Psychosocial supports help people with mental health and psychosocial disability manage everyday life, build confidence and maintain independence. In Victoria, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds a range of services that enable participants to live safely and with dignity. This guide explains what these supports are, who can access them, what is covered, how to plan for them and how to activate the services. It also highlights local options near Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico.
What Psychosocial Supports Are and Who They Help
Psychosocial supports are designed for people whose mental health or psychosocial disability limits their ability to perform daily tasks or interact socially. They include:
- Individual counselling or therapy sessions
- Social skills training
- Supported community participation
- Behaviour support planning
- Peer support groups
These supports are for anyone with a mental health condition that affects their independence, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or complex trauma. They are not for physical disabilities unless the mental health condition is a secondary impact.
Eligibility & Access Rules
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 16 or older (or have a parent/guardian if younger)
- Have a diagnosed mental health condition that is persistent and impacts daily living
- Have a plan that includes psychosocial supports as a core or capacity building goal
- Be registered with the NDIS and have an approved plan
Access is granted through your NDIS plan. The planner will decide the number of hours and type of support based on your goals. If you are not yet on a plan, you can apply for a pre‑qualification assessment to determine eligibility.
What’s Included and What’s Not Included
Included services:
- Individual therapy or counselling sessions with a registered psychologist or counsellor
- Social participation activities organised by a service provider
- Behaviour support plans delivered by a qualified behaviour analyst
- Peer support group facilitation
Excluded services:
- Medication management (unless provided by a registered health practitioner)
- Hospital or inpatient care
- Any service that exceeds the hourly limits set in the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
- Services that are purely recreational without a therapeutic or independence goal
Funding & Planning Considerations
Psychosocial supports fall under the NDIS categories of Core Supports or Capacity Building. The amount you can receive depends on:
- The number of hours you need each week
- The provider’s approved rate under the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
- Whether you choose a specialist or a generalist provider
When drafting your plan, discuss the following with your planner:
- Clear, measurable goals (e.g., attend community events twice a week)
- Preferred providers in your local area
- Any required accommodation adjustments for therapy sessions
- Potential for future increases in support hours if circumstances change
Plan review meetings are usually held annually, but you can request a review sooner if your needs change.
How to Request or Activate Psychosocial Supports
- Check your plan – Look for the allocated hours under Core or Capacity Building supports.
- Choose a provider – Search for registered psychologists, counsellors or behaviour analysts in Victoria. Use local directories or your planner’s recommendations.
- Contact the provider – Discuss your goals, availability and the provider’s rates. Confirm they are registered under the NDIS and can bill through the scheme.
- Submit a service agreement – The provider will send an agreement for you to sign. This documents the type of support, frequency and cost.
- Start the service – Once signed, you can begin receiving support. Keep a record of each session for your planner’s review.
For example, if you live near Belgravia, you can find a psychologist who offers online and in‑person sessions. If you prefer face‑to‑face support, consider providers in nearby Chelsea or Pimlico for shorter travel times.
Local Context: Victoria and Nearby Areas
Victoria offers a wide range of psychosocial support providers. In the metropolitan region, you’ll find many registered psychologists and counsellors who specialise in NDIS funding. In smaller communities such as Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico, local providers often offer flexible appointment times to suit participants’ schedules. Many of these providers also run group sessions that foster peer support and community engagement.
Key local resources include:
- NDIS Home Care Supports in Wyndham – Offers community participation services that can complement psychosocial supports.
- NDIS Home Care Supports in Victoria – Provides a directory of local providers and services.
- NDIS Home Care Supports in Rosebud – Features community activity options suitable for people with psychosocial needs.
These resources can help you find trusted providers and understand local service options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of mental health conditions qualify for psychosocial supports?
- Any condition that is persistent, impacts daily living and is diagnosed by a qualified professional. Common examples are anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and complex trauma.
- Can psychosocial supports replace medication management?
- No. Medication management must be provided by a registered health practitioner. Psychosocial supports work alongside medication to improve overall wellbeing.
- How often can I use psychosocial supports?
- The frequency depends on your plan. Typical arrangements range from weekly to bi‑weekly sessions, but your planner will set a schedule that meets your goals.
- What if I need more support hours than my plan allows?
- You can request a plan review. If your circumstances change, such as increased symptom severity, your planner may approve additional hours.
- Are there any age restrictions for psychosocial supports?
- Participants must be 16 or older. For younger participants, a parent or guardian must be involved in the planning and decision‑making process.
This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.