A psychosocial recovery coach is an NDIS-funded worker who supports people with psychosocial disability with their recovery journey. They can help you understand your NDIS plan, connect with services, build skills and work towards greater independence.
I wrote this guide because the role of a psychosocial recovery coach can be confusing when you are already dealing with several NDIS supports. The term sounds similar to support coordination, but there are some important differences. I checked current information from the National Disability Insurance Agency and focused on what the role means in practical, everyday situations.
This article is for NDIS participants with psychosocial disability, family members, carers and anyone trying to understand whether a recovery coach could be suitable for their support needs.
Table of Contents
What Is a Psychosocial Recovery Coach?
A psychosocial recovery coach is a support worker funded through the NDIS for people with psychosocial disability.
Their work focuses on helping you build capacity, make decisions and take greater control over your life. The NDIS says recovery coaches can help participants increase independence and participation in community, education and employment.
The role is based around your individual goals and circumstances. Your recovery coach should take time to understand what matters to you before suggesting supports or services.
What Does a Recovery Coach Do?
The exact support depends on your needs and NDIS plan. A recovery coach may help you with several areas.
Understand your NDIS plan
NDIS plans can contain different budgets, support categories and rules. A recovery coach can help you understand your plan and how your funded supports relate to your goals.
They can also help you learn more about the NDIS and make informed decisions about your supports.
Connect you with services
You may need help finding mental health services, community organisations or other mainstream services.
A recovery coach can help you identify suitable options and make connections. They can also work with other services so that your supports are better coordinated.
For example, you might need help connecting your NDIS supports with a mainstream mental health service. Your recovery coach can help you understand what each service does and how they can work together.
Build skills and confidence
Recovery coaching can focus on building your knowledge, skills, resilience and decision-making.
The goal is to help you become more confident in managing parts of your life and support arrangements.
This could include learning how to communicate your needs, understand available services or make decisions about the support you want.
Support you during difficult periods
Psychosocial disability can affect people differently and support needs can change over time.
A recovery coach can help you plan for periods when you may need more support. The NDIS specifically describes recovery coaching as including planning and maintaining engagement during times when a participant needs increased support.
Can a Recovery Coach Help With Mental Health Services?
Yes, a recovery coach can help you connect with mental health and other health services, but they are not a replacement for clinical treatment.
Their role is focused on psychosocial recovery and building your ability to manage your supports and daily life.
For example, your recovery coach might help you understand what mental health services are available, prepare for conversations with services or work out how different supports fit together.
If you require clinical mental health treatment, you should use the appropriate health professional or service.
Can You Choose Your Recovery Coach?
Yes. If you have funding for a recovery coach in your NDIS plan, you can choose which provider you want to work with.
The NDIS says participants can choose their preferred recovery coach provider. For a new plan or when changing providers, the NDIS uses a request for service process.
When choosing a provider, consider:
- Their experience supporting people with psychosocial disability
- Their understanding of the NDIS
- Their communication style
- Whether they understand your goals
- Whether you feel comfortable working with them
You may also prefer a recovery coach with lived experience. The NDIS notes that some participants may find this helpful.
Psychosocial Recovery Coach vs Support Coordinator
The two roles can look similar because both can help participants understand their plans and connect with supports.
The main difference is the focus.
A support coordinator helps participants use their NDIS supports, choose providers, connect with community and mainstream services, and build confidence managing their supports.
A psychosocial recovery coach performs similar coordination tasks but specifically supports people with psychosocial disability. Their work also focuses on recovery, independence and managing complex challenges in daily life.
The right option depends on your individual needs and what is included in your NDIS plan.
How Does a Recovery Coach Work With You?
A good working relationship should start with understanding your situation.
Your recovery coach may spend time with you and people important to you to understand your needs, goals and current supports.
You should be able to discuss what you want to achieve and have a say in the way your support is delivered.
For example, your goal might be to become more independent at home, reconnect with your community, explore employment or improve your ability to manage support services.
Your recovery coach can then help identify practical steps towards that goal.
The NDIS also allows recovery coaches to work alongside families, carers and other services when this supports the participant’s needs.
Is a Psychosocial Recovery Coach Right for You?
A recovery coach may be useful if you have psychosocial support needs and want help understanding your NDIS plan, connecting with services or building skills for greater independence.
However, you do not have to choose a recovery coach simply because funding is available. Your support should reflect what you actually need.
Start by looking at your NDIS plan and goals. Then consider what type of help you need and whether a recovery coach can provide it.
If you are unsure, you can discuss your options with your my NDIS contact or another person involved in managing your supports.
FAQs
Is a psychosocial recovery coach the same as a support coordinator?
No. The roles overlap, but a psychosocial recovery coach specifically supports people with psychosocial disability and focuses on recovery, independence and participation.
Can a recovery coach help me find mental health services?
Yes. A recovery coach can help you identify and connect with mental health and other mainstream services that may support your needs.
Do I have to use a psychosocial recovery coach if I have funding?
No. You can choose whether to work with a recovery coach. If you have funding for this support, you can choose a provider that suits your needs.
