Psychology

NDIS Capacity Building support

Psychologists assess and treat mental health and behaviour concerns using evidence-based therapies, and can help a person build skills and manage emotions.

The short answer

Psychologists assess and treat mental health and behavioural concerns using evidence-based therapies, and can help you build skills and manage emotions.

About Psychology

Psychologists work with people of all ages on concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, behaviour, learning and adjustment to change. They assess what is going on, explain it in plain language and provide therapy based on research evidence. Common approaches include cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance-based therapies and skills training.

For people with disability, psychologists may also carry out assessments, for example of development, learning or cognition, and may support families. Some psychologists specialise in areas such as child development, neuropsychology or behaviour support.

Psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Ask about their experience with your concerns, what approach they use and how they measure progress. Feeling comfortable with your psychologist is important, and it is fine to try more than one before deciding.

Who is this service for?

People who would like assessment or therapy for mental health or behavioural concerns, or help building coping skills.

What a typical session looks like

A psychology session is a confidential conversation with a registered psychologist. In the first session they ask about what has brought you in, your history and what you would like to change. They explain how they work, how sessions run and what the limits of confidentiality are.

Later sessions may use a structured approach, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, or a more exploratory style, depending on your needs. The psychologist may suggest exercises to practise between sessions and review how things are going. For some people, psychology involves assessment, such as testing for learning or developmental difficulties.

Who delivers this support

Psychologists are registered with AHPRA and complete extended university training. Some are clinical psychologists with additional training in mental health conditions, and others specialise in areas such as children, neuropsychology or behaviour support. Ask about experience with your concern and whether they work with people with disability.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Think about what you would like help with.
  2. Contact psychologists and ask about their approach.
  3. Book a first appointment and ask what to expect.
  4. Review after a few sessions whether it is helping.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Psychology can work alongside medical care, counselling, therapy and support coordination. If you are living with a mental health condition or a disability that affects your wellbeing, psychology can help build coping skills and manage symptoms. Psychologists may work with your doctor, so it helps to keep them informed about medications and other treatment.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Psychology if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Psychology is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Psychology that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Therapy services providers on the NDIS register

10,460 NDIS providers list therapy services supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing therapy services

See all 10,460 therapy services providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What does a psychologist do?

A psychologist assesses and treats mental health and behavioural concerns using evidence-based therapies, and can help you build skills and manage emotions.

How is a psychologist different from a counsellor?

Psychologists have university training in psychology and are registered with AHPRA. Counsellors may have different qualifications. Both can help, and the best fit depends on your needs.

How do I choose a psychologist?

Check their registration, ask about their experience with your concerns and consider whether you feel comfortable with them.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

Not always, though a referral from a doctor may be needed for some arrangements. Ask the practice.

How is a psychologist different from a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, while psychologists provide therapy and assessment. Some people see both.

Is what I say kept private?

Psychologists keep information confidential, with limited exceptions, such as serious risk of harm. They explain this at the start.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist is trained in assessing and treating mental health through therapy, while a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication. They often work together.

Can I book a psychologist directly without a referral?

Often you do not, but some funding arrangements need a doctor's referral. The psychologist's practice can tell you.

Is what I say kept confidential?

Yes, with limited exceptions such as serious risk of harm. The psychologist will explain these at the start.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Psychology?

If Psychology is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Psychology provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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