Accessing psychology support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of securing funding for psychological services through the NDIS:
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1. Understand NDIS Eligibility
The first step is ensuring you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the NDIS. You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, and be under 65 years old at the time of your application. Additionally, you need to have a permanent disability or a psychosocial disability that significantly impacts your daily life and participation in the community (NDIS, 2022).
2. Gather Required Documentation
You will need to provide evidence of your psychosocial or psychological disability to qualify for funding. This includes:
- NDIS Access Request Form: You can obtain this form from the NDIS website or your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
- Evidence of Disability: This must be completed by a treating professional, such as a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The evidence should outline your diagnosis, its impact on daily functioning, and why ongoing psychological support is necessary (Online Psychology, 2022).
3. Submit Your NDIS Application
Once you have the required forms and evidence, submit them to the NDIS. You can do this online or by mailing them to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). If you need assistance with your application, you can seek support from an LAC or a Psychosocial Recovery Coach, who can guide you through the process (Enhanced Lifestyles, 2022).
4. Include Psychology in Your NDIS Plan
When developing your NDIS plan, ensure that psychology services are included under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category. This category funds therapeutic services, including psychological therapy and assessments, to help participants manage mental health symptoms, improve coping skills, and enhance overall well-being (HeyHubble, 2022).
If your plan does not already cover psychology, you can request a plan review or a change of circumstances form to add funding for psychological support. This may involve submitting updated documentation or evidence that highlights the need for these services (Online Psychology, 2022).
5. Selecting a Psychologist
Once your NDIS plan includes funding for psychological services, you can choose a psychologist. It’s important to find a provider who is NDIS registered (if you are plan-managed or agency-managed) or someone who aligns with your therapeutic needs and budget. Make sure to discuss your goals and treatment preferences during your first session (The Right Messages, 2022).
6. Attend Therapy Sessions
After selecting a psychologist, you’ll begin your sessions. NDIS-funded psychologists can help you with emotional regulation, coping mechanisms, skill development, and improving your independence. The frequency of sessions will depend on your plan’s allocated budget and the severity of your condition (Enhanced Lifestyles, 2022).
7. Review and Adjust Your NDIS Plan
Over time, you may need to adjust your NDIS plan to accommodate changing needs. This can be done through a plan review, where you can request additional psychology services or adjustments based on your progress and evolving mental health requirements (Talked, 2022).
How Long Does it Take to Get NDIS Funding?
The process of receiving NDIS funding can vary, but specific timeframes are set to help manage expectations. Once you submit your application, it typically takes up to 21 days for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to decide if you are eligible for the NDIS. If more information is needed, they may take an additional 14 days to make a decision.
After you’re deemed eligible, the process of approving your NDIS plan can take up to 56 days for participants over the age of seven. For children under seven, the approval timeframe is usually extended to 90 days. These timeframes are part of the Participant Service Guarantee introduced by the NDIS, aimed at streamlining the process (NDIS, 2024).
If a change to your plan is required, such as adding new supports, the NDIA aims to complete this reassessment within 21 to 28 days, depending on the complexity of the request. For reassessments or small adjustments, the process may extend further if additional documentation is required (NDIS, 2024).
In practice, delays can occur due to a high volume of applications, or if assessments or additional documentation are required, which may prolong the timeline. However, participants are often kept updated through their Local Area Coordinators (LACs) or NDIS planners.
For more information, you can explore the details on the NDIS website.
How Do I Request a Plan Review For More Psychology Funding?
If you need more psychology funding under the NDIS, you can request a plan review through the following steps:
1. Identify the Need for More Funding
The first step is to determine whether your current NDIS funding is insufficient for your psychological support needs. You should document why you need additional funding, such as an increase in therapy sessions or a new psychological assessment. Having supporting documents, such as reports from your psychologist, can strengthen your case (NDIS, 2022).
2. Submit a Change of Circumstances Form
To request a plan review, you can complete and submit a Change of Circumstances form. This form is used to notify the NDIS of any significant changes in your condition, mental health, or support needs. You will need to explain how your circumstances have changed and why you require additional psychological services.
- You can access the form on the NDIS website.
- You may need updated reports from your psychologist detailing your current mental health needs and justifying the increased therapy funding (Enhanced Lifestyles, 2022).
3. Plan Review Meeting
After submitting the Change of Circumstances form, the NDIA may schedule a plan review meeting. In this meeting, you will discuss your current support needs and why more psychology funding is necessary. You can attend the meeting with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), support coordinator, or psychologist, who can help advocate for the required changes (Psychology Australia, 2022).
4. Supporting Documentation
Provide comprehensive evidence supporting your request for more psychological funding. This could include:
- Updated psychological assessments
- Letters from your psychologist detailing the benefits of ongoing therapy
- Progress reports showing the impact of therapy on your mental health and the need for additional sessions
5. Waiting for Outcome
Once the review is complete, the NDIA will assess your request and notify you of the decision. If approved, your NDIS plan will be updated to include more funding for psychological services. If your request is denied, you can appeal the decision through an internal review process (NDIS, 2022).
What Happens if My NDIS Plan is Rejected?
If your NDIS plan is rejected, there are several steps you can take to address the decision. Here’s what happens and how you can respond:
1. Receive a Rejection Letter
If your NDIS plan is rejected, you will receive a letter from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) explaining why your request was denied. This letter will include details about the decision and instructions on how to request a review if you disagree with the outcome (NDIS, 2022).
2. Request an Internal Review
You have the right to request an internal review of the decision. This process involves a new NDIA staff member reviewing the original decision to determine whether it was correct based on the evidence provided. To request an internal review, you must submit your request within three months of receiving the rejection letter.
To strengthen your internal review request, it’s recommended that you:
- Provide any additional evidence, such as updated medical or psychological reports.
- Clearly explain why you believe the original decision was incorrect (Carers Australia, 2022).
3. Seek Assistance from an Advocate
You can seek help from an NDIS support coordinator or an independent disability advocate during the review process. They can assist you with preparing your case and collecting relevant evidence to support your review request (Disability Advocacy Finder, 2022).
4. Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)
If the internal review upholds the original decision and you still disagree, you can appeal the outcome through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The AAT is an independent body that reviews NDIS decisions and can overturn or amend the decision based on the evidence. The appeal process can be more formal, and you may want legal assistance or advocacy support during this stage (AAT, 2022).
5. Continue to Receive Support
While you are going through the review or appeal process, you will continue to receive support under your current NDIS plan if it hasn’t yet expired. If your plan is under review when it is due to expire, the NDIA may extend your current plan so that you don’t lose access to critical services while waiting for the outcome (NDIS, 2024).
Conclusion
Securing NDIS funding for psychological services is an essential step for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. By understanding eligibility requirements, gathering the right documentation, and working closely with your NDIS planner, you can ensure that you receive the necessary mental health support to improve your quality of life.
References
- NDIS. (2022). NDIS: Applying to Access the NDIS.
- Enhanced Lifestyles. (2022). NDIS Psychology Funding Explained.
- Online Psychology. (2022). How to Get NDIS Psychology Support.
- HeyHubble. (2022). A Beginner’s Guide to NDIS Psychology.
- The Right Messages. (2022). Understanding NDIS Funding for Mental Health Support: Psychologists, Counsellors & Beyond.
- NDIS. (2022). “Change of Circumstances Form.” Retrieved from NDIS website.
- Enhanced Lifestyles. (2022). “Requesting a Plan Review.” Retrieved from Enhanced Lifestyles.
- Psychology Australia. (2022). How to Get More Funding for Mental Health Services in NDIS.
- NDIS. (2022). “How to request a review of an NDIA decision.” Retrieved from NDIS.gov.au.
- Carers Australia. (2022). “Advocating for NDIS participants: Reviews and appeals.” Retrieved from CarersAustralia.com.au.
- Disability Advocacy Finder. (2022). Find an advocate to support your NDIS review.” Retrieved from disabilityadvocacyfinder.dss.gov.au.
- AAT. (2022). “Appealing an NDIS decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.” Retrieved from aat.gov.au.
How to get in touch
If you or your NDIS participant need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.
