What to Expect When Accessing a Behaviour Support Practitioner for the First Time with Ivy Psychology
We understand that accessing behaviour support services for can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. At Ivy Psychology, we understand the importance of providing clear guidance and support throughout this process. Whether you're an NDIS participant, a family member, or a support worker, this article will walk you through what to expect when accessing a behaviour support practitioner with Ivy Psychology for the first time.
Step 1: Completing the Referral Form
The first step in accessing behaviour support services with Ivy Psychology is completing a referral form. This form can be found on our website and is designed to gather essential information about the participant, their needs, and the specific behaviours of concern. The referral form helps us understand your situation and determine how we can best support you.
You’ll be asked to provide details such as:
- The participant’s NDIS plan and goals
- Some clinical information (such as diagnoses)
- Information about behaviours of concern
- Contact information for the participant, family members, and any support workers involved
Once the referral form is submitted, our team will review it and get in touch to discuss the next steps.
Access our behaviour support referral form here
Step 2: Signing a Service Agreement
After we’ve reviewed your referral form, the next step is to establish a service agreement. This document outlines the expectations of both Ivy Psychology and the participant, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the support process.
The service agreement will cover:
- The scope of services provided by Ivy Psychology
- The roles and responsibilities of both the behaviour support practitioner and the participant
- The frequency and duration of sessions
- Fees and funding arrangements under the NDIS
- Confidentiality and privacy policies
- The process for feedback and resolving concerns
By signing the service agreement, both parties commit to working together towards the participant’s goals in a supportive, collaborative manner.
Step 3: Initial Consultation and Assessment
Once the service agreement is in place, you’ll have your first consultation with a registered behaviour support practitioner from Ivy Psychology. This initial meeting is an opportunity for the practitioner to get to know the participant, understand their needs, and begin the process of assessment.
During this consultation, the practitioner will:
- Discuss the participant’s goals and challenges
- Observe and understand the behaviours of concern
- Gather detailed information from the participant, family, and support workers
- They will also review clinical documents such as previous assessments, and medical reports to gain a comprehensive understanding of the participant's history and current situation. This would normally happen prior to the initial consultation so the clinician has a good understanding of what might be going on for the participant
- Consult with other key individuals involved in the participant's care, including support workers, family members, support coordinators, and any other relevant professionals
These consultations are crucial for developing a well-rounded view of the participant’s needs and the factors contributing to their behaviours. The goal of this assessment is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the participant’s unique situation, which will inform the creation of a Behaviour Support Plan.
Step 4: Developing a Behaviour Support Plan
Based on the initial assessment, the behaviour support practitioner will develop a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP). This plan is tailored to the participant’s specific needs and outlines strategies for managing and reducing behaviours of concern.
The BSP typically includes:
- Proactive strategies to prevent behaviours of concern
- Response strategies to support participants and help manage behaviours when they occur
- Environmental modifications or adjustments
- Skill-building activities to promote positive behaviours
- The participants existing functional communication strategies
The Behaviour Support Plan is a living document that will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains effective as the participant’s needs evolve.
Step 5: Implementing the Plan
Once the Behaviour Support Plan is finalised, the next step is implementation. This involves putting the strategies and interventions outlined in the BSP into practice. The behaviour support practitioner will work closely with the participant, their family, and support workers to ensure the plan is followed effectively.
Ivy Psychology normally recommends a two hour online training. This means that it can be recorded for future reference as often not all people supporting the participant can be available at the one time.
Ivy Psychology’s practitioners provide guidance and training to those involved in the participant’s care, helping everyone understand their role in supporting the participant’s behaviour goals. Regular communication and collaboration are key to the successful implementation of the plan.
Step 6: Ongoing Support, Monitoring, and Review
Behaviour support is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and review. As the plan is implemented, the practitioner will regularly check in to assess progress, make adjustments, and address any new challenges that arise.
The Behaviour Support Plan will be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure it continues to meet the participant’s needs and goals. This ongoing support is crucial for achieving long-term positive outcomes.
Summary
Accessing a behaviour support practitioner for the first time can feel like a big step, but with Ivy Psychology, you’re in capable and caring hands. From the initial referral form to ongoing support and monitoring, our team is here to guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring that the participant receives the best possible care.
If you’re ready to be support by one of Ivy Psychology’s behaviour support practitioners, the first step is to complete our referral form available on our website. We look forward to working with you to achieve positive, meaningful changes in your life or the life of your loved one.
