At YOU Queensland, we aim to help empower individuals with disabilities to lead more independent, purposeful lives. Part of this belief is providing these individuals with the support they need to do so, which is why we provide Psychosocial Recovery Coach services. Newly introduced in 2020 beneath the NDIS, this type of support aims to support individuals who struggle with a psychosocial disability on their journey of recovery.
We offer psychosocial recovery coaching in the Wide Bay region; this includes areas such as Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Bundaberg, Tiaro, and Tin Can Bay. If you don't live in these areas but are located nearby and looking for a Psychosocial Recovery Coach , please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll work our hardest to help you and provide recommendations for Psychosocial Recovery Coaches closer to your home.
What is a Psychosocial Recovery Coach?
What is a Psychosocial Recovery Coach?
A Psychosocial Recovery Coach is a new NDIS support for individuals who struggle with a psychosocial disability and require assistance in managing the challenges associated with that specific psychosocial disability. This type of support aims to empower individuals to reach their recovery goals while enhancing their self-confidence and independence. It also encourages individuals to get more involved within their community and the workforce at large.
Recovery Coaches are trained professionals who provide individuals with personalised support, guidance, and encouragement as they work towards their recovery goals. A Recovery Coach will have learned or lived experience when it comes to struggling with and managing a psychosocial disability. Some may even have both. Regardless of their background, recovery coaches use their knowledge and experience to collaboratively develop a recovery plan that ultimately improves the quality of life of their clients.
Defining Recovery
According to the NDIS, recovery refers to the ability to contribute meaningfully and positively to society and the workforce in a way that aligns with one's strengths and personal goals. It emphasises that recovery is not about achieving a state of perfection where one no longer experiences the challenges and disabilities that come with their mental health condition.
Instead, it focuses on managing these challenges effectively, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives while acknowledging that setbacks may occur but can be navigated with resilience and support. A Psychosocial Recovery Coach will provide guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies (based on lived or learned experience) to help individuals build coping skills, increase their confidence, and work towards achieving their recovery goals.
Understanding Psychosocial Disabilities
The NDIS uses the term ‘psychosocial disability’ to describe a disability that may arise from a mental health issue. It is important to understand that a psychosocial disability is not a mental health condition in itself. Instead, the term refers to the challenges that may arise from a particular mental health condition and can affect an individual’s ability to engage in everyday activities.
These disabilities often impact a person’s ability to participate in work, education, social activities, and relationships. They may lead to difficulties in managing emotions, interacting with others, and completing daily tasks, which can limit overall independence. While mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia can lead to psychosocial disabilities, it is the functional challenges they create that are recognised as the disability.
NDIS Recovery Coach Roles and Responsibilities
A Recovery Coach can help navigate the supports provided by the NDIS that aim to enhance independence, improve mental well-being, and help you achieve your personal goals. As outlined by the NDIS, a Recovery Coach will:
- Spend time with you and the people important to you to get to know you and understand your needs.
- Work with you to establish goals and develop a personalised recovery plan.
- Help you build individual capacity, confidence, resilience, and decision-making.
- Help you to find out about different services and supports and how they can help you.
- Help you connect with mental health support services.
- Help you better understand the NDIS and provide guidance on how to get the most out of it.
- Provide ongoing support (particularly during times of extreme need) to ensure you feel supported and empowered.
Understanding the Difference Between
Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Support Coordination
Navigating NDIS can be complex and sometimes overwhelming, particularly when it comes to understanding the different types of support available. The two services that are often confused with one another are Psychosocial Recovery Coaching and Support Coordination. While both services offer funding for support services to individuals with disabilities, it's important to recognise their key differences when deciding which type of support is best suited for your needs.
Under the NDIS, a Psychosocial Recovery Coach specialises in supporting individuals with mental health-related conditions and impairments. This support is heavily relationship-based and focuses on mental health management, skill and resilience building, and long-term recovery through coaching and empowerment. A Support Coordinator, on the other hand, works with participants across a broader range of disabilities, focusing on coordinating NDIS supports, connecting them with service providers, and helping them understand and implement their NDIS plans.
While both roles aid in navigating the NDIS, a Psychosocial Recovery Coach provides a more specialised type of support for mental health-related disabilities. In contrast, a Support Coordinator provides more general assistance for implementing NDIS plans.
As NDIS service providers, we proudly offer both recovery coaching and support coordination services for individuals in the Wide Bay region. If you are interested in learning more about these services or have any questions about how we can help you, please don't hesitate to contact us.
