NDIS Counselling: What You Need to Know

If you are an NDIS participant, you may be wondering whether counselling is covered by your plan, how to access it, and what to expect. The short answer is: yes, counselling is a legitimate and valuable NDIS support for many participants. Here is what you need to know.

Who This Is For

This guide is for NDIS participants who are considering counselling as part of their support plan, and for families and support coordinators helping someone navigate their NDIS funding. It is relevant whether you have an existing plan with counselling included or are looking to request it at your next plan review.

Is Counselling Covered by the NDIS?

Counselling can be covered under the NDIS when it relates to your disability and helps you pursue your goals. The key is that the counselling needs to be directly linked to the impact of your disability on your daily life, relationships, and wellbeing — not for general mental health concerns unrelated to your disability. At Little Big Journeys, I work with NDIS participants whose counselling goals might include building social skills, managing anxiety related to their disability, navigating relationship challenges, developing coping strategies, or processing the emotional impact of living with a disability.

How to Access Counselling Through NDIS

If your NDIS plan already includes funding for counselling (often under "Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living" or "Improved Relationships"), you can choose a registered or unregistered provider depending on how your plan is managed. If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you have the flexibility to choose a provider who is a good fit for you. If your plan is NDIA-managed, your provider needs to be registered with the NDIS. If counselling is not currently in your plan, you can discuss it with your support coordinator or raise it at your next plan review with evidence of how it would help you pursue your goals.

What to Expect

Sessions are tailored to your needs and goals, just like any therapy at Little Big Journeys. We will start by understanding what you are hoping to work toward and how counselling can support your NDIS goals. I draw on CBT and other evidence-based approaches depending on what is most helpful for you. Sessions are warm, practical, and focused on building skills and insight that support your everyday life.

Getting Started

If you are an NDIS participant interested in counselling, or if you would like help figuring out how to include it in your plan, please get in touch. I am happy to have a conversation about whether Little Big Journeys is the right fit for you, and I can provide any information you need to take to your support coordinator or planner.