From keeping a routine at home to socialising in the community, a mental health condition can make everyday life feel overwhelming.
If you’re navigating these challenges and have access to the NDIS, our psychosocial supports can empower you to move forward at your own pace. These non-clinical services are designed to walk alongside you — to offer practical assistance, emotional aid, and opportunities to build skills, confidence and connection.
In this blog, we’ll explore what psychosocial supports are, how they fit into the NDIS, and what they might look like in day-to-day life. Keep reading to learn how our psychosocial disability support services could help you or a loved one.
What are psychosocial supports?
Psychosocial supports are non-therapeutic services that help people living with severe mental health challenges manage daily life, build independence, and take part in their community. These supports aren’t about treatment — they focus on recovery, personal goals, and improving quality of life.
There are various psychosocial support services available within Australia, many of which are funded by the government and accessible through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Under the NDIS, psychosocial supports are tailored to your individual needs and may include help with routines, communication, social interaction, employment, and emotional well-being.
Psychosocial supports vs therapeutic supports: what’s the difference?
While both play a role in mental health and well-being, psychosocial supports and therapeutic supports are quite different in how they’re delivered and what they focus on.
Psychosocial supports are non-clinical and recovery-focused. They’re about helping people with a psychosocial disability build skills, confidence, and independence in daily life. Support workers, peer workers, and recovery coaches—like those at Hunter Care Group—often deliver these services.
Therapeutic supports, on the other hand, involve treatment provided by qualified clinicians such as psychologists, occupational therapists, or counsellors. These services might include therapy, behaviour support, or mental health assessments.
In short:
- Therapeutic supports treat the condition.
- Psychosocial supports help you live well with the condition.
Many NDIS participants benefit from a combination of both — working with therapists to manage symptoms and engaging psychosocial supports to live more independently and meaningfully.
Examples of psychosocial supports
Psychosocial supports are different for everyone, but they often include:
- Help building daily routines – getting up, managing appointments, or preparing meals
- Support with social connection – attending group activities, meeting new people, or reconnecting with family
- Emotional regulation strategies – support from qualified professionals or recovery coaches
- Support for employment or study – building confidence, routine, and managing stress
- Improving decision-making and problem-solving, especially during stressful or triggering times
- Help accessing community services – health appointments, housing support, or legal assistance
These supports are all delivered with a recovery-oriented mindset — meaning we focus on your strengths, goals, and hope for the future.
The NDIS and psychosocial supports
The NDIS recognises that some people living with mental health conditions experience ongoing challenges that affect how they function day to day. When these impacts are long-term and significantly affect someone’s ability to participate in everyday life, they may be considered a psychosocial disability.
As part of its commitment to supporting people with diverse needs, the NDIS includes psychosocial disability as an eligible support category. If your plan covers funding in this area, it might be used for:
- Core Supports – practical help with daily tasks at home or in the community
- Capacity Building Supports – to strengthen skills, boost confidence, and support independence
- Therapeutic Supports – such as counselling, psychology, or behaviour support
Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, the NDIS looks at how your mental health condition affects your functional capacity — that is, how you manage everyday life. Your psychosocial supports are then tailored to suit your goals, needs, and recovery journey.
Once your plan is in place, the NDIS connects you with approved providers — like Hunter Care Group — who can deliver these supports in a way that feels respectful, consistent, and empowering.
You can learn more by reading the NDIS FAQ sheet on psychosocial disability.
How to apply for psychosocial supports under the NDIS
To apply for psychosocial supports through the NDIS, you’ll generally follow the below process. Importantly, these steps are all about showing how your mental health condition affects your daily life, not just listing a diagnosis.
To access psychosocial supports, you’ll usually need to:
- Meet the NDIS access criteria. This includes being under 65 years old, living in Australia, and having a disability that’s likely to be permanent and that requires assistance to lead a more independent and fulfilling life.
- Provide an Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form detailing your condition and how it affects you. This might include letters or reports from your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or support workers. The focus is on functional impact — how your condition makes things like self-care, communication, or social interaction more difficult.
- Complete an Access Request Form. This is the official way to apply for NDIS funding. If you’re already receiving community-based mental health support, a case manager or support coordinator may be able to help with this step.
- Work with a Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator (once approved). They’ll help you understand your plan, explore available services, and connect with providers who specialise in psychosocial support.
Many people also benefit from having a psychosocial recovery coach included in their plan — someone who understands mental health and can help you navigate the NDIS, set goals, and build resilience over time.
Keep reading to learn more about psychosocial recovery coaching.
How can psychosocial recovery coaching help?
For many people living with a psychosocial disability, recovery isn’t about “getting over” a mental health condition — it’s about finding ways to feel more in control, connected, and confident in daily life. That’s where a psychosocial recovery coach can really make a difference.
Funded through the NDIS, psychosocial recovery coaching is a specialised support that focuses on building your strengths, navigating challenges, and working towards a life that feels meaningful to you — whatever that looks like.
At Hunter Care Group, our recovery coaches bring a deep understanding of mental health and the broader support system. We work alongside you (and, where helpful, your family or other providers) to build a personalised approach that reflects your goals, values, and the pace you’re comfortable with.
- Some of the ways we can support you include:
- Helping you shape a recovery plan based on what’s important to you
- Offering tools and strategies to manage everyday life
- Supporting decision-making, problem-solving and self-advocacy skills
- Coordinating your NDIS supports and connecting you with other helpful services
Whether you’re building structure into your week, reconnecting with community, or working on longer-term goals, our recovery coaches offer steady, ongoing support that’s focused on your well-being and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychosocial disability?
A psychosocial disability refers to the functional impact of a mental health condition when it affects a person’s ability to participate in daily life.
It can involve challenges with routines, emotional regulation, social interaction, and decision-making.
Who is eligible for psychosocial supports under the NDIS?
Psychosocial supports are available to people living with a psychosocial disability — that is, the impact of a long-term mental health condition on day-to-day functioning.
You may be eligible for these supports under the NDIS if your condition significantly affects your ability to manage things like self-care, communication, social interaction, or decision-making on a regular basis.
It’s important to know that eligibility is based on the functional impact of your condition, not just the diagnosis itself.
For example, two people with the same mental health diagnosis may experience very different levels of disability — only one may meet the NDIS access criteria.
You might be eligible if:
- You need regular support with daily routines, appointments, or staying organised
- You find it difficult to engage in relationships, social settings, or employment
- You experience high levels of stress or emotional distress in everyday situations
- Your condition is expected to be long-term and ongoing
Can I access psychosocial supports without the NDIS?
Yes, community-based and government-funded Primary Health Network (PHN) programs offer psychosocial supports outside of the NDIS. These are especially helpful for people who don’t yet have an NDIS plan, are waiting for approval, or don’t meet the eligibility criteria.
In the Hunter, New England and Central Coast regions, the PHN funds a range of mental health support services. These might include:
- One-on-one support from mental health recovery workers
- Peer-led recovery and social connection programs
- Group activities focused on daily living skills or emotional wellbeing
- Care coordination to connect you with the right services
You can speak to your GP or contact your local PHN to find out what services are available in your area. These programs are often free or low-cost and can be a valuable stepping stone towards accessing longer-term supports like the NDIS.
Discover NDIS psychosocial supports in the Hunter
Psychosocial supports are designed for people whose mental health challenges impact their ability to manage daily routines, relationships, and responsibilities. These practical, personalised services build confidence, connection, and control.
At Hunter Care Group, we provide psychosocial recovery coaching to help NDIS participants work through everyday challenges, build capabilities, and strengthen their sense of independence — at a pace that feels right for you.
Our approach is always guided by your needs and goals, with no pressure or one-size-fits-all plans. If you’re living with a psychosocial disability and looking for respectful, experienced support in Newcastle or across the Hunter, we’re here to help.
To learn more about our NDIS psychosocial supports in Newcastle, please contact our friendly team at (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online.