Accessing NDIS Psychologist Services
The NDIS scheme offers a variety of funding options for NDIA participants to access support services, such as therapy or counselling from a psychologist.
Accessing NDIS Psychologist Services
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, most commonly called NDIS, has been established to support people with a disability. The scheme offers a variety of funding options for NDIS participants to access support services, such as therapy or counselling from a psychologist.
Psychologists can provide high-quality mental health services and support to people with disabilities. In addition, a psychologist can develop a tailored plan for individuals with disabilities according to their unique needs and therapeutic goals.
The process of accessing NDIS-funded services from a psychologist varies, depending on your circumstances. To find out if you are eligible or how to apply and access services, visit the NDIS website ndis.gov.au.
NDIS Plan Funding Options
There are three ways to manage your NDIS funding. These include the following options:
- Self-managed Funding
- Plan-managed Funding
- NDIA or Agency-managed Funding
Self-managed and plan-managed clients may access psychological services funded by NDIS from any psychologist.
Self-managed Funding
The NDIA provides you with funding for the support services that will best help you pursue your goals. Self-management allows you to have control over and responsibility for your NDIS funding. It gives you the flexibility and choice to decide what supports you buy to pursue your plan goals.
Easy to Read NDIS Guide to Self-management >
Plan-managed Funding
The NDIA provides you with funding in your plan for a Plan Manager who pays your service providers for you. They help you keep track of your funding and take care of financial reporting for you. Depending on your circumstances, they can also help you choose your providers.
Easy to read NDIS Guide to Plan-Management >
NDIA-managed Funding
The NDIA pays your providers on your behalf. When NDIA-managed, you can choose from a range of NDIS-registered providers.
NDIS Psychologists:
Registered & Non-Registered Providers
When finding the right service provider for you, you may notice that some are ‘NDIS registered’ while others aren’t. The difference between NDIS-registered and unregistered providers is something that’s often misunderstood. In this section, we explore the difference between NDIS-registered and non-registered providers, so you can make an informed decision when choosing a psychologist to get the best possible support available.
What does NDIS-registered mean?
Service providers such as psychologists can choose to formally register with the NDIS. These are known as NDIS-registered providers. Registered providers are audited to make sure they meet strict requirements to do with safety, quality and compliance. Unregistered providers don’t go through this process and aren’t required to meet the same requirements – but that doesn’t mean they don’t provide the same quality as NDIS-registered providers.
Why do some psychologists choose not to register with the NDIS?
There are several reasons why a provider may choose not to register with the NDIS. Typically, smaller providers may not have the resources to go through the NDIS registration process as it can be a time-consuming and high-investment exercise. Others may not specialise in disability services, or becoming NDIS registered is not their priority.
What if I have seen a psychologist for a while and I don’t want to change providers?
Having the flexibility to choose from registered and unregistered providers is one of the reasons why some people prefer or choose NDIS self-managed or plan-managed funding. For people who have been using the same small, local provider for a while, plan management allows them to continue accessing this trusted provider even if they’re not NDIS registered. Non-registered psychologists are still able to provide you with support, as long as they help you to meet your NDIS plan goals in a safe and professional way.
Are there disadvantages to seeing a non-NDIS registered psychologist?
It depends on the psychologist. Unregistered providers don’t need to meet the same standards as NDIS-registered providers. However, many unregistered providers are as passionate about providing support and helping NDIS participants, regardless of their registration status. At the same time, an NDIS registered psychologist doesn’t guarantee they’ll meet your personal standards of support and customer service. So when choosing a registered or unregistered psychologist, do your research to find out if they are the right fit for you.
Can I access both registered and unregistered psychologists?
This depends on how your NDIS funding is managed. If your plan is either self-managed or plan-managed, you can use both NDIS unregistered and registered psychologists. If your plan is agency or NDIA-managed, you can only use registered providers.
How do I choose a psychologist to deliver my services?
When choosing a psychologist or other service providers, it is essential to consider your needs and find the right psychologist who can meet them. Talk to a psychologist about your goals and how they can help you to achieve them. Find out about their experience, their services, and treatment duration, among others.
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