Counselling is usually funded under Capacity Building Supports, in the Improved Daily Living category.

The NDIS describes the Capacity Building Supports to “help build your independence and skills to help you pursue your goals… Funding can only be used to purchase approved individual supports that fall within that Capacity Building category.”

There are several categories within the Capacity Building budget, and Improved Daily Living is one of these. In the myplace Portal for self funded participants, it is labelled “CB Daily Activities”.

The NDIS describes Capacity Building as “Assessment, training or therapy to help increase your skills, independence and community participation. These services can be delivered in groups or individually.”

Find out more about funding here.

Your plan type determines who you can work with and how your services are paid.

Self-Managed

You have full control.

• Choose any counsellor (registered or unregistered)
• Pay upfront and claim back through NDIS

Best for: maximum flexibility and choice

Plan-Managed

You have flexibility with support.

• Choose registered or unregistered counsellors
• Your plan manager pays invoices for you

Best for: flexibility without handling admin

NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)

This is the most restricted option.

• You can only use NDIS-registered providers
• The NDIS pays providers directly

Important:
You cannot use an unregistered counsellor with an NDIA-managed plan.

An unregistered provider is a qualified counsellor who is not registered with the NDIS.

Many therapists choose this path to:

• Reduce administrative burden
• Reduce operational costs to help keep their pricing low.
• Give participants more options when engaging in support services
• Have a personal interest in helping people with disabilities.

An unregistered counsellor does not mean they are unqualified. Counsellors who are adequately trained to deliver therapy are certified under associations such as ACA CPCA and ACC.

If you are selecting a counsellor, always check that they are a certified member of a counselling association.

If you are…

Self-Managed:

1. Book your session
2. Pay your invoice
3. Claim through the NDIS portal
4. Get reimbursed

Plan-Managed:

1. Book your session
2. Provide your plan manager’s details
3. Invoice is sent to them
4. They pay it for you

NDIA-Managed

1. Use an NDIS-registered provider only
2. Attend your session
3. Provider claims directly through NDIS

Fees are generally aligned with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

We are all different, and your priority is finding a counsellor that you can have an open, honest and safe relationship with. For many people (especially those navigating autism, ADHD, or trauma), having the option to choose a counsellor who understands lived experience can make a real difference.

If you’re unsure whether you can access counselling:

• Check your plan under Capacity Building
• Speak with your Support Coordinator or plan manager (if you have one)
• Reach out to NDIS for guidance