The Role of a Psychosocial Recovery Coach

August 7, 2024

A man and woman sit on beanbags by a bay window. They are engaged in conversation and the woman holds a clipboard.

It’s no secret that it can be complex to access and navigate the NDIS. But fortunately, there are people whose job is to help you on your journey, connecting you with the supports you need to participate fully in society.  

And when it comes to psychosocial disability, there are people who specialise in support for mental health-related disabilities. They’re called psychosocial recovery coaches, and they’re focused on connecting people with the kinds of supports and services that can help them pursue their goals for a happy and engaged life.  Here we’ll look at what psychosocial disability is, and how a psychosocial recovery coach can help. 

What is a psychosocial disability? 

A psychosocial disability relates to when a person’s mental health condition leads to a reduced ability to function, or to participate fully in society, socially or economically. 

People with a psychosocial disability can have trouble with communication, social inclusion, maintaining their physical health, or finding suitable housing and employment. 

In 2023, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics showed: 

  • psychosocial disability was the fourth-largest primary disability group in the NDIS – behind autism, intellectual disability, and developmental delay.  
  • Half of those people with psychosocial disability had a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia.  
  • Other common diagnoses leading to psychosocial disability included bipolar affective disorder and major depressive illness. 

It’s important to note that not everyone who has a mental health condition will have a psychosocial disability. But if left untreated, psychosocial disabilities can exacerbate mental health conditions. 

Not everyone who has a psychosocial disability will be eligible for NDIS support for the condition. To access funding, you’ll need to prove that the psychosocial disability is permanent or likely to be permanent, so you’ll likely need support for the rest of your life. You’ll also need to show how it impacts your ability to function. 

Why is it called ‘recovery’ coaching, when my condition is permanent? 

The NDIA makes it clear that, to be eligible for funding, the condition must be permanent – so why do they call the support psychosocial recovery? 

In the mental health sector, the goal of treatment is ‘recovery and wellness’. However, in the disability space, it is not expected that your condition will be ‘cured’. Instead, the NDIS  acknowledges that your psychosocial disability can fluctuate over time, and your support can be flexible according to your needs. So, ‘recovery’ means that you can  

  • regain control of your identity and life 
  • have hope for your life 
  • live your life with meaning, whether through work, relationships, spirituality, community engagement, or some or all of these. 

How a Psychosocial Recovery Coach Can Help 

A psychosocial recovery coach has experience and expertise specialising in mental health conditions.  They’ll work with you, and others in your support network (family members, carers, allied health specialists etc) to: 

  • Develop a personalised recovery plan – with strategies and goals to suit your needs and aspirations 
  • Build resilience – developing coping mechanisms and strategies to manage challenges. 
  • Enhance social connections – helping you to build and maintain supportive relationships 
  • Improve self-esteem and confidence – fostering a positive self-image and belief in your abilities. 
  • Access support services – helping you to connect with relevant community resources and support networks. 
  • Promote independence and autonomy – empowering you to make informed choices and take control of your life. 

Empowering Your Journey 

Being diagnosed with an ongoing psychosocial disability doesn’t change who you are, and doesn’t change the fact that you have goals to be in control of your life. At Disability Plan Services, our caring, dedicated psychosocial recovery coaches are here to support you on your journey to living your life the way you want to. Contact Our Team to find out more about how we can support you to live an independent and fulfilling life – the way you want.

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