NDIS Psychologist Canberra
"We currently have no in-person capacity in this area, however if you fill in our enquiry form you'll be added to our telehealth waiting list."
Having proper supports for mental health should be as much of a priority as physical health. For patients who have disabilities related to their mental wellbeing, it can be a challenge to find a care provider who not only has effective services but is also genuine in assisting.
Luckily, the residents of Canberra can be assured that all of their mental health needs are understood by the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS. For years now, NDIS Psychologist Canberra has been dedicated to improving the lives of those with psychological needs.
Understanding Psychological Disability
Psychological disabilities are defined by the NDIS as a condition that is usually rooted in a mental health issue. It is important to note that not all mental health conditions are immediately a psychological disability. While mental health covers a wide array of conditions in the mind, psychological disabilities specifically refer to cases that affect the individual’s working, learning, and communicating capacities. These disabilities tend to have a huge impact and severe effects before their recovery.
Despite this, it is comforting to know that people with this type of disability are qualified to receive care from the NDIS Psychologist Canberra.
Supports from NDIS Psychologist Canberra
NDIS Psychologist Canberra believes that every patient has hope of recovering. That is why most of their services and treatments are centred on achieving that goal. For NDIS, recovery means that the patient can reach an optimal state of their emotional, social, and personal health, especially as they continue to live with their condition.
Before the patient undergoes any treatment or intervention, NDIS makes sure that they have full control and choice over their recovery. The plans managed are surely flexible so that the supports of the patient can be used to answer their various needs even at different times. The plans are also structured to enhance the patient’s participation in economic and social events so that they will feel part of the community. Most of all, this treatment is a lifetime commitment to the funding and support that they will receive. This will further encourage their optimism and hope in their lives.
In terms of services that the patients will receive, the health and mental systems will handle most of the necessary procedures. The health and mental systems will be responsible for diagnosing and treating the mental illness and psychological disorders of the patients. Plus, these systems will also be assisting their patients in whatever medical and clinical appointment they require. This may include nursing care, dental care, and palliative care.
Other services may include:
Providing pharmaceuticals and necessary medication;
In-patient and residential care while admitted inside the hospital; and
Assistance from psychiatrists, psychologists, and general practitioners.
However, it must be understood that the families of the patient may have to fund other services and costs that are not covered by NDIS. This may include gap payments or out-of-pocket expenses.
Eligibility and Providing Evidence
Before an individual can receive the services and supports of NDIS Psychologist Canberra, it is important that they provide evidence regarding their disability. This evidence will determine the eligibility of the person and will include necessary information about the impact of the disability. For NDIS, good evidence means that the information is:
Most recent
Able to confirm the patient’s primary disability and its impact on their daily lives
From a health professional who is an expert on the patient’s condition
Able to describe the previous treatment received by the patient and its results
Able to describe future expected outcomes of the treatment
To get evidence that is acceptable and correct, patients can contact their health professionals to assist them with the needed information. Patients may either consult their psychologist, psychiatrist, physiotherapist, neurologist, paediatrician, speech therapist, occupational therapist, orthopaedic surgeon, or their general practitioner.
These health professionals should be someone who has treated the patient in the past and for a significant period. More than that, this professional should be the most appropriate person to give information regarding the patient’s primary condition. The information in your evidence must include:
The type of disability
The date of the disability’s diagnosis and how long it will last
Available treatments such as surgeries, medications, and therapies
The impact of your disability on your everyday functions, especially in areas such as communication, social interaction, motor skills/mobility, learning, self-management, and self
For more information regarding the evidence guidelines, you may refer to this page from NDIS.
Take note that following these guidelines is vital so that the patient’s access can be approved immediately. If the evidence is not enough for NDIS, the patients will most likely be asked to give more information, which would cause the delay of the process. Furthermore, the patient’s health professionals will not be the one to determine whether they gain access to the services of NDIS. Only the NDIS can decide if the patient meets the requirements.
Psychological Support for Children
The good news is NDIS extends its services to children who have psychological disabilities by offering services such as treatment from occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. NDIS can also provide assistance relating to their basic self-care needs and purchasing for equipment to aid their conditions.
This psychological treatment from NDIS can significantly improve your child’s way of dealing with behavioural issues, intellectual disabilities, and handling harmful thoughts and emotions. Psychologists will help the child manage their unhealthy habits and destructive manners by understanding their thought patterns, the reason for behaviours, emotional triggers, and overall mental wellbeing. Most therapies may involve the parents or carers of the child, too. This is a vital part of the therapy because the child’s guardians can learn the skills in understanding their child and help with their recovery.
The psychological treatment can be accessed after the patient’s funding has been confirmed by the NDIS. Then, the patient will have to choose a psychology service that best suits their choice. After signing the Service Agreement, the sessions with the child's psychologist can now begin.
The first session will typically be an assessment of the child’s development, family history, medical history, education, and social networks. Standardised tests may also be required so that the psychologist may understand how the patient’s condition differs from other kids in their age group.