NDIS Support for Youth Mental Health Services: A Complete Guide for Families

Examples of impact areas:

• Social and community participation
• Education and learning
• Employment
• Daily living skills
• Communication
• Mobility (in some cases)

• Must be under 65 when first applying
• Early intervention supports available for children 0-6
• Youth-specific supports available up to age 25

Your young person must have:

• A permanent impairment
• Substantially reduced functional capacity
• Significantly impacted ability to participate in activities
• Likely need for support throughout their life

While the NDIS focuses on functional impact rather than diagnosis, conditions that often qualify include:

• Severe anxiety disorders
• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Autism spectrum disorder (with psychosocial impact)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders
• Psychosis or schizophrenia

Medical evidence needed:

• Formal diagnosis from psychiatrist or psychologist
• Treatment history and current interventions
• Functional impact assessments
• Reports from current service providers
• School reports highlighting support needs

Submit your application with:

• Completed NDIS Access Request Form
• All supporting medical evidence
• Proof of identity and residence
• Any additional relevant reports

• NDIS has 21 days to make an access decision
• Complex cases may take longer
• You'll receive written notification of the outcome
• Appeals process available if declined

Before your planning meeting:

• Identify your young person's goals
• List current supports and gaps
• Consider what would make the biggest difference
• Prepare questions about available supports
• Involve your young person in goal setting

Capacity Building:

• Individual therapy and counselling
• Group therapy programs
• Social skills development
• Life skills training
• Educational support
• Employment preparation

Core Supports:

• Assistance with daily personal activities
• Transport to appointments
• Community participation activities
• Consumables related to disability

Capital Supports:

• Assistive technology (when relevant)
• Home modifications (in specific circumstances)

Individual Therapy:

• Traditional counselling approaches
• Movement-based therapy (including basketball therapy)
• Walk and talk sessions
• Creative and expressive therapies

Group Programs:

• Social skills groups
• Peer support circles
• Activity-based group therapy
• Life skills development groups

Capacity Building Supports:

• Daily living skills development
• Community participation support
• Educational transition support
• Employment readiness programs

Basketball Therapy:

• Builds confidence and social skills
• Develops emotional regulation through sport
• Creates therapeutic relationships naturally
• Improves physical and mental wellbeing

Peer Mentoring:

• Connection with young adults with lived experience
• Real-world skill development
• Community integration support
• Positive role modeling

Body-Based Therapy:

• Trauma-informed somatic approaches
• Mindfulness and movement integration
• Sensory regulation techniques
• Holistic wellbeing focus

SMART Goals Framework:

• Specific: Clear, well-defined objectives
• Measurable: Trackable progress indicators
• Achievable: Realistic given current circumstances
• Relevant: Meaningful to your young person's life
• Time-bound: Clear timeframes for achievement

Example Goals:

• Increase school attendance from 60% to 80% over 6 months
• Develop 3 meaningful peer relationships within 12 months
• Learn 5 daily living skills for independent living preparation
• Participate in 2 community activities weekly

Understanding your budget:

• Core supports (flexible use)
• Capacity building (skill development focus)
• Capital supports (equipment and modifications)
• Plan management options

Making the most of your funding:

• Regular review of spending and outcomes
• Coordinate between different service providers
• Track progress toward goals
• Plan ahead for plan reviews

Key considerations:

• Experience with young people
• NDIS registration and compliance
• Approach alignment with your values
• Geographic accessibility
• Service coordination capabilities

Many families benefit from support coordination:

• Help navigating the NDIS system
• Connecting with appropriate services
• Coordinating between providers
• Advocacy and problem-solving support

• Significant change in circumstances
• Goals achieved early
• New support needs identified
• Funding insufficient for current needs
• Major life transitions

• Contact NDIS to request review
• Provide evidence of changed circumstances
• Participate in planning conversation
• Receive updated plan

If you disagree with NDIS decisions:

• Internal review (first step)
• Administrative Appeals Tribunal
• Federal Court (final option)
• Free advocacy services available

Age-appropriate participation:

• Explain NDIS in simple terms
• Include them in goal setting
• Respect their preferences for supports
• Encourage self-advocacy skills
• Celebrate achievements

Use NDIS supports to develop:

• Decision-making skills
• Self-advocacy abilities
• Life skills for independence
• Social and relationship skills
• Community connections

NDIS can support transitions:

• Further education preparation
• Employment skill development
• Independent living preparation
• Community participation
• Ongoing mental health support

Consider long-term needs:

• Ongoing support requirements
• Independent living goals
• Career and education pathways
• Community integration
• Relationship development

If your initial application is rejected:

• Review the reasons provided
• Gather additional evidence
• Seek advocacy support
• Submit internal review request
• Consider reapplying with stronger evidence

If your plan doesn't meet needs:

• Document gaps and impacts
• Request plan review
• Provide evidence of additional needs
• Seek support coordination
• Consider appeals process

If experiencing problems with providers:

• Communicate concerns directly first
• Contact NDIS for guidance
• Consider changing providers
• Report serious issues to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Your important role:

• Advocate for your young person's needs
• Coordinate between different supports
• Monitor progress and outcomes
• Celebrate achievements
• Maintain hope and persistence

Don't forget about your own needs:

• Carer respite services
• Support groups for families
• Information and training sessions
• Counselling for family members
• Peer connections with other families

With appropriate NDIS supports, young people with psychosocial disabilities can:

• Achieve their personal goals
• Develop independence skills
• Build meaningful relationships
• Participate fully in community life
• Pursue education and employment
• Live fulfilling, autonomous lives

The NDIS journey is ongoing:

• Regular plan reviews ensure supports remain relevant
• Goals evolve as young people grow and develop
• New opportunities emerge through skill building
• Independence increases over time
• Community connections strengthen