Is Rehabilitation Counselling an NDIS Support? What the 2026 Guidance Says

If you are an NDIS participant looking for support with employment, returning to work, workplace barriers or vocational goals, you may be wondering whether rehabilitation counselling is an NDIS support. The answer is more nuanced than simply saying yes or no. The NDIS’s current therapy-support guidance specifically lists rehabilitation and vocational counselling as examples of therapy supports. The NDIS also provides guidance around employment-related assessment, counselling and advice, including vocational or functional assessments, identifying barriers to work, setting employment goals and considering workplace adjustments.This guidance makes rehabilitation counselling particularly relevant to participants working towards employment and vocational goals. However, being listed as a type of therapy support does not mean that every participant automatically has funding for it. The support must still meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria and be appropriate to the participant’s individual circumstances and goals.

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Is Rehabilitation Counselling an NDIS Support?

Yes. The NDIS currently lists rehabilitation and vocational counselling as examples of therapy supports. However, being listed as a therapy support does not mean every participant automatically has funding for it. The NDIS states that therapy supports must meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria. There also needs to be evidence that the therapy is effective, beneficial and appropriate for the participant. For the most up-to-date information, see the NDIS guidance on therapy supports.

What Is Rehabilitation Counselling?

Rehabilitation counselling is a specialist form of counselling and rehabilitation support that can help people with disability or chronic health conditions work towards education, employment and community-living goals. In an NDIS context, rehabilitation counselling can involve assessment and counselling focused on vocational or functional needs, including barriers that may affect a person’s ability to work or study. It is important to distinguish this from drug or addiction rehabilitation. Here, rehabilitation counselling relates to disability-related functional, vocational, educational and employment goals. If you would like to explore this type of support, NDIS rehabilitation counselling is available as a service option through Janalli Services.

What Does the NDIS Say About Employment-Related Counselling?

The NDIS employment guidance recognises employment-related assessment, counselling and advice as forms of support that can help participants work towards their employment goals.

This can include support to:

• Understand strengths
• Explore barriers to employment
• Develop a work goal and plan
• Consider adjustments to work processes or the workplace
• Receive education and support involving employers and others at work
• Access counselling where disability prevents returning to a previous position

This makes employment-related counselling relevant not only to people looking for work, but also to participants preparing for work, changing their employment pathway or trying to return to a previous role. For the latest information, see the NDIS Guide to Employment.

When Might Rehabilitation Counselling Be Relevant?

Rehabilitation counselling may be relevant when a participant:

• Is preparing to enter employment
• Wants to return to work after disability-related changes
• Is experiencing barriers that make employment difficult
• Needs to consider a different vocational pathway
• Needs help understanding how disability affects work participation
• Requires support around workplace adjustments
• Wants to develop a more sustainable employment goal

The appropriate type and level of support will depend on the participant’s individual circumstances, goals and disability-related needs.

How Can Rehabilitation Counselling Support an Employment Goal?

Rehabilitation counselling can help turn a broad employment goal into practical steps that reflect a participant’s strengths, circumstances and disability-related needs.

1. Understanding the Participant’s Situation

Consider strengths, experience, interests, functional capacity and current barriers.

2. Identifying Vocational Goals

Explore what type of work, study or employment pathway may be appropriate.

3. Understanding Barriers

Consider disability-related factors that may affect participation in work.

4. Planning Practical Strategies

Consider workplace strategies, adjustments and preparation for employment.

5. Supporting Sustainable Participation

Focus on helping the participant work towards employment that is appropriate and sustainable for their circumstances.

This process may also involve vocational or functional assessment where it is relevant to understanding the participant’s employment needs.

Does the NDIS Automatically Fund Rehabilitation Counselling?

No. Being listed as a type of therapy support does not mean that every NDIS participant automatically has funding for rehabilitation counselling. The NDIS says therapy supports can only be funded when they meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria. There also needs to be evidence that the therapy is effective and beneficial and appropriate for the participant. Whether rehabilitation counselling is an appropriate NDIS support will depend on the participant’s individual circumstances, disability-related needs, goals and the relevant NDIS funding requirements. For more information, see the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria.

Rehabilitation Counselling and Other Employment Supports

Rehabilitation counselling does not necessarily replace other employment services. Different types of support can address different parts of a participant’s employment journey, and they may work alongside each other where appropriate.

• Rehabilitation counselling can address disability-related vocational and functional issues
• Employment programs can assist with finding and maintaining employment
• Workplace assistance may be available through other programs
• Different services can work together where appropriate

The NDIS provider guidance also highlights the importance of coordination so that supports do not create unnecessary gaps or overlaps. For an overview of available options, see the NDIS employment support options

NDIS Rehabilitation Counselling with Janalli Services

Matthew Kyte is a Rehabilitation Counsellor and Vocational Specialist supporting participants with employment, vocational and workplace goals.

Janalli Services provides rehabilitation counselling in Logan and Southeast Queensland, with Telehealth available where appropriate. Support can include vocational mentoring, employment-focused assessment, workplace readiness, vocational goal development, workplace adjustments and strategies for sustainable workplace participation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabilitation Counselling and the NDIS

If you’re considering rehabilitation counselling through the NDIS, these common questions can help clarify how the support works and when it may be relevant.

Working Towards an Employment or Vocational Goal?

If you need support with employment barriers, returning to work, workplace participation or vocational planning, Janalli Services can help you explore your options. NDIS Rehabilitation Counselling is available in Logan and Southeast Queensland, with Telehealth available where appropriate.

Call us today on 0403-258-258
Email us at: info@janalliservices.com.au
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