Introduction: Understanding the intricate relationship between mental health support and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is crucial for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. This guide delves into the responsibilities of the mental health system and the NDIS, shedding light on the clinical and non-clinical aspects of support available.
The Mental Health System’s Role: The mental health system plays a pivotal role in providing treatment and care for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. This includes:
- Government mental health departments, agencies, and services
- Inpatient mental health facilities, public and private hospitals
- Specialist medical professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists
- Community mental health care services
It’s important to highlight that the mental health system focuses primarily on clinical services such as diagnosis and treatment, catering to the specific needs of individuals with mental health concerns.
Clinical Services and More: The mental health system is responsible for:
- Clinical Acute Mental Health Supports: Care provided in hospital or similar settings for immediate mental health needs.
- Clinical Outpatient and Continuing Care: Ongoing mental health care without the need for hospitalisation.
- Clinical Rehabilitation and Recovery: Supports aimed at aiding the recovery and rehabilitation of mental health concerns.
- Early Intervention Mental Health Supports: Services for children, teenagers, and young people to support their growth and development.
- Mental Health Residential Services: Treatment and rehabilitation services offered in residential settings.
- Addressing Comorbidities: Assistance for issues or conditions alongside psychosocial disabilities that fall under other service systems.
The NDIS and Functional Support: The NDIS steps in to provide supports that are not clinical in nature but focus on functional ability, long-term recovery, and independence. These include:
- Daily living activities
- Community engagement, social life, study, and work
- Skill-building and regaining confidence in daily activities
- Transitioning back to independent living after receiving clinical care
These supports contribute to an individual’s well-being, growth, and overall quality of life.
Real-Life Example: Meet Dave, who recently needed more support due to his psychosocial disability and lived in an inpatient hospital setting. As he prepares to transition back to his independent life, the mental health system provides clinical support through psychologists and psychiatrists.
To aid his return to independent living, the mental health system also furnishes a clinical case manager for regular follow-ups.
Dave’s NDIS plan can include capacity-building supports like setting up a routine and personal care assistance. Allied health supports, such as occupational therapy, help him develop skills for independent living and community participation.
Dave’s NDIS supports complement his clinical care, creating a holistic approach to his well-being and development.
Conclusion: Understanding the roles of the mental health system and the NDIS is essential for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. While the mental health system offers clinical care, the NDIS focuses on enhancing functional abilities, fostering independence, and promoting community engagement. This combined approach ensures comprehensive support for individuals’ mental health concerns and empowers them to lead fulfilling lives.
For more information on how Support Coordination can help, contact us.
