Your NDIS Support Coordinator Can Unlock Counselling in 4 Steps

Have you ever looked at your NDIS plan and thought, “Can I actually use this to talk to someone about my mental health?” Many participants feel unsure about whether counselling is covered or how to even begin. That’s where your NDIS support coordinator comes in.

Counselling can be a powerful tool in your journey towards better mental health, confidence, and independence. In this blog, we’ll walk you through four clear steps your support coordinator can take with you to help unlock this support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, dealing with anxiety, or simply wanting someone to talk to regularly, these steps will help you feel more in control of your NDIS funding and your future.

 

Step 1 – Talk to Your NDIS Support Coordinator About Your Mental Health Goals

It all starts with a conversation. If you’re feeling like you need more support with your mental health, tell your support coordinator. You don’t need to have the perfect words or know exactly what kind of therapy you want.

A good NDIS support coordinator will take the time to really listen, ask the right questions, and help you unpack what you need. At Selective Support, our team understands that you’re more than just a plan. We get to know your story, your goals, and what matters to you.

 

Step 2 – Identify the Right Type of Counselling and Recovery Coaching

What’s the Difference Between Counselling and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching?

Understanding the options is key. Counselling is usually short-term support to help you manage everyday emotions, stress, or past experiences. It could look like one-on-one sessions with a therapist, either face-to-face or online.

Psychosocial recovery coaching, on the other hand, is about long-term mental health recovery. It focuses on building your strengths, routines, and independence over time. It’s not just about coping, it’s about growing.

Both can be part of your NDIS plan, depending on what you need. And if you’re not sure which fits best, your support coordinator can help you explore both.

When to Ask for a Mental Health Recovery Coach

If your mental health condition significantly impacts your daily life, a mental health recovery coach might be the right fit. This coach works alongside you to set goals, build resilience, and develop life skills. They focus on what recovery means for you, not just symptom management.

At Selective Support, many of our clients who were feeling stuck have found new energy and direction with this kind of coaching.

 

Step 3 – Check Which Budget Covers Counselling Services

One of the biggest barriers to accessing counselling is not knowing where the money comes from. In fact, of participants with a psychosocial disability, just 40% reported feeling satisfied with their life in 2023‑24, highlighting the gap in supports that get behind the scenes of the funding. Your NDIS support coordinator can help you navigate this.

Counselling and coaching may be funded through:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living: This often covers therapeutic supports like counselling.
• Capacity Building – Improved Relationships: If your mental health impacts your ability to connect with others, this can help.

Your coordinator will review your current funding and help you plan for what to include in your next review. This is especially important when advocating for funding for disability services that support your mental health.

Step 4 – Connect with a Trusted, Qualified Counsellor

Choosing the Right Provider for You

Not every counsellor will be the right fit and that’s okay. Your support coordinator can connect you with providers who match your goals, values, and preferred style (like gentle, direct, trauma-informed, etc).

You don’t always need to use a registered NDIS provider, either. In some cases, you can work with a therapist of your choice and still use your funding (depending on your plan).

At Selective Support, we have a trusted network of therapists and coaches who specialise in working with NDIS participants. Whether you’re after online sessions or someone local, we make the process easier.

Real Support, Real Outcomes

Take Andrew, for example. Before joining Selective Support, Andrew felt overwhelmed by appointments and unsure how to get counselling. Now, with support from his coordinator and a weekly session with a counsellor he connects with, he’s building a routine and learning to manage stress in healthier ways.

It’s not just about accessing services, it’s about creating a support team that understands you.

 

Ready to Get the Support You Deserve?

You don’t have to figure all this out on your own. Your NDIS support coordinator is there to guide, support, and advocate for you, not just fill out forms.

At Selective Support, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s why we offer one-on-one support to help you access the right counselling or recovery services with confidence.

 

Take the First Step Towards Feeling More in Control

Whether it’s through counselling, psychosocial recovery coaching, or a dedicated mental health recovery coach, there are real supports out there to help you feel better. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Your NDIS support coordinator is your teammate in this journey. From understanding your funding to finding the right person to talk to, they walk beside you every step of the way.

If you’ve been wondering whether your NDIS plan can support your mental health, the answer is likely yes, and we’re here to help make it happen. Reach out to Selective Support, we’re here to help you feel more confident and in control of your NDIS journey.

 

What You Might Still Be Wondering About NDIS Counselling

1. Can I get counselling with an NDIS plan if I’m self-managed?

Yes, if you’re self-managed, you have more flexibility in choosing your provider, including non-registered counsellors, as long as the service is aligned with your goals and funding categories.

2. How do I add counselling to my NDIS plan if it’s not included?

You can request counselling to be added during your plan review. Your support coordinator can help you gather evidence, explain your needs, and advocate for it to be included.

3. Is there a difference between seeing a psychologist and a counsellor under the NDIS?

Yes. Psychologists are clinical professionals who can provide diagnostic assessments and therapy, while counsellors focus more on talk-based support for emotional wellbeing. Both can be funded under NDIS, depending on your plan and needs.