How to use your NDIS plan for mental health

Your NDIS plan might include funding you can use for mental health support, but it is not always clear how to actually use it. Here is a practical breakdown.

Where mental health support sits in your plan

Mental health and therapeutic support usually falls under Capacity Building, specifically the category called "Improved Daily Living." This is where funding for things like therapy, counselling, and skill-building support sits.

Some plans also include Core Supports that can be used for psychosocial support, but the specifics depend on your plan. If you are not sure, your plan manager or support coordinator can walk you through it.

Self-managed vs plan-managed

If you are self-managed, you have full control over who you see and how you spend your funding. You can choose any qualified practitioner, including those who are not NDIS-registered. You handle invoicing and claiming yourself.

If you are plan-managed, your plan manager processes invoices on your behalf. You can still choose non-registered providers in most cases, but check with your plan manager to confirm.

If you are agency-managed, you can only see NDIS-registered providers. The Kind Mind Collective is not currently a registered provider, so this service is not available for agency-managed participants.

What to bring to your first conversation

When you reach out to a therapist about using your NDIS plan, it helps to know your plan dates and budget for the relevant category, your plan management type, and your goals. You do not need to have everything figured out. A good practitioner will help you connect your therapeutic goals to your plan goals in a way that makes sense.

Can I use both NDIS and Medicare?

You cannot use both NDIS and Medicare for the same session. But you might use Medicare for some things and NDIS for others, depending on your situation. If you are unsure, it is worth having a conversation about the best approach for your circumstances.