If you are an NDIS participant considering counselling, you may have heard that therapy supports funded by the NDIS need to be evidence-based. But what does that actually mean, and how does it apply to counselling? The NDIS’s current therapy-support guidance says therapy supports must use current best-practice evidence or the highest quality research available. The NDIS also needs to be satisfied that there is enough evidence that the type of therapy is effective and beneficial and can help improve or maintain a participant’s skills and independence.

Counselling is currently listed by the NDIS as an example of a therapy support. However, this does not mean that every type of counselling is automatically funded for every participant. The support must still meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria and be appropriate for the individual participant. In this guide, we explain what evidence-based counselling means under the NDIS, what the current 2026 guidance says, what participants may need to provide as evidence and what to consider when choosing a counselling provider.

What Does Evidence-Based Counselling Mean Under the NDIS?

Evidence-based counselling under the NDIS means that the counselling approach being provided should have an appropriate evidence base and be suitable for the participant’s disability-related needs and goals.

The current NDIS guidance says therapy supports need to:

• Use current best-practice evidence or the highest-quality research
• Have enough evidence that the type of therapy is effective and beneficial
• Help improve or maintain the participant’s skills and independence

In simple terms, evidence-based counselling means that the counselling approach being provided should have an appropriate evidence base and be suitable for the individual participant.

An Important Distinction

Evidence-based does not mean “guaranteed to work.”

It means there is appropriate evidence supporting the type of therapy and that it is considered suitable for the individual participant. The suitability of counselling should also be considered in relation to the participant’s individual circumstances, disability-related needs and goals.

What Does the NDIS Currently Say About Counselling?

Counselling is currently listed by the NDIS as an example of a therapy support.

The NDIS also lists other therapy supports, including:

• Psychology
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Social work
• Speech pathology
• Rehabilitation and vocational counselling
• Other therapy supports

However, being listed as an example of a therapy support does not mean every counselling service or every counselling situation is automatically funded. The support must still meet the relevant NDIS funding criteria and be appropriate for the individual participant.

For the latest information, participants can refer to NDIS guidance on therapy supports

Why Does Evidence Matter for NDIS Therapy Supports?

The evidence requirement helps the NDIS determine whether a therapy support is likely to be beneficial and appropriate for an individual participant.

The NDIS needs to consider whether the therapy:

• Is likely to benefit the participant
• Is appropriate for their disability-related needs
• Can help improve or maintain relevant skills and independence
• Represents an appropriate use of NDIS funding

Therapy supports must meet all relevant NDIS funding criteria. This means describing a service as counselling does not automatically make it eligible for NDIS funding.

Evidence-based requirements are intended to support therapy that has an appropriate evidence base and can provide relevant benefits for participants, rather than funding an intervention simply because it is described as counselling. The focus is therefore on both the evidence supporting the therapy and its relevance to the individual participant’s circumstances and goals.

What Evidence May Be Needed for NDIS Counselling?

When therapy supports are requested, participants may need to provide an assessment or report from their therapist.

Depending on the participant’s circumstances, the report can include information such as:

• The type of therapy support needed
• Why the participant needs it
• The therapy approach
• Who may provide the support
• The intended outcome
• How long and how often support may be needed
• Evidence of previous treatments and their results, where relevant

The information required can vary depending on the participant’s circumstances and what the NDIS needs to determine whether the requested support meets its funding criteria.

This means participants should not assume that every person requesting counselling will need to provide exactly the same documentation.

For further information, participants can refer to NDIS guidance on therapy support evidence.

Does Evidence-Based Mean the Same Counselling Approach for Everyone?

No.

Evidence-based practice does not mean every participant should receive an identical counselling program. The appropriate approach can depend on the individual’s circumstances and support requirements.

Factors that may be relevant include:

• The participant’s circumstances
• Disability-related needs
• Individual goals
• Functional needs
• Existing supports
• The professional’s scope of practice

A counselling approach should be selected because it is appropriate for the individual participant, not simply because it is a popular or commonly used approach.

The focus should remain on whether the approach is appropriate for the participant’s needs and whether it can support relevant goals and outcomes.

How Should Counselling Relate to an NDIS Participant’s Goals?

Therapy supports can help participants build or maintain skills and independence in areas such as:

• Interpersonal interactions
• Functioning, including psychosocial functioning
• Communication
• Community living
• Everyday activities

Counselling should have a clear connection to the participant’s individual needs and goals. The relevance of counselling will depend on the circumstances of the person receiving support.

Depending on the participant, counselling may relate to goals involving:

• Emotional regulation
• Communication
• Confidence
• Social participation
• Managing life transitions
• Independence

Participants interested in counselling can learn more about NDIS counselling and the support available through Janalli Services.

What Should You Ask an NDIS Counselling Provider?

Choosing a counselling provider can involve asking practical questions about qualifications, the approach used and how the support relates to individual goals.

1. What are your qualifications?

Ask about the professional’s qualifications and relevant registration or accreditation.

2. What counselling approach do you use?

Ask what approach will be used and why it is considered appropriate for your needs.

3. How does the support relate to my goals?

The provider should be able to explain how the support relates to your individual needs and goals.

4. How will progress be monitored?

Ask how outcomes and progress will be reviewed throughout the support.

5. What evidence can you provide?

Ask what documentation may be available to explain the need for the support and progress where appropriate.

6. Is Telehealth appropriate?

If you are considering Telehealth, ask whether this format is suitable for your individual needs and circumstances.

The NDIS states that therapy supports can only be delivered by qualified and registered allied health professionals. Professionals must be registered with AHPRA or accredited by a relevant peak body for self-regulated professions.

For further information, see NDIS information about who can provide therapy supports

Does Evidence-Based Counselling Automatically Mean the NDIS Will Fund It?

No. Evidence-based does not automatically mean NDIS-funded.

The NDIS can only fund therapy supports that meet all relevant NDIS funding criteria.

This means there are two separate questions to consider:

Is the therapy evidence-based?

and

Does the specific support meet the NDIS funding criteria for this participant?

Both questions matter.

A counselling approach may have evidence supporting its use, but the specific support must still be appropriate for the participant and meet the relevant NDIS funding requirements.

Participants can refer to NDIS funding criteria for information about the broader funding requirements. Pasted markdown

Can Evidence-Based Counselling Be Provided Through Telehealth?

Telehealth can be an option where it is appropriate to the participant’s circumstances and the counselling service.

The suitability of Telehealth can depend on the participant’s needs, preferences and the type of support being provided.

Janalli Services provides NDIS counselling in Logan and Southeast Queensland, with Telehealth available for participants in other locations where appropriate. Pasted markdown

NDIS Counselling with Janalli Services

Janalli Services provides person-centred counselling focused on emotional wellbeing, resilience and personal capacity building.

Matthew Kyte, Founder and Lead Practitioner, supports participants with areas such as emotional regulation, life transitions, confidence, communication, self-advocacy and participation in everyday life.

Services are available in Logan and Southeast Queensland, with Telehealth available where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for NDIS Counselling?

If you’re looking for counselling to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence or personal capacity building, Janalli Services can help you explore whether counselling is appropriate for your individual needs and goals.

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