If you have a broken arm, no one asks you to wait and see. If you are struggling with your mind, people often do exactly that. Mental health matters as much as physical health, and for many Australians with disability, the two cannot be separated. This guide explains why, what the NDIS calls psychosocial disability, and which supports can help. You will also see what the NDIS does not cover, so you can plan with clear expectations.

• Why mental and physical health belong together
• What psychosocial disability means, and who the NDIS is for
• How recovery coaches, support workers and support coordinators help
• Practical steps to take now

Why mental health deserves equal attention

When someone breaks an arm or runs a high fever, they see a doctor straight away. Mental health struggles are harder to see, so people often wait much longer. That delay can turn a manageable problem into a heavy one.

The two sides of health are closely connected. Poor sleep, ongoing pain and long-term health conditions can wear down mood and energy. Low mood and anxiety can then make sleep, appetite and daily routines harder.

For many people with disability, both sides are present at once. The ABS found that 87.2% of Australians with psychosocial disability also had at least one other disability. Support that looks at the whole person works better than support that treats one part.

A plan that covers mobility but ignores loneliness is only half a plan. The same is true in reverse.

How common this is in Australia

In 2022, 1.7 million Australians (6.5%) had psychosocial disability, according to the ABS. That is up from 1.1 million (4.6%) in 2018.

Of those people, 61.0% had a profound or severe limitation. This is not a small or mild group, and many people need real, ongoing support.

Work is one place where the impact shows. Among people with psychosocial disability, 45.7% were in the labour force, compared with 68.9% of people with other disability. The right supports can help people take part in work and community life.

What psychosocial disability means

The NDIS uses the term psychosocial disability for disability that comes from a mental health condition. It describes the impact on daily life, not the diagnosis itself.

Not everyone with a mental health condition has psychosocial disability. NDIS guidance says its support is for people whose condition significantly affects their everyday activities.

According to NDIS guidance, a specific diagnosis is preferred but not essential. What matters most is evidence of how the condition affects your daily life. Qualified mental health professionals usually provide the main evidence of functional capacity.

What the NDIS does and does not cover

The NDIS does not replace community mental health or treatment services. Treatment still comes through the health system, such as your GP, a psychologist or public mental health services.

What the NDIS funds are ongoing psychosocial recovery supports. These help you build skills, take part in daily life and connect with your community.

In practice, a plan might include a recovery coach, support coordination, and support workers who help with daily tasks and community activities. Which supports you receive depends on your needs and goals.

The rules are also changing over time. From January 2028, new applicants will be assessed using a standardised, evidence-based assessment of functional capacity. Existing participants will be reassessed over three years after that.

Recovery coaches: a support many people have not heard of

A recovery coach is an NDIS-funded worker who helps participants with psychosocial disability on their recovery journey. Their aim is to increase your choice and control, your connection to community and your job opportunities.

According to the NDIS, a recovery coach works with you to:

• build capacity and resilience
• find, plan and organise supports
• plan and maintain engagement through times when you need more support
• coach you to build on your strengths, knowledge, skills and decision-making

Recovery coaches can also help connect you with health and mental health services outside the NDIS. They help make sure all of your services work well together.

You will generally receive funding for a recovery coach if you have psychosocial support needs. The hours depend on your needs, and the NDIS says it can help to choose a coach with lived experience. Your support coordinator can help you find one.

Daily support that protects wellbeing

Support workers can help with everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking and personal care. Keeping routines steady is often one of the most protective things for mental health, and it is easier with reliable help.

Community participation matters just as much. If one of your goals is to spend more time in your local community, your core supports can pay for a support worker to help you take part. Regular contact with other people is one of the best defences against isolation.

A support coordinator ties the pieces together. They help you arrange supports, keep them working together and respond when your needs change. Our support coordination team works with participants on exactly this.

One caution applies from 1 October 2026. Budgets for social, economic and community participation and for improved daily living skills are being reduced as plans are reassessed or renewed. Employment, disability-related health and some other supports are protected, so read our guide to the October 2026 NDIS changes and check your own plan.

Steps you can take now

You do not need to do everything at once. A few steady steps are enough.

• Start with your GP. They can check for physical causes, discuss treatment and give you a referral.
• Write down how things affect your day. Notes on sleep, energy, routines and relationships are useful evidence.
• Tell your planner or support coordinator what matters. Wellbeing goals belong in your plan.
• Ask about a recovery coach. If you have psychosocial support needs, it is worth raising at your next review.
• Keep connected. Regular, simple contact with people and places you like makes a difference.

If you or someone else needs help now

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, both open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Frequently asked questions

Does the NDIS pay for counselling or treatment?
The NDIS does not replace treatment services. Treatment usually comes through the health system. Ask your planner or support coordinator what applies to your plan.

Do I need a diagnosis to apply?
NDIS guidance says a specific diagnosis is preferred but not essential. You will need evidence of how your condition affects daily life.

What is a recovery coach?
A recovery coach is an NDIS-funded worker who supports people with psychosocial disability. They help you build skills, organise supports and stay connected.

Is every mental health condition covered?
No. The NDIS is for people whose mental health condition causes a significant impact on daily life.

Conclusion

Mental health deserves the same attention as physical health, and the NDIS can support people whose mental health condition significantly affects daily life. Recovery coaches, support workers and support coordinators each play a part, while treatment stays with the health system. If you would like help working out the right supports, talk to the Bharosa team. We can look at your goals and your plan together.

General information only, not medical advice. If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP.