Recovery Coach vs Support Worker: NDIS Mental Health Support Compared
A recovery coach and a support worker both help people with psychosocial disability — but in different ways. Here's the difference.
If you live with a mental health condition, both a psychosocial recovery coach and a support worker can be part of your NDIS plan. They do different jobs, though — one focuses on your recovery journey and coordination, the other on hands-on daily help. This guide explains the difference.
What a recovery coach does
What a support worker does
Side by side
Do you need one, the other, or both?
How to decide
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a recovery coach and a support worker?
A psychosocial recovery coach focuses on your recovery, skills and coordination (from Capacity Building), while a support worker provides hands-on daily help like personal care and community access (from Core). They complement each other.
Can I have both a recovery coach and support workers?
Yes, and many people with psychosocial disability do. The coach helps set direction and coordinate; the workers help you carry out day-to-day life. They're funded from different budgets.
Which is right if I mainly need help getting out and keeping a routine?
That's practical, hands-on support — a support worker's role. A recovery coach adds value if you also want recovery-focused guidance and help coordinating your supports.
Related guides
- SDA vs Home Modifications: Which Does Your Situation Need?
- Shared vs Single-Occupancy SDA: Which Should You Request?
- SIL vs Living Alone With Drop-In Support: Which Works for You?
- SIL vs SDA: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
- SIL vs SDA vs ILO: NDIS Home & Living Options Compared
- SIL vs Supported Residential Service (SRS): Key Differences