The NDIS and Mental Health Recovery
How the NDIS supports mental health recovery: recovery-oriented practice, personal recovery versus clinical treatment, and how the two fit together.
Recovery means different things to different people, and the NDIS approaches it in a particular way. If you are wondering how NDIS supports fit with your mental health treatment, this guide helps. It explains recovery-oriented practice, the difference between personal recovery and clinical treatment, and how NDIS supports complement the health-funded care that treats your condition.
What recovery means here
Recovery-oriented practice
Personal recovery versus clinical treatment
How NDIS and health care fit together
Small steps that support recovery
Frequently asked questions
What does recovery mean in mental health?
Here, recovery means living a meaningful, satisfying life on your own terms, rather than being cured or free of all symptoms. This is often called personal recovery. It is individual and non-linear, with good periods and harder ones, and your condition can still be part of your life while you live…
What is the difference between personal recovery and clinical treatment?
Clinical treatment works on the condition itself — medication, therapy and managing symptoms — and is delivered by health professionals. Personal recovery is about the meaningful life you build around and beyond the condition. You can work on both at once, and progress in one often supports the…
Does the NDIS fund my mental health treatment?
No. Clinical mental health treatment, such as seeing a psychiatrist, GP or psychologist, is funded through the health system. The NDIS funds disability-related supports that help you build skills, independence, confidence and connection. The two are designed to work in parallel, doing different but…
What is recovery-oriented practice?
It is a way of working that puts you in the driving seat, with support done with you rather than to you. It is built on hope, choice and control, a strengths-based approach, and connection. A Psychosocial Recovery Coach is one NDIS role designed around this way of working.
Can I have NDIS supports and see a psychiatrist at the same time?
Yes. You never have to choose between clinical care and NDIS supports — they do different jobs and are meant to work together. A recovery coach or support worker can even help you stay engaged with your treating team as part of your broader recovery.