If you are an individual with a disability who is looking for mental health support, it is crucial to choose the right NDIS provider so that your needs will be understood. There are many factors you can consider when choosing a provider. Your preferences should also be taken into account when making this decision.
The first thing you should do is check whether the providers you are considering are registered with NDIS such as Breakfree NDIS Psychology Providers. The registration status will be provided on the official website of the provider. And this can be rechecked by going to the NDIS website or contacting them directly. Even though the provider has been recommended to you by a trusted source, it is always a good idea to recheck their registration so that there are no doubts about their credibility. Check whether the provider has a lot of experience and expertise in the field of mental health. There may be a certain specialisation for them which can be helpful regarding your position. Also, check how much experience they have in providing mental health support and whether they have any training or certifications to provide the services that are specified on their website. You can contact them to see whether they have worked with individuals who have similar challenges to what you are facing.
Make sure to go through the range of services provided. This will be provided on their official website. You need to select an NDIS provider that has the specific treatment plans you are looking for and handles the psychological issues that you are dealing with. Look into the therapy techniques they offer. A good idea is to check the different therapies or treatments available for your situation and which seems preferable to you. You should also consider your comfort level. Do you feel comfortable discussing your issues in a group or privately? Check whether the services cover group therapy, individual therapy or both as this can impact how effective the treatment is. You should be in a comfortable or receptive place to listen to the mental health professional and work with them to overcome your challenges. And this very much depends on your preferences and gut feelings as well.
Check whether the NDIS provider you are considering focuses on person-centred planning so that your needs will be taken into account when coming up with a treatment plan. For example, they will understand what your goals and aspirations are along with your individual needs when creating strategies to overcome your challenges. And you should be a key person in the decision making process. You should have an active role in this process. You can check with the provider whether this is so and whether they welcome collaboration. There has to be a good level of communication and trust between you and the mental health professional so that you can rely on their advice and stick to the treatment plans discussed. Check availability and accessibility of the provider as well. For example, if you have mobility issues, it can be very convenient to find a provider that is accessible to you in a way that is comfortable for you.