Accessing Game-Based Counselling and the NDIS Legislation changes
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be complex, especially with recent changes to funded supports. Minds Support Network aims to clarify how these changes impact your access to counselling services, particularly those that utilize game-based and other interactive therapies.
Who is the NDIS?
The NDIS is a government-funded program that provides support to Australians with disabilities. These supports aim to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their independence in daily life. NDIS funding is allocated based on individual needs, with a focus on evidence-based interventions delivered by qualified professionals.
Can I use NDIS funding for counselling at Minds Support Network?
Absolutely! Minds Support Network is pleased to confirm that our services are approved for NDIS participants. This means you can access both individual and group counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and psychotherapy through your NDIS funding.
What about “Gaming Therapy”? Isn’t that banned under the NDIS?
Recent NDIS legislation changes aimed to create a clearer picture of funded supports. While terms like “gaming therapy” were removed, the focus shifted to the evidence-based therapeutic approach. As long as the intervention uses games as a tool within a structured, evidence-based therapy session provided by an accredited allied health professional (such as a qualified ACA or PACFA accredited counsellor, CBT or psychotherapist) it can still be covered by NDIS.
What are the benefits of game-based therapy?
Game-based therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals of all ages. Here are some of its advantages:
- Increased Engagement: Games can make therapy more interactive and enjoyable, leading to better engagement and participation.
- Improved Skill Development: Games can be designed to target specific skills, such as communication, social interaction, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
- Enhanced Motivation: The competitive or collaborative nature of games can boost motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
- Safe Space for Exploration: Games can create a safe and controlled environment for individuals to explore difficult emotions or social situations.
- Pioneering type of usually inaccessible therapy: Many users may never desire to see a physical or telehealth counsellor, however thanks to our pioneering approach, we are seeing many participants access therapy for the very first time.
Are Minds counsellors qualified to provide game-based therapy?
Minds Support Network takes our commitment to quality care seriously. All our counsellors are qualified allied health professionals with accreditations from the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). They possess the expertise to utilize game-based therapy as part of a structured, evidence-based therapeutic plan tailored to your unique needs.
Conclusion:
NDIS funding can still contribute to your well-being through evidence-based counselling services at Minds Support Network. If you have questions about NDIS eligibility or how game-based therapy could benefit you, our team is happy to provide further information. We are dedicated to supporting your journey towards greater emotional and mental well-being.
Further reading:
The below statement is taken directly from the NDIS website:
“The bans on therapy supports like ‘gaming therapy’ or ‘yoga therapy’, does that include social group programs which include these strategies?
Noting also that most therapists utilise some type of games in therapy sessions as standard practice, as part of building various skills.
Supports that provide evidence-based therapy to help participants improve or maintain their functional capacity in areas such as language and communication, personal care, mobility and movement, interpersonal interactions, functioning (including psychosocial functioning) and community living are included as NDIS supports. Evidence based therapeutic supports can only be delivered by an allied health professional.
Evidence based therapists may use a variety of tools to play a role in a goal-directed, structured intervention which will assist the therapist and the participant to engage in therapy. This may include board games, online games, Lego or an animal. The therapy is delivered to the participant by the allied health professional and the tool is used to support participation.”
Source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation
