Understanding the Difference Between Behaviour Support and Psychological Therapy Under the NDIS

Understanding the Difference Between Behaviour Support and Psychological Therapy Under the NDIS

When navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it’s important to understand the different types of supports available to participants. Two key services often discussed are behaviour support and psychological therapy. While both aim to improve the well-being and quality of life of individuals with disabilities, they serve distinct purposes and involve different approaches. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two services, how they complement each other, and how Ivy Psychology can help.

What Is Behaviour Support?

Behaviour support is a specialised service that focuses on addressing behaviours of concern that may pose risks to the individual or others. These behaviours can include aggression, self-harm, property damage, or other actions that negatively impact the person’s ability to engage in everyday activities. The primary goal of behaviour support is to understand the underlying causes of these behaviours and develop strategies to manage or reduce them.

At Ivy Psychology, a registered behaviour support practitioner will work with the individual, their family, and other support networks to create a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP). This plan is tailored to the person’s unique needs and circumstances, incorporating proactive and reactive strategies to promote positive behaviour changes. Behaviour support is often a team-focused approach, involving collaboration between the participant, their family, carers, and other professionals. It is also an ongoing process, with regular reviews and adjustments made to ensure the plan remains effective.

NDIS Line Item: Behaviour support is typically funded under the "Improved Relationships" category of the NDIS, specifically under line items such as Capacity Building - Improved Relationships and Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support.

What Is Psychological Therapy?

Psychological therapy, on the other hand, is a therapeutic service provided by registered psychologists. It involves the use of evidence-based psychological interventions to address a wide range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. Psychological therapy is typically a one-to-one service, where a psychologist works directly with the participant to help them understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, improving their overall mental health and well-being.

In the context of the NDIS, psychological therapy is designed to support individuals with disabilities who may be experiencing mental health challenges. At Ivy Psychology, our team of experienced psychologists works closely with participants to identify the issues they are facing and develop a treatment plan that may include techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or counselling. The focus is on improving the participant’s mental health, coping skills, and emotional resilience.

NDIS Line Item: Psychological therapy is generally funded under the "Improved Daily Living" category, using line items such as Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living and Therapeutic Supports - Psychological Therapy.

Key Differences Between Behaviour Support and Psychological Therapy

While both behaviour support and psychological therapy aim to improve the lives of NDIS participants, they differ in several key ways:

1. Focus of the Service

- Behaviour Support: The primary focus is on managing and reducing behaviours of concern that may impact the individual’s safety and ability to engage in daily activities.

- Psychological Therapy: The focus is on addressing mental health issues and emotional well-being, helping the participant manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to their mental health.

2. Approach

- Behaviour Support: Utilises a person-centred, functional approach that looks at the environmental, social, and psychological factors contributing to behaviours of concern. An experienced practitioner from Ivy Psychology develops a Behaviour Support Plan that includes strategies for both preventing and responding to these behaviours. This approach is team-focused, involving collaboration with the participant's support network.

- Psychological Therapy: Involves therapeutic techniques and interventions that are evidence-based, focusing on the individual’s mental health. Psychological therapy is more of a one-to-one service, where a psychologist from Ivy Psychology works directly with the participant to help them achieve their mental health goals.

3. Goals

-Behaviour Support:The goal is to improve the individual’s quality of life by reducing challenging behaviours and promoting positive behaviours. This involves increasing the person’s independence, safety, and ability to participate in the community.

- Psychological Therapy: The goal is to enhance the participant’s mental health, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and improve their overall emotional well-being.

4. Duration and Process

- Behaviour Support: Typically involves ongoing support with regular reviews and updates to the Behaviour Support Plan. It’s a continuous process aimed at long-term behaviour change.

- Psychological Therapy: Often involves a series of sessions with a psychologist over a defined period. The number of sessions can vary depending on the participant’s needs and progress.

How Do These Services Complement Each Other?

While behaviour support and psychological therapy serve different purposes, they can complement each other in the overall support of an NDIS participant. For example, a participant who exhibits challenging behaviours due to underlying anxiety may benefit from both behaviour support and psychological therapy. Behaviour support can help manage the behaviours in the short term, while psychological therapy addresses the root causes, such as anxiety, to achieve long-term improvements.

At Ivy Psychology, we provide both behaviour support and psychological therapy services. Our team is composed of experienced psychologists and behaviour support practitioners, all led by our principal clinical psychologist. We understand the importance of a holistic approach to supporting NDIS participants, and we are committed to helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between behaviour support and psychological therapy is crucial for NDIS participants and their families. While behaviour support focuses on managing behaviours of concern, psychological therapy addresses mental health and emotional well-being. Both services play vital roles in helping individuals with disabilities live more fulfilling and independent lives.

If you’re unsure which service might be best for you or your loved one, get in touch with Ivy Psychology. Our team is here to help you navigate the NDIS and find the support that meets your needs.