The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to support eligible Australians who are born with or acquire a permanent and significant disability. People with a mental health condition who have a disability because of their condition (called a psychosocial disability) can apply for NDIS funding.

Particular diagnoses are not automatically identified as psychosocial disabilities, instead it is based on the interaction of the individual and the environment they are in. A psychosocial disability occurs when someone with a mental health condition experiences a social environment that creates barriers to their equality.

For example, someone diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder level 2 (ASD level 2) may have experienced a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, ostracised and even bullied by their neurotypical peers due to a lack of understanding of the natural differences in the way that their brain works. This may have led to significant trauma for the individual which, without appropriate support, can create additional barriers to forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Good counselling can offer insights into what is happening and support healing of this trauma.

Additionally, NDIS participants without a psychosocial disability may access counselling if they are experiencing distress associated with their disability. Many acquired disabilities take time to adjust to, and counselling can support this process. Also, many people with disabilities experience discrimination or other negative behaviour from other people which can again lead to distress or trauma, and which may benefit from support.

If you are an NDIS participant and feel your disability is impacting your ability to cope, you may be able to access funding for counselling. Ask your Psychosocial Recovery Coach or Support Coordinator, if you have one.