Why Finding an NDIS Psychologist Feels So Hard
Finding a consistent and reliable NDIS psychologist for your child can feel like an impossible task. You’ve likely faced long waiting lists and a shrinking pool of available professionals, leaving you to wonder if you’re alone in this struggle. You are not. These challenges are a direct result of ongoing systemic issues within the National Disability Insurance Scheme itself and understanding them is the first step toward finding a solution.
The Reality of "Thin Markets"
The NDIS was designed as a market-based system, but in many areas, particularly regional and rural communities, this has resulted in what’s known as a “thin market.” This means there aren’t enough providers to meet the demand, leaving participants with limited or no access to essential supports. For a family needing a NDIS psychologist, this often translates to being on multiple waiting lists for months, or even years, on end. The problem is not that you lack funding, but that the services you need simply aren’t available where and when you need them.
The Impact of NDIS Price Guide Changes and Travel Funding
Even for available providers, the financial landscape of the NDIS can be challenging. Recent changes to the NDIS Annual Pricing Review have created significant uncertainty, especially for mobile care. While there have been modest increases to the national hourly rate for psychology, these changes have also significantly affected how providers can claim for travel time. The claimable rate for travel time has been reduced to 50% of the therapist’s hourly rate, and time caps remain in place (e.g., 60 minutes each way in regional areas).
Key Points
- Modest hourly rate increase for psychology services nationally.
- Travel time claimable at only 50% of the therapist’s hourly rate.
- Time caps remain in place, e.g., 60 minutes each way in regional locations.
- Mobile providers face reduced financial viability, especially for remote clients.
Empowering Your Journey: Practical Steps to Take
Despite these challenges, there are strategies you can use to advocate effectively and improve your chances of securing support.
- Be Proactive and Strategic: Start your search early, even before your plan is finalised. Ask to be placed on cancellation lists, as this can sometimes lead to a quicker appointment.
- Leverage Advocacy: Organisations like the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and various disability advocacy groups are actively working to address these systemic issues. While their work happens at a high level, it's important to remember you are part of a larger community pushing for change.
- Be Specific in Your NDIS Goals: When preparing for a planning meeting, be as specific as possible about your child’s needs. Articulating clear, measurable goals for psychological support can help ensure your plan is funded appropriately. For example, instead of a goal to "improve mental health," aim for "To develop emotional regulation skills to manage anxiety in social settings."
- Understand Provider Agreements: Be sure to discuss and agree on any travel costs in your service agreement. While travel time is now limited, providers can still claim non-labour costs like tolls and parking with your agreement. Understanding these rules can help you manage your budget and have open conversations with potential providers.
Need Help Finding A Provider?
You don’t have to navigate this alone. At Brighter Futures Allied Health, we’re an NDIS-registered provider dedicated to helping families access the psychological support they need. Our experienced team works with you to navigate waitlists, funding rules, and provider shortages—finding practical solutions so your child can build the skills and confidence to thrive.
For more information on how we can provide safe and reliable support for your family, contact us today.
- 02 8776 7337 or 0401 832 955
- [email protected]
- www.brighterfuturesah.com.au
