In short: If your NDIS plan includes funding for psychology, a psychologist can support your mental health, behaviour and wellbeing as part of your plan goals. Our team supports NDIS participants in Deer Park and across Melbourne's west, with clinic appointments and, where suitable, community or telehealth sessions.
What does an NDIS psychologist do?
A psychologist helps people understand and manage thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Under the NDIS, psychology supports are linked to your plan goals and your disability — which might include emotional regulation, coping strategies, behaviour, social skills, or adjusting to change. Psychologists can also complete assessments that inform your supports.
Psychology is one part of the broader support available. For behaviour-specific needs, positive behaviour support may also be funded in your plan.
How is psychology funded under the NDIS?
For most participants, psychology is funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, when it is reasonable and necessary and relates to your disability and goals. A few points are useful to know:
- Improved Daily Living funding is generally flexible across therapy types
- If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can usually choose your own psychologist; NDIA-managed plans generally require a registered provider
- NDIS psychology is separate from Medicare's Better Access mental health sessions — your GP can advise if Medicare-subsidised psychology is more appropriate for you
If you are unsure how your plan covers psychology, a support coordinator or plan manager can help.
What happens at a first psychology appointment?
The first appointment is usually about getting to know you, understanding your goals and history, and agreeing on what you would like to work on. The psychologist then plans support with you, which may involve a series of sessions, strategies to practise between visits, and reviews of how things are going.
Sessions can take place in our clinic and, where appropriate, through community visits or telehealth — which can make support easier to access.
NDIS psychology in Deer Park and Melbourne's west
Our psychologists support NDIS participants in Deer Park and across Melbourne's western suburbs, including Truganina, Tarneit, Werribee, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing and Melton. You can explore our psychology service and wider NDIS supports to see how we work.
How do I get started?
- Check your eligibility if you are unsure whether psychology fits your plan
- Make a referral to begin
- Or contact our team to talk it through — support is available in several languages
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NDIS cover psychology?
Yes, when psychology is reasonable and necessary and relates to your disability and goals. It is usually funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. How your plan covers it depends on your funding and plan management type, which your support coordinator or plan manager can help explain.
Can I choose my own psychologist on the NDIS?
If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can usually choose your own psychologist, including non-registered providers. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you will generally need to use an NDIS-registered provider. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm what applies to you.
What is the difference between NDIS psychology and a Medicare mental health plan?
NDIS psychology is funded through your NDIS plan and is linked to your disability and goals. A Medicare mental health treatment plan (Better Access) is arranged by your GP and provides a set number of subsidised sessions each year for a diagnosed mental health condition. They are separate pathways, and your GP can help you work out which suits your situation.
Do you offer NDIS psychology near me in Deer Park?
Our psychologists support participants in Deer Park and across Melbourne's west, with clinic appointments and, where suitable, community visits or telehealth. Contact our team to check current availability for your area and to arrange an initial appointment.
Do I need a referral to see an NDIS psychologist?
If your NDIS plan already includes psychology funding, you generally do not need a separate referral — you can engage a psychologist to work towards your plan goals. Our team can help you get started and confirm what your plan covers. For Medicare-subsidised psychology, a GP mental health treatment plan is needed instead.
Trusted sources for further reading
- Australian Psychological Society — Find a Psychologist
- Healthdirect — Psychiatrists and psychologists
- NDIS — National Disability Insurance Scheme
This article is general information only and does not replace individual professional advice. If you are struggling, please speak with your GP or a qualified psychologist. If you are in crisis, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
