Navigating NDIS funding can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding which supports can be funded through your plan.
Many participants, families and support coordinators ask questions such as:
- Can I use my NDIS funding for psychology?
- What funding category covers behaviour support?
- Are allied health services funded by the NDIS?
- How do I know if I have funding available?
The good news is that many therapeutic supports can be funded through the NDIS when they are related to a participant’s disability and help them work towards their goals.
This guide explains the funding categories commonly used to access psychology, behaviour support and other allied health services, helping you understand your options and make the most of your NDIS plan.
What are therapeutic supports?
Therapeutic supports are services delivered by qualified allied health professionals to help participants build skills, improve wellbeing, increase independence, and achieve their NDIS goals.
These supports are designed to build a person’s capacity over time, helping them participate more fully in everyday life, relationships, education, employment, and their community.
Therapeutic supports may include:
- Psychology
- Behaviour support
- Occupational therapy
- Speech pathology
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise physiology
- Social work
Each support is tailored to the participant’s individual needs, goals, and circumstances.
Quick answer:What are therapeutic supports under the NDIS? Therapeutic supports are NDIS-funded services delivered by allied health professionals to help participants improve independence, wellbeing, communication, behaviour, mobility and everyday living skills. |
Which NDIS funding category pays for therapeutic supports?
Most therapeutic supports are funded through the Capacity Building budget, specifically under the category known as Improved Daily Living. This funding is intended to help participants develop skills and increase independence over time rather than providing ongoing daily assistance.
Depending on a participant’s goals and support needs, the budget may be used to access services such as psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and physiotherapy.
Behaviour support services will also be funded through the Capacity Building budget, under the category Improved Relationships or Behaviour Support. This funding helps participants to build skills and can be used to access behaviour support services and behaviour support plans.
Funding is not automatically included in every NDIS plan. The amount available will vary based on a participant’s individual circumstances, goals, and assessed needs. If you’re unsure whether you have funding available, your support coordinator, local area coordinator (LAC), plan manager, or provider may be able to help you understand your plan.
Quick answer:What NDIS funding category pays for therapeutic supports? Most NDIS-funded therapy services are paid for through the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living or Improved Relationships/Behaviour Support budget. |
Can NDIS funding be used for psychology?
Yes, psychology services can often be funded through the NDIS when they are considered reasonable and necessary and support a participant’s disability-related needs and goals.
Psychologists work with participants to develop practical skills and strategies that improve everyday functioning, emotional wellbeing, and independence.
Psychology supports may help with:
- Emotional regulation
- Building coping strategies
- Managing stress and anxiety related to disability
- Developing social and communication skills
- Increasing confidence and resilience
- Improving community participation
- Building independence and life skills
The NDIS generally funds psychology supports that relate directly to a participant’s disability and their goals. Services that are the responsibility of the mainstream health system may not be funded through the NDIS.
Example:
A participant with autism may work with a psychologist to develop strategies for managing anxiety, building social confidence, and navigating changes in routine. These supports may help them participate more independently in education, employment or community activities.
Quick answer:Can NDIS funding be used for psychology? Yes. Psychology services can often be funded through the NDIS when they relate to a participant’s disability and support their NDIS goals. Funding is commonly provided through the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget. |
Can NDIS funding be used for behaviour support?
Behaviour support is another therapeutic service that may be funded through the NDIS. Behaviour support focuses on improving quality of life and reducing behaviours of concern through positive, evidence-based and person-centred approaches.
Qualified behaviour support practitioners work closely with participants, families, carers and support teams to understand the reasons behind behaviours and develop strategies that promote safety, wellbeing and independence.
Behaviour support services may include:
- Functional behaviour assessments
- Behaviour support plans
- Positive behaviour support strategies
- Training and coaching for families and support workers
- Environmental recommendations
- Skill-building programs
The goal of behaviour support is not simply to reduce behaviours of concern but to help participants communicate their needs, build skills and improve their overall quality of life.
Example
A participant who experiences frustration due to communication difficulties may work with a behaviour support practitioner to identify triggers, develop alternative communication strategies and create supportive environments that reduce stress and improve participation.
Quick answer:Can NDIS funding be used for behaviour support? Yes. Behaviour support can be funded by the NDIS when it helps a participant improve quality of life, increase independence and address behaviours of concern through positive behaviour support strategies. Funding is commonly provided through the Capacity Building – Improved Relationships/Behaviour Support budget. |
How do I know if I have funding available?
The easiest way to determine whether you have funding for therapeutic supports is to review your NDIS plan. Look for funding under:
Capacity Building → Improved Daily Living or Improved Relationships/Behaviour Support
You can also speak with your:
- Support coordinator
- Local area coordinator (LAC)
- Plan manager
- Allied health provider
These professionals can help you understand your available funding and how it may be used to support your goals.
How Challenge Community Services can help
Our experienced Allied Health team works alongside participants, families and support coordinators to deliver person-centred therapeutic supports that build confidence, independence and wellbeing.
Our services include psychology, behaviour support, social work, and other allied health supports tailored to each participant’s goals and circumstances. Whether you’re looking to better understand your NDIS funding or explore support options, our team can help you take the next step.
Free download: Your easy guide to NDIS funding for therapeutic supports
Not sure whether your NDIS plan includes funding for psychology, behaviour support or other allied health services? Download our free one-page guide designed for participants, families and support coordinators. It includes common funding categories, questions to ask during plan reviews and tips for making the most of your therapeutic supports funding.
