Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

Plan-managed NDIS participants have greater flexibility in choosing psychological services to support their mental health needs. In this setup, a plan manager handles the financial aspects, such as paying invoices and managing funding, while participants have the freedom to choose both NDIS-registered and non-registered providers for psychological services. This article explores how plan-managed NDIS funds can be maximised to improve mental health and enhance well-being.

Keywords: NDIS plan-managed provider options, Self-managed NDIS non-registered services, Support coordinators for NDIS providers, Non-registered NDIS service providers, Flexible NDIS provider options, Non-registered vs registered NDIS providers, Non-registered NDIS psychology services, NDIS plan management non-registered providers

In the NDIS, participants can choose how their funds are managed. When a plan is plan-managed, a third-party plan manager helps with the financial administration of the plan. This includes paying service providers, tracking expenses, and ensuring that funds are used appropriately. Plan management allows participants to focus more on selecting the right services rather than handling the administration themselves. This option is beneficial for participants who prefer more choice and flexibility while having help with managing funds (NDIS, 2023).

One of the major benefits of being plan-managed is the ability to access both NDIS-registered and non-registered providers. This is particularly helpful when seeking psychological services. Participants are not limited to NDIS-registered psychologists, which gives them access to a broader pool of professionals, including those offering telehealth services, alternative therapies, or specialists in specific areas such as trauma, anxiety, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Psychology services funded by the NDIS typically fall under the Improved Daily Living category. These services are designed to improve a participant’s functional capacity and mental health, offering therapeutic interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and behavioural interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities or ASD (Beck, 2011). Plan-managed participants can choose the right therapy for their needs without worrying about whether the psychologist is NDIS-registered, as long as the services align with their NDIS plan goals.

Psychology services are crucial for helping participants manage their mental health and build resilience. Whether through individual therapy sessions, group therapy, or telehealth, these services offer:

• Improved emotional regulation: Therapy helps participants cope with stress, manage anxiety, and regulate their emotions.
• Social skills development: Psychologists can work with participants to develop social and communication skills, especially in cases of ASD or social anxiety (Matson & Wilkins, 2008).
• Increased independence: By working with a psychologist, participants can learn coping strategies that promote greater independence in everyday life (Hofmann et al., 2012).

To make the most of your NDIS funds for psychology services, it’s important to work closely with your plan manager and support coordinator to ensure that your goals are clearly defined and align with the services provided. You should also:

• Choose the right psychologist or counsellor who specialises in your area of need (e.g., trauma, ASD, anxiety).
• Consider telehealth options for flexibility and easier access.
• Ensure that the psychologist’s services fit within the framework of your NDIS plan.

Plan managers help keep track of spending, ensuring that funds are used appropriately and efficiently, so you don’t need to worry about the financial administration.

For plan-managed participants, telehealth has become an increasingly popular option for accessing psychology services. Telehealth allows participants to engage in therapy remotely, offering more flexibility in scheduling and reducing travel time. This is especially beneficial for participants living in rural areas or those with mobility challenges (Batastini et al., 2021).

Non-registered providers can be just as effective as registered providers, depending on their qualifications, experience, and the specific needs of the participant. While NDIS-registered providers must meet strict standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, non-registered providers may also offer high-quality services, particularly for participants using plan-managed or self-managed funds.

The key is ensuring that the non-registered provider has the necessary experience and skills in the area required, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or behavioural interventions. It’s important to thoroughly vet non-registered providers to ensure they align with your therapeutic goals.

If your NDIS provider isn’t registered, you can still access their services if your NDIS plan is either plan-managed or self-managed. In these cases, you have more flexibility to choose both registered and non-registered providers. However, if your plan is agency-managed, you must select services from NDIS-registered providers only. It’s important to ensure that the non-registered provider meets the qualifications necessary to deliver high-quality services that align with your NDIS goals.

Plan managers can assist in managing payments for non-registered providers.

Being plan-managed within the NDIS allows participants greater flexibility when accessing psychology services, giving them the freedom to choose both registered and non-registered providers. With the right supports, including therapeutic interventions like CBT and DBT, participants can work towards improved emotional well-being and greater independence. Plan managers ensure that funding is managed effectively, so participants can focus on finding the right psychological support to meet their needs.

• Batastini, A. B., Paprzycki, P., Jones, A. C., & MacLean, N. (2021). Are videoconferenced mental and behavioral health services just as good as in-person? A meta-analysis of a fast-growing practice. Clinical Psychology Review, 83, 101944.
• Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. Guilford Press.
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440.
• Matson, J. L., & Wilkins, J. (2008). Behavioural Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer Science & Business Media.
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) (2023). Understanding the NDIS: Plan Management. Available at: https://www.ndis.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.