Is Counselling in my NDIS plan?
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to access the right support for your child or family. At Cooroy Therapy, we’re here to help you understand how NDIS plans work, what’s covered, and how counselling and parent support can fit into your family’s journey.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS provides funding to Australians with disabilities to access services and supports tailored to their individual needs. Each participant’s plan is designed to help them achieve their goals, enhance their daily living skills, and improve overall wellbeing.
If your child has an NDIS plan, you may be able to use it to access therapy services, including:
Play therapy and movement therapy to support your child’s development and emotional wellbeing.
Counselling to help parents navigate the challenges of caregiving and family life.
Workshops and programs aimed at building resilience and social skills for children.
Key NDIS Plan Rules
Here are some important rules to keep in mind when working with your NDIS plan:
Goals-Based Funding: All services accessed through an NDIS plan must align with the participant’s stated goals. For example:
A goal might be to "improve emotional regulation" or "enhance family relationships."
Therapy sessions, including play therapy and counselling, can support these goals.
Reasonable and Necessary: The NDIS funds supports that are considered "reasonable and necessary." This means:
The service must relate to the participant’s disability.
It must represent good value for money and be effective in meeting the goal.
Flexibility in Plan Categories: Funding is often split into three key categories:
Core Supports: Daily activities or needs that promote independence.
Capacity Building: Services like therapy to build skills and improve quality of life.
Capital Supports: Assistive technologies or home modifications.
Counselling and therapeutic services typically fall under the Capacity Building category.
Counselling and NDIS Plans
If your NDIS plan includes funding for therapeutic supports, you may be eligible to use it for counselling. Here’s how it works:
For Children: Counselling can help children process emotions, develop coping strategies, and address challenges such as anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or social difficulties.
For Parents and Caregivers: As a parent, you may be able to access counselling under your child’s NDIS plan if:
The counselling directly benefits the child’s care, such as improving family dynamics or supporting the parent’s capacity to provide care.
It aligns with the child’s goals within the plan.
It is delivered by a qualified therapist registered with the NDIS (if required by the plan).
At Cooroy Therapy, we provide counselling services for parents and families to help strengthen relationships and address the unique challenges of raising a child with additional needs.
The Role of Support Coordinators
Support coordinators are professionals who assist NDIS participants and their families in managing their plans. Their role includes:
Helping you understand and maximize your plan funding.
Linking you with appropriate services and providers, like Cooroy Therapy.
Ensuring the supports you access are aligned with your goals and budget.
If you’re new to the NDIS, working with a support coordinator can help you feel more confident and organized in accessing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use NDIS funding for my own counselling as a parent?
Yes, if the counselling benefits your child or aligns with their NDIS plan goals. For example:
A parent attending counselling to develop strategies for managing challenging behaviors.
Sessions that support improved family communication or reduce caregiver stress.
2. Does Cooroy Therapy accept NDIS participants?
Absolutely! We offer a range of services that can be funded under NDIS plans, including play therapy, movement therapy, and family counselling.
3. What if I don’t know how to use my NDIS plan?
We recommend working with a support coordinator or reaching out to us directly. We’re happy to guide you through the process and ensure you access the support you need.
How Cooroy Therapy Can Help
At Cooroy Therapy, we specialize in therapeutic services for children and families, including:
Play therapy to support children’s emotional and developmental needs.
Movement therapy to build confidence and self-regulation.
Parent counselling to strengthen family dynamics and improve caregiving strategies.
We also work closely with support coordinators and families to make the process as seamless as possible. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking to make the most of your plan, we’re here to help.
Get in Touch
If you have questions about using your NDIS plan for therapy or counselling, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book an initial consultation.
Call us at 0422 506 824 for a free consultation.
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Let’s work together to create a brighter future for your child and family!
