Understanding the NDIS: A Guide to Accessing Psychology Support

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s national funding system designed to support people living with permanent and significant disabilities. It aims to increase independence, improve quality of life, and help individuals participate more fully in the community.

At Tele-Psych, we provide psychology therapy services for NDIS participants who are plan-managed or self-managed. We do not provide services to NDIA-managed participants.

This guide explains how the NDIS works and how you can access psychology support.

What Is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to eligible Australians under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability. Funding is tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.

NDIS funding can cover supports such as:

• Psychology therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Support workers

• Assistive technology

• Capacity-building supports

  
  

Psychology services are generally funded under Capacity Building & Improved Daily Living.

How Is NDIS Funding Managed?

There are three ways NDIS funding can be managed:

1. NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)

• Providers must be NDIS-registered.

• The NDIA pays providers directly.

• Participants cannot use non-registered providers.

  
  

Please note, Tele-Psych does not provide services to NDIA-managed participants.

2. Plan-Managed

• A plan manager handles invoices and payments on your behalf.

• You can choose both registered and non-registered providers.

• More flexibility in choosing your psychologist. To choose the right psychologists for you, please visit "Meet The Psychologists" page on our website; https://www.tele-psychs.com.au/book-a-session

Tele-Psych provides services to plan-managed participants.

3. Self-Managed

• You manage your own funding and pay providers directly.

• You submit claims for reimbursement through the NDIS portal.

• Maximum flexibility and control.

  
  

  Tele-Psych provides services to self-managed participants.

  
  

How Can Psychology Help NDIS Participants?

Psychology therapy can support individuals with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• ADHD

• Intellectual Disabilities

• Anxiety and Depression

• PTSD and trauma-related difficulties

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Social skills and communication difficulties

Therapy focuses on building skills, increasing independence, and improving daily functioning which must align with your NDIS goals.

For example, therapy may help with:

• Managing anxiety in community settings

• Developing coping strategies

• Improving sleep routines

• Increasing confidence in social situations

• Building emotional regulation skills

  
  

How to Access Psychology Through NDIS (Plan or Self-Managed)

1. Check Your Plan

   Ensure you have funding under Capacity Building and/or Improved Daily Living.

   
   

2. Confirm Your Plan Type

   Tele-Psych supports:

   • Plan-managed

   • Self-managed

   • We do not provide psychological services to NDIA-managed

     
     

3. Provide Your Plan Details

   We will request relevant information such as:

   • NDIS number

   • Plan dates

   • Plan manager details (if applicable)

     
     

4. Book Your Initial Session

   We offer secure video-based and telephone psychology therapy across Australia.

   
   

Why Choose Tele-Psych?

At Tele-Psych, we:

• Provide telehealth psychology sessions Australia-wide

• Support a wide range of disabilities and mental health challenges

• Focus on therapy and capacity-building

• Work collaboratively with support coordinators and plan managers

• Offer flexible appointment times

  
  

We do not:

• Provide formal psychological assessments

• Prescribe medication

• See NDIA-managed participants

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from NDIA-managed to plan-managed?

Yes. Participants can request a change in funding management style during a plan review or through the NDIS.

We recommend contacting NDIS and/or your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and asking if it is possible to change to self or planned managed.

How do I know if I have funding for psychology?

Look in your NDIS plan under: Capacity Building Supports & Improved Daily Living. If funding is listed in this category, it can generally be used for psychology therapy.

If you’re unsure, you can email us a copy of your plan and we can guide you.

You can also contact your plan manager, local area coordinator or NDIS to find out if psychology therapy is covered under your plan.

What if I am NDIA-managed but want to see Tele-Psych?

If your plan is NDIA-managed, you would need to request a change to either:

• Plan-managed, or

• Self-managed

This can be done at your next plan review or by contacting the NDIS directly to discuss your options.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. NDIS-funded psychology does not require:

• A GP referral

• A Mental Health Care Plan

• Medicare item numbers

  
  

However, your therapy must relate to your NDIS disability and goals.

Can psychology sessions be delivered via telehealth?

Yes. All Tele-Psych sessions are delivered via secure video consultation, allowing you to access support from home anywhere in Australia.

Telehealth can be particularly helpful for participants who:

• Experience mobility challenges

• Live in regional or remote areas

• Experience anxiety leaving the home

Can you write reports for my NDIS review?

Yes. If required, we can provide progress reports outlining:

• Functional impacts

• Progress toward goals

• Ongoing therapy recommendations

  
  

Please note: we provide therapy-focused reports only and do not complete formal diagnostic assessments.

What if I run out of funding?

If your funding is close to being exhausted:

• We will inform you

• We may recommend a progress report for review purposes

• You may discuss additional funding with your support coordinator

How often can I attend sessions?

Session frequency depends on:

• Your goals

• Functional impact

• Available funding

  
  

Common frequencies include:

• Weekly

• Fortnightly

• Monthly

We will discuss this with you during your initial appointment.

How do invoices work?

Plan-managed participants: We send invoices directly to your plan manager.

Self-managed participants: You pay the invoice and submit it to the NDIS for reimbursement.

Can NDIS fund therapy for anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD?

Yes — if the mental health condition is related to a permanent disability and aligns with your NDIS goals.

Can I use both Medicare and NDIS?

You cannot use both for the same support at the same time. The funding source depends on whether the support relates to your disability.

Ready to Book?

If you are plan-managed or self-managed and have funding under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, we would be happy to support you.

Email: reception@tele-psychs.com.au

Phone: 1300 820 031

Website: www.tele-psychs.com.au

If you're unsure about your funding type, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to guide you in the right direction.