Accessing counselling should feel manageable. For people living with disability, travelling to appointments can involve extra planning, transport arrangements, fatigue or sensory overwhelm. Telehealth offers another way to receive support, without the journey to a consulting room.
NDIS telehealth counselling connects you with a counsellor remotely, usually through a video appointment. You can attend from home or another suitable private space, while working towards goals that matter to your everyday life.
If you are considering online counselling, here is what you can expect.
What is NDIS telehealth counselling?
Telehealth describes services delivered remotely using technology. In counselling, this generally means meeting your counsellor through a video call on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Telephone sessions may also be an option, depending on your needs and whether they are suitable for the support being provided.
The counselling relationship remains central. You have time to talk, feel heard and develop practical strategies with a qualified professional.
When funded through the NDIS, counselling needs to meet the relevant funding requirements and support your disability-related needs. Its focus may include building or maintaining skills that help you manage daily life, strengthen relationships and participate in your community. Counselling is one of the therapy supports the NDIS may fund when its criteria are met.
What can counselling help with?
Everyone comes to counselling with different experiences, strengths and priorities. Your sessions should reflect what matters to you.
Depending on your circumstances and agreed goals, counselling may help you:
- Recognise emotions and practise ways to manage overwhelm.
- Develop communication skills and express your needs.
- Build confidence in relationships and social situations.
- Establish boundaries and practise self-advocacy.
- Adjust to changes affecting your daily life.
- Develop strategies for participating in meaningful activities.
For example, you might want to feel more confident attending a community group. Sessions could explore what makes this difficult, identify helpful coping strategies and break the goal into manageable steps.
The aim is to connect the work you do in counselling with situations you encounter outside your appointments.
How does the process work?
1. Make an initial enquiry
The first step is to contact the provider and discuss what you are looking for. You can ask about the counsellor’s experience, availability, fees and approach.
This is also an opportunity to explain any communication preferences or accessibility needs. You might prefer written information before your appointment, extra processing time or support to join the video call.
2. Check your funding and agree on services
Before sessions begin, confirm that the proposed counselling is suitable for your plan and available funding. Having an NDIS plan does not automatically mean every counselling service can be claimed.
Your provider, plan manager or support coordinator can help clarify arrangements. NDIS funding for disability-related capacity building is distinct from clinical mental health treatment, which is generally the responsibility of the health system.
A service agreement should explain the support being offered, fees, payment arrangements, cancellation terms and responsibilities. Ask questions until you feel comfortable with the details.
3. Prepare for your appointment
You will usually receive instructions explaining how to access your session.
For a video appointment, you generally need:
- A device with a camera and microphone.
- A reliable internet connection.
- A quiet, private place where you feel comfortable.
- Headphones, if they help with privacy or concentration.
You do not need to be highly confident with technology. Let your provider know if you need help, and agree on what will happen if the connection drops out.
4. Meet your counsellor
Your first appointment is an opportunity to get to know each other. Your counsellor may ask about your daily life, current challenges, strengths and what you hope to gain from support.
They should explain consent, confidentiality and its limits, including circumstances where information may need to be shared for safety or legal reasons.
You can ask questions, request a break or say that you are not ready to discuss something. Counselling should move at a pace that supports your participation.
5. Review your progress
Over time, you and your counsellor can review what is helping and whether your goals or support needs have changed.
Progress might mean communicating a boundary, managing a difficult interaction or feeling more able to participate in an activity you value.
Is telehealth right for everyone?
Telehealth can make appointments more accessible, particularly when travel, distance or fatigue creates barriers. Some people also feel more comfortable talking in a familiar environment.
However, it will not suit every person or situation. Limited privacy, unreliable internet or difficulty engaging through a screen may affect your experience. Discuss these concerns with your provider so you can consider suitable options.
Privacy matters online, too. Ask how appointments and records are protected and whether anyone else will be present. Telehealth services carry the same general privacy and information security obligations as face-to-face care.
Taking the next step
At Lotus Integrated Therapies, we welcome enquiries from self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants seeking telehealth counselling.
Contact us to discuss your needs, ask questions and explore whether our counselling service is a suitable fit for your goals.
