LogoOpen Hearted Support Services

The Rise of Mental Health & Psychosocial Disability Supports in the NDIS

Published on December 29, 2025 | Updated on January 1, 2026
The Rise of Mental Health & Psychosocial Disability Supports in the NDIS
Mental health support is becoming one of the most significant and evolving areas within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In 2025, there is a strong and growing focus on psychosocial disability supports, reflecting increased awareness that mental health conditions can have a profound and ongoing impact on daily functioning, independence, and community participation. This shift marks an important step forward — recognising that recovery is not just about treatment, but about long-term support, stability, and inclusion.

At Openhearted Support, we are proud to support participants living with psychosocial disabilities through compassionate, structured, and person-centred NDIS services across Melbourne and surrounding areas.

What Is Psychosocial Disability?

A psychosocial disability refers to the functional impact of a mental health condition on a person’s life. It is not defined by diagnosis alone, but by how mental health challenges affect:

  • daily routines

    • • relationships

    • emotional regulation

    • decision-making

    • social participation

    • employment or education

    Common conditions associated with psychosocial disability include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and other complex mental health conditions.

    Why Mental Health Supports Are Growing Under the NDIS

    In 2025, mental health and psychosocial supports are receiving greater attention due to several key factors:

    Increased Recognition of Functional Impact

    The NDIS is shifting focus from diagnosis-based decisions to functional support needs, which has allowed more participants with psychosocial disabilities to access appropriate funding.

    Emphasis on Early and Ongoing Support

    Consistent mental health support reduces crisis events, hospital admissions, and long-term dependency — benefiting both participants and the broader health system.

    Integration of Therapeutic and Community Supports

    There is growing recognition that mental health recovery is strengthened by community connection, daily structure, and skill-building, not just clinical treatment.

    Participant and Carer Advocacy

    Feedback from participants, families, and carers has influenced improvements in how mental health supports are planned and delivered under the NDIS.

    What Mental Health Supports Does the NDIS Fund?

    Participants with psychosocial disabilities may access funding for a range of supports, including:

    Therapeutic Supports

    Occupational therapy and other allied health services that focus on emotional regulation, daily functioning, coping strategies, and routine development.

    Support Coordination

    Helping participants understand their plan, connect with appropriate services, and navigate complex systems.

    Core Supports

    Assistance with daily personal activities, household tasks, and transport — providing structure and reducing stress.

    Community Participation

    Social programs, group activities, and community access that reduce isolation and build confidence.

    Capacity Building

    Life skills development, decision-making, budgeting, and independence-focused supports.

    The Role of Community Participation in Mental Health Recovery

    Mental health recovery thrives in connection. Community participation supports help participants:

  • build friendships

    • • reduce loneliness

    • regain confidence

    • develop social skills

    • engage in meaningful activities

    At Openhearted Support, our community participation programs are carefully designed to be safe, inclusive, and participant-led, allowing individuals to re-engage with the world at their own pace.

    How Openhearted Support Helps Participants with Psychosocial Disabilities

    We understand that mental health journeys are deeply personal. Our team delivers holistic and flexible supports that adapt to each participant’s needs.

    Our services include:

    ✔ Support Coordination

    ✔ Occupational Therapy & therapeutic interventions

    ✔ Daily personal activities support

    ✔ Household task assistance

    ✔ Community participation programs

    ✔ Transport support

    ✔ Respite and short-term care

    Our approach focuses on consistency, trust, and empowerment, helping participants build sustainable routines and confidence over time.

    Why This Matters in 2025 and Beyond

    The growing focus on mental health within the NDIS reflects a broader understanding that wellbeing is not one-dimensional. Emotional, psychological, and social supports are just as critical as physical care.

    For participants with psychosocial disabilities, this evolution means:

    ✔ better access to tailored supports

    ✔ more stable long-term planning

    ✔ reduced crisis-driven care

    ✔ stronger independence and inclusion

    Final Thoughts

    The rise of mental health and psychosocial disability supports under the NDIS in 2025 marks a meaningful step towards a more inclusive and compassionate system.

    At Openhearted Support, we are committed to walking beside participants through every stage of their mental health journey — providing not just support, but understanding, respect, and genuine care.

    📞 1800 976 186

    📧 admin@ohsupport.com.au

    🌐 www.openheartedsupport.com.au