Understanding the Difference Between Behaviour Support and Psychological Therapy Under the NDIS

Behaviour support and psychological therapy are two distinct yet complementary services offered under the NDIS. This blog delves into the key differences between these approaches.

When navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it helps to understand the different supports available. Two that are often discussed together are behaviour support and psychological therapy. Both aim to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people with disability, but they serve distinct purposes and work in different ways. Here is how they differ, how they complement each other, and how Ivy Psychology can help.

What is behaviour support?

Behaviour support is a specialised service that focuses on behaviours of concern that may pose a risk to the person or to others, such as aggression, self-harm, property damage, or other actions that limit a person's ability to take part in everyday life. The primary goal is to understand what is driving these behaviours and to develop strategies that reduce them over time.

At Ivy Psychology, a registered behaviour support practitioner works with the individual, their family, and their wider support network to create a Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) tailored to the person's needs. It is a team-focused, ongoing process, with regular reviews and adjustments to keep the plan effective. Under the NDIS, behaviour support is generally funded under Improved Relationships (Capacity Building), through line items such as Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support.

What is psychological therapy?

Psychological therapy is delivered by registered psychologists and uses evidence-based interventions to address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. It is typically a one-to-one service in which a psychologist works directly with the participant to understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

At Ivy Psychology, our psychologists work alongside participants to identify what they are facing and develop a treatment plan that may include approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or counselling, with the focus on improving mental health, coping skills, and emotional resilience. Under the NDIS, psychological therapy is generally funded under Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building), through Therapeutic Supports.

The key differences

Focus

Behaviour support

Managing and reducing behaviours of concern that affect a person's safety and ability to take part in daily activities.

Psychological therapy

Addressing mental health and emotional wellbeing, and helping the person manage the thoughts and feelings behind it.

Approach

Behaviour support

A person-centred, functional approach that looks at the environmental, social, and psychological factors behind a behaviour, delivered with the whole support network.

Psychological therapy

Evidence-based therapeutic techniques delivered mostly one-to-one between the psychologist and the participant.

Goals

Behaviour support

Improving quality of life by reducing challenging behaviours and increasing independence, safety, and community participation.

Psychological therapy

Enhancing mental health, reducing symptoms, and improving overall emotional wellbeing.

Duration

Behaviour support

Ongoing, with regular reviews and updates to the plan, aimed at long-term change.

Psychological therapy

Usually a series of sessions over a defined period, with the number depending on the person's needs and progress.

How the two work together

Although they serve different purposes, behaviour support and psychological therapy often complement each other. A participant whose challenging behaviours are driven by underlying anxiety, for example, may benefit from both: behaviour support to manage the behaviours in the short term, and psychological therapy to work on the anxiety underneath for longer-term change.

At Ivy Psychology we provide both services, with a team of psychologists and behaviour support practitioners led by our principal clinical psychologist. We take a holistic view of each participant's support so the pieces work together rather than in isolation.

In summary

Behaviour support focuses on managing behaviours of concern, while psychological therapy addresses mental health and emotional wellbeing. Both play vital roles in helping people with disability live more fulfilling, independent lives.

Not sure which one fits?If you are unsure which service is right for you or someone you support, our team can help you work it out and navigate the NDIS. We respond within one business day. Start a referral