If you, your child, or someone you support is an NDIS participant, you might be asking a very practical question:

“Can the NDIS fund psychology and counselling, and how do I know if this psychologist is the right one for me?”

Not everyone is eligible for NDIS funding—eligibility criteria apply and must be met to access NDIS psychology and related supports.

The short answer is yes, the NDIS can fund psychology for many participants, particularly where mental health, behaviour, emotional regulation or functional independence are affected by disability.

This guide walks through:

• What the NDIS typically covers for psychology
• Which support categories apply
• How appointments work in practice
• Plan management types and claiming
• The key questions to ask an NDIS psychologist before you commit

Throughout, we will show how Bloom Healthcare’s psychology and counselling team fits into that picture in a very real, day-to-day way.

Bloom Psychology and Counselling: https://bloom-healthcare.com.au/services/psychology-counselling/

Does the NDIS Cover Psychology?

Yes. The NDIS can fund psychology services when they are directly related to a person’s disability and help them work towards the goals in their plan.

Common reasons psychology is funded include:

• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• Anxiety, low mood, trauma or adjustment related to disability
• Support with social skills and relationships
• Behaviour that gets in the way of participation at home, school, work or in the community
• Building independence and resilience

NDIS psychology is not a general “mental health” service. While the NDIS does not fund general mental health services, it does support mental health services that are directly related to a participant’s disability and functional needs. It has to be reasonable and necessary, and linked to functional impact and disability-related needs, rather than short-term life stress alone.

Which NDIS Categories Fund Psychology?

Psychology is usually funded under the Capacity Building budget.

The most relevant support categories are:

In most plans, you will see Psychology listed within Improved Daily Living, occasionally alongside Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy or other therapeutic supports. These categories allow participants to access a range of NDIS services, including psychology, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Who Can Provide Psychology Under the NDIS?

NDIS participants can work with:

• Registered psychologists
• Provisional Psychologists, under appropriate supervision
• Sometimes, counsellors or therapists, if they meet quality and registration expectations, and the plan allows for it

NDIS psychologists are trained to deliver tailored mental health and therapy services under the NDIS, supporting participants’ emotional wellbeing and individual needs.

At Bloom Healthcare, your supports are delivered by qualified professionals with experience in Positive Behaviour Support:

• Autism and ADHD
• Intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Psychosocial disability
• Complex trauma and long-term stress
• Behavioural and emotional regulation
• Identity, self-esteem and life transitions

Our team understands both the clinical side and the NDIS requirements, which makes a big difference when it comes to writing reports, setting goals and communicating with planners or support coordinators.

Bloom Psychology and Counselling: https://bloom-healthcare.com.au/services/psychology-counselling/

What Is Included In NDIS Psychology Support?

An NDIS-funded psychologist can provide much more than just talk Therapy. Their ability to apply a wide range of psychological skills and expertise supports participants’ independence, learning, and overall wellbeing.

Typical supports include:

1. Assessment

• Understanding the person’s strengths, challenges and history
• Exploring how disability affects mood, thinking, relationships and day-to-day life
• Identifying what is getting in the way of goals

In some cases, this may also include standardised tools or questionnaires to understand better anxiety, mood, behaviour, or functional capacity.

2. Therapy and Skill Building

This might focus on:

• Emotional regulation and recognising early warning signs
• Coping strategies for anxiety, sensory overload, social stress or change
• Building self-compassion, self-esteem and identity (for example, after a late diagnosis of autism or ADHD)
• Problem-solving for daily situations such as school refusal, conflict or workplace stress
• Social and relationship skills, including boundaries and communication

These interventions are designed to help participants achieve greater independence in their daily lives.

Therapy is not “one size fits all”. At Bloom, sessions are adapted to the person’s preferences and needs. That might mean:

• Creative or visual tools rather than only verbal approaches
• Shorter, more frequent sessions for people who fatigue easily
• Involvement of family or support workers, where that is helpful and consented to

3. Support for Families and Carers

Psychology under the NDIS can also include:

• Parent or carer coaching around behaviour, emotions and communication
• Education about trauma, neurodivergence or psychosocial disability
• Practical strategies for supporting the person in day-to-day life

This is especially important in child and adolescent work, as well as in situations where families are managing complex needs.

4. Reports for Plan Reassessment

NDIS planners and Local Area Coordinators often rely heavily on allied health reports.

A Psychologist’s report may cover:

• Current presentation and functional impact
• Progress made during the plan period
• Ongoing risks or unmet needs
• Clear, NDIS-friendly recommendations for future support

Bloom clinicians are accustomed to writing reports that are both clinically sound and NDIS-relevant, which reduces the stress many families feel before a review.

How Do NDIS Psychology Appointments Work?

While every provider is slightly different, here is what typically happens with Bloom Healthcare. Appointments can be delivered in person, via telehealth, or in the community, depending on participant needs and preferences.

Referral and Intake

You can:

• Contact Bloom directly
• Be referred by a GP, paediatrician, support coordinator or other provider

The team will usually ask:

• How your NDIS plan is managed (NDIA, plan managed, or self-managed)
• Which budget category do you intend to use
• What are your main goals and concerns are

Service Agreement

Before starting, Bloom will set up a Service Agreement that outlines:

• Hourly rate in line with NDIS Pricing Arrangements
• How many hours are allocated for Therapy, reports and travel
• Cancellation and rescheduling policies
• How invoicing and payment will work (direct to the NDIA portal, via the plan manager, or to you as a self-manager)

Appointment Types

Bloom offers:

• Clinic-based sessions were available
• In-home or community sessions, which can be especially helpful for children, high anxiety clients or people with mobility needs
• Telehealth psychology is ideal if you prefer to stay at home or live regionally.

People living with disability can benefit from these flexible appointment options, including in-person, home, community, and telehealth sessions.

Travel time may be billed in line with NDIS rules where home or community visits are requested.

Provider Travel and Cancellations

• Travel is usually charged where the psychologist comes to you, within the limits set by NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
• Short-notice cancellations may incur charges if an appointment is cancelled with less than 7 days’ notice, in line with NDIS guidelines.

Bloom will always outline these clearly at the start, so there are no surprises.

Finding an NDIS Provider

Finding the right NDIS provider is a key step for anyone living with a mental health condition, psychosocial disability, or other disability who wants to access quality NDIS psychology services. The right provider can make a significant difference in your journey – helping you build skills, increase independence, and improve your quality of life.

When searching for an NDIS provider, start by looking for organisations with a strong track record in delivering NDIS-funded psychology services. It’s important to choose a provider with a dedicated team of NDIS-registered psychologists, provisional psychologists, and behaviour support practitioners who understand the unique needs of NDIS participants. Ask about their experience supporting people with autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injury, or complex mental health needs, as well as their approach to capacity building, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.

You can begin your search by exploring local community providers, asking for recommendations from support workers, carers, or other health professionals, and checking the NDIS provider register. Look for providers who offer a range of psychology services, including individual Therapy sessions, therapeutic support, and group programs, so you can access the support that best matches your goals and lifestyle.

A quality NDIS provider will take the time to understand your NDIS goals, support needs, and preferences. They should be able to work collaboratively with your support network – including carers, support workers, and other allied health professionals – to ensure a coordinated approach to your care. This is especially important for people with complex needs or those who benefit from a team-based approach.

It’s also essential to discuss how your NDIS funding can be used to access psychology services. A good provider will explain your options clearly, help you navigate your NDIS plan, and ensure you understand how to claim for assessments, therapy, and ongoing support. This transparency enables you to make the most of your funding and ensures you receive the services you need to achieve your goals.

Ultimately, choosing the right NDIS provider is about more than just qualifications – it’s about finding a team that supports your mental health, helps you build self-confidence, and empowers you to participate fully in your community. With the right support, NDIS participants can develop new skills, increase their independence, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Take the time to research, ask questions, and find a provider who truly understands your needs. With the right partnership, you can access high-quality psychology services, achieve your NDIS goals, and live a more fulfilling life.

How Plan Management Type Affects Psychology

Your plan’s management type affects how you choose and pay providers.

NDIA Managed

• You must use NDIS registered providers.
• The provider claims directly through the NDIS portal.

Plan Managed

• You can use registered or unregistered providers.
• The provider invoices your plan manager, who pays on your behalf.

Self Managed

• You can use any suitable provider that meets NDIS rules.
• You pay the invoice, then claim back from the NDIS.

Bloom Healthcare works with NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed participants. The admin team is experienced with all three management types and can explain how it will look in practice for you.

Questions To Ask An NDIS Psychologist Before You Start

Choosing a Psychologist is a big decision. Beyond “NDIS psychologist near me”, you want to know if this person and this service are the right fit.

Here are some questions worth asking:

1. Do you have experience with my type of disability or support needs?
   For example, autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, psychosocial disability or acquired brain injury.
2. How do you adapt therapy for people who find talking hard or who communicate differently?
3. Can you work together with my other providers, such as my OT, speech pathologist or PBS practitioner?
4. Do you provide reports for NDIS plan reviews, and how many hours do you usually allocate to that?
5. What are your cancellation and travel policies?
6. Can you see me at home or via telehealth if I am unable to attend a clinic?
7. How will we measure progress and know if therapy is helping?

A good Psychologist will welcome these questions. At Bloom, we actively encourage people to ask them.

The Bloom Healthcare Difference

When you choose Bloom for psychology and counselling, you are accessing:

• A multidisciplinary allied health team, not a single isolated clinician
• Psychologists who understand both clinical practice and NDIS expectations
• Strong collaboration with OT, Speech, Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, PBS and Dietetics
• Flexible delivery, including home visits and telehealth
• A respectful, neurodiversity affirming approach to autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions

Bloom Healthcare supports community participation by helping clients engage in social, educational, and community activities. The team also supports people with physical disabilities, addressing barriers to participation and promoting independence.

You are also working with a provider who sees the person first, not the diagnosis or the plan.

Psychology and Counselling at Bloom: https://bloom-healthcare.com.au/services/psychology-counselling/

What Might Change In 2026?

The NDIS regularly updates its Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, and sometimes fine-tunes how certain supports are categorised or claimed.
For psychology, this usually affects:

• Maximum hourly rates
• Travel rules and caps
• Item numbers and naming

The core idea, that psychology can be funded under Capacity Building to improve daily living and relationships, is expected to remain. It is always a good idea to:

• Check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements
• Talk with your support coordinator or planner
• Ask your psychologist how they keep up to date with changes

Bloom’s team stays across NDIS updates so that your therapy and reports remain aligned with current expectations.

Quick How To: Booking An NDIS Psychologist With Bloom

1. Check your plan
   Confirm you have Capacity Building funding, usually under Improved Daily Living, and that psychology or counselling aligns with your goals.
2. Get in touch
   Contact Bloom via the website, phone, or referral form, and let the team know you are seeking NDIS psychology services.
3. Share key details
   Provide your NDIS number, management type, plan dates and a brief summary of your goals or concerns.
4. Set up a Service Agreement
   Bloom will outline rates, expected hours, travel, and reporting needs to ensure everything is clear.
5. Attend your first session.
   You will meet with your psychologist, build rapport, and work together on a plan that makes sense for you.
6. Review and adjust over time.
   Goals, strategies and frequency can be tweaked as your needs and circumstances change.

FAQs

Which NDIS budget category pays for psychology appointments?

Most psychology sessions are funded from Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living. In some cases, Improved Relationships or flexible Core Supports may be used, depending on your plan and goals.

Do I need a registered psychologist for NDIS claims?

For NDIA-managed plans, you must use a registered provider. For plan-managed and self-managed plans, you have more flexibility, but it is still best practice to consult a fully qualified, appropriately registered professional. Bloom’s psychologists meet NDIS and professional registration requirements.

Can I use plan-managed or self-managed funds with a psychologist?

Yes. Bloom works with NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed participants. How invoices are processed may vary slightly, but the therapy itself remains the same.