Psychology (NDIS Service)
What is Psychology under the NDIS?
Psychology services delivered under Improved Daily Living NDIS funding focus on assisting individuals to address mental health and cognitive concerns that may be impacting on their functional capacity. This includes concerns that prevent participants from taking part in activities of daily living, participating in the community, engaging in appropriate social interactions, and functioning in study and employment.
NDIS Psychology services are often inclusive of skill development and capacity building to improve a participants functional abilities, and to reduce or manage the impact their concerns have on their areas of functioning. Within services, a participant can receive individual counselling to directly assist them in managing their presenting concerns. They may also be engaged in a specific assessment process to explore their symptoms, cognitive capacities, and any additional diagnoses.
Who could benefit from Psychology?
Individuals may benefit from Psychology services if they are experiencing one or more of the following concerns that are impacting their functional capacity:
Low or depressed mood
Anxiety
Negative rumination
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Bullying
Learning difficulties
Intrusive thoughts
Grief and loss
Difficulties concentrating
Trouble recalling memories
Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia or delusions
Stressors (e.g. financial, relationship, employment)
Impulsive behaviour
Individuals of any age can benefit from Psychology services as intervention and strategies are tailored to each person depending on their capacities, goals and interests. We can work with participants who have particularly complex psychological and behavioural presentations, such as those with histories of trauma, abuse and neglect, and criminal behaviour.
What can you expect?
Initial Psychological Assessment
An Initial Psychological Assessment will be conducted with you and any key supports you wish to attend (e.g. guardian, parents, family members, advocate, support staff or key worker, teacher). During this assessment, we will ask a series of questions about your interests, individual and therapy goals, strengths, psychosocial history, diagnoses/symptoms, and presenting concerns. We will assess how your presenting concerns are impacting your areas of functioning, such as your social/interpersonal relationships, emotional wellbeing, employment, self-care, and daily activities.
Following the completion of this assessment, we will often complete one or more short psychometric tests to help us understand your current concerns and any distress you may be experiencing.
Individual Counselling
Following this assessment, we can commence individual counselling sessions with you using one or more of the following therapy techniques: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). These sessions can be conducted face to face or via telehealth depending on your preference.
Recommendation Report (where required)
If you are not engaging in counselling and only require a Recommendation Report, this will be written following the Initial Psychological Assessment. This report will include details about your psychosocial history, diagnoses and their impact, presenting concerns, and further recommendations for servicing and funding.
Mental Health Diagnostic Assessment (where required)
If you have been referred for a Mental Health Diagnostic Assessment, we will conduct a series of appropriate assessments, interview questionnaires, and psychometrics with you including the Initial Psychological Assessment. This will then be followed by the completion of the relevant report with our assessment findings and recommendations.
Referral Types and Cost
Psychology utilises Improved Daily Living funds and is charged at the NDIS rate of $222.99/hour. The following referral types are available:
Psychological Counselling
Mental Health Diagnostic Assessment
Development of a Recommendation Report