Psychosocial disability
and the NDIS, explained
The NDIS can fund practical, day-to-day support for people whose mental health condition has a lasting impact on their life — alongside, not instead of, their clinical mental health care.
The short version: psychosocial disability describes the impact a mental health condition can have on everyday life. NDIS support workers help with routines, home life, getting out and building skills. Clinical treatment — diagnosis, therapy and medication decisions — stays with the health system.
What is psychosocial disability?
Psychosocial disability is not a diagnosis. It’s the term used for the disability that can arise when a mental health condition — such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression or complex trauma — makes everyday things hard: keeping a routine, looking after a home, managing appointments, or being around other people. It can be episodic, with better and harder periods, and the NDIA recognises this.
What the NDIS can fund
- Support workers for daily routines, household tasks, meals and personal care.
- Community participation — getting out, reconnecting with people, groups, study or work.
- Capacity building — developing skills for more independence over time.
- Psychosocial recovery coaching — a recovery coach helps you plan, navigate supports and work towards recovery goals.
- Support coordination — help to find and organise providers.
Clinical mental health care — GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists under Medicare, hospital and community mental health services — is generally funded by the health system, not the NDIS.
What a support worker does — and doesn’t do
| A support worker does | A support worker doesn’t |
|---|---|
| Helps with routines, cooking, cleaning and errands | Diagnose or provide therapy or counselling |
| Supports outings, appointments and social connection | Change or decide on medication |
| Gives reminders and prompts you’ve agreed to | Replace your clinical team |
| Notices early warning signs and follows your plan | Replace emergency or crisis services |
| With your consent, keeps your team informed | Share your information without your consent |
Recovery coach or support worker — what’s the difference?
A recovery coach works with you on the bigger picture: understanding your plan, setting recovery goals and coordinating your supports. A support worker is there week to week for the practical, everyday side. Many people have both. Anchor & Aim provides support workers and works closely with your recovery coach — we don’t provide recovery coaching ourselves.
What good psychosocial support looks like
- Consistency — the same one or two workers, so you don’t have to retell your story.
- Recovery-oriented — focused on connection, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment (the CHIME framework).
- Trauma-informed — safety, choice and going at your pace.
- Honest communication — clear updates to you and, with consent, your team.
Learn more about our psychosocial support and the Recovery & Stability Pathway, or send us a message.
This guide is general information, not advice about your individual plan. NDIS rules change from time to time — check ndis.gov.au and the NDIS Commission for the latest, or ask your support coordinator.
Common questions
Can I get NDIS support for a mental health condition?
Possibly. The NDIS supports people whose condition causes a permanent or likely permanent psychosocial disability with a substantial impact on daily life. Episodic conditions can still qualify. The NDIA decides eligibility.
Does the NDIS pay for my psychologist or psychiatrist?
Generally no. Clinical treatment is usually funded through the health system, such as Medicare and state mental health services.
Do you provide psychosocial recovery coaching?
No. We provide support workers and work closely with your recovery coach, if you have one.