10 October is World Mental Health Day, and throughout October is Mental Health Month. The theme this year is "Together We Thrive", which is a reminder that mental health support, connection and community make a real difference. If you're living with psychosocial disability, mental health conditions, or both, the NDIS can fund supports that help you stay well and reach your goals. This guide explains what's available and how to get started.
What are psychosocial disability and mental health conditions under the NDIS?
The NDIS describes psychosocial disability as disability that results from, or is related to, a mental health condition or psychiatric disability. Mental health conditions recognised under the scheme include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychiatric or psychological conditions that cause ongoing disability. Unlike some disabilities that are physical or neurological, psychosocial disability often develops over time and can vary week to week or even day to day. That's why personalised support matters.
Who is eligible for NDIS support for mental health?
To access the NDIS for mental health support, you generally need to meet the same eligibility criteria as any NDIS participant: the condition must cause significant and ongoing disability that affects your day-to-day functioning, it must be permanent or likely to be permanent, and it must substantially affect your ability to participate in work, study, social or community activities. You also need to be under 65 when you first access the scheme (though you can continue supports after 65). The assessment process involves medical documentation and conversations about how your mental health condition affects your daily life. If you're unsure whether you meet the criteria, a good starting point is your GP or a mental health professional.
What NDIS supports can help with mental health?
NDIS supports for people with psychosocial disability or mental health conditions can include:
- Psychological and counselling services from registered psychologists, counsellors and therapists, helping you develop coping skills and work toward your goals.
- Community support and recovery services that help build social connection, reduce isolation and support your pathway back to work or study.
- In-home support with daily tasks, household management and self-care when your mental health condition makes these difficult.
- Supported employment, helping you stay in work or find work that suits your abilities and circumstances.
- Life skills and goal-focused support aimed at building confidence, independence and the practical abilities you want to develop.
- Support coordination, where a dedicated person helps you navigate your plan, communicate with the NDIA and connect with services that fit your goals.
How do I access NDIS support for mental health?
Start with your GP or a mental health professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor. They can help assess whether your mental health condition meets the NDIS eligibility criteria and provide the documentation the NDIA needs to process your access request. You can also contact the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110 to ask questions or lodge an access request. The NDIA has an online portal where you can track the progress of your application. The access process takes time, so if you're in crisis or need immediate mental health support, reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) or your local mental health service.
What happens after you get a plan?
Once you have an approved NDIS plan, you'll work with your Support Coordinator or the NDIA to choose supports that align with your goals. Many participants work with a psychologist or counsellor on addressing symptoms and building coping skills, whilst also accessing community support to rebuild social connection and employment support if returning to work is a goal. Your plan will be reviewed and renewed periodically to make sure it's still meeting your needs.
Looking after your mental health while navigating the system
The process of accessing disability support and building a plan can feel overwhelming. It's reasonable to take breaks, ask for help from family or trusted supporters, and remember that there's no deadline to have everything sorted immediately. Mental health professionals and support coordinators are used to working with people who are managing mental health conditions while navigating bureaucracy, so be open about what's realistic for you.
How Tenax Supports can help
Tenax Supports is a registered NDIS provider in Victoria offering support coordination, community access, employment support and in-home support services that can help people with psychosocial disability and mental health conditions reach their goals. If you have an NDIS plan or are working on an access request, our team can help you think through what supports might work for you. You can reach us on 03 7018 8666 or through our enquiry page. For immediate mental health support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NDIS cover mental health conditions?
Yes. The NDIS recognises psychosocial disability that results from mental health conditions. To access support, your condition must cause significant and ongoing disability and meet other NDIS eligibility criteria.
What kind of support can the NDIS fund for mental health?
NDIS-funded supports can include psychological services, counselling, community support, employment support, in-home help and support coordination. Your plan is built around your individual goals.
How long does it take to get an NDIS plan for mental health?
The access and planning process varies, but it's worth allowing a few months from your initial application to having an approved plan. Starting with your GP or mental health professional helps speed things up.
Can I access the NDIS if I'm experiencing a mental health crisis?
If you're in crisis, call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) first. While you're working on NDIS access, these services and your local mental health team can provide immediate support.
If you'd like to talk through how NDIS support might help with your mental health, contact Tenax Supports on 03 7018 8666 or through our enquiry page.