocial disability can also qualify an individual for NDIS support if they meet the permanency and significant impact criteria. The focus is on the functional impact of the condition rather than the diagnosis itself (National Disability Insurance Agency, 2020).
Evidence on the Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions
The inclusion of psychological services in the NDIS is supported by a wealth of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of psychological interventions for individuals with disabilities. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for instance, has been widely documented as effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety across various populations, including those with disabilities (Hofmann, S.G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I.J.J., Sawyer, A.T., & Fang, A., 2012, JAMA).
Moreover, behavioural interventions and supports have been shown to significantly improve outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities, enhancing their quality of life and ability to participate in community activities (Matson, J.L., & LoVullo, S.V., 2008, Research in Developmental Disabilities).
Conclusion
Psychological services are a vital component of the support provided by the NDIS, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of disability that includes mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. By covering a range of psychological interventions, the NDIS enables individuals with disabilities to access the support they need to manage the functional impacts of their condition, work towards their personal goals, and participate fully in community life.
References
- National Disability Insurance Agency. (2020). NDIS Guideline – Including Specific Types of Supports in Plans.
- Hofmann, S.G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I.J.J., Sawyer, A.T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. JAMA.
- Matson, J.L., & LoVullo, S.V. (2008). A review of behavioral treatments for self-injurious behaviors of persons with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Developmental Disabilities.
How to get in touch
If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.
