Common Questions

What is counselling and how can it help me?

Counselling is a talk-based support where you meet with a qualified professional (like a counsellor or therapist) in a safe, confidential space. It’s your time to talk about whatever is on your mind – for example, stress, relationships, mental health struggles, or personal goals – and be truly heard. Our counsellors work at your pace and are trained to listen without judgment, help you sort out your feelings, and develop strategies to overcome problems . This can help you look after your mental health, build coping skills, and work towards a happier, more confident you . In short, counselling can give you emotional support and practical tools to manage challenges in your life. It’s not about telling you what to do – it’s about empowering you to better understand yourself and find solutions that work for you.

What is psychosocial recovery coaching, and how does it help?

Psychosocial recovery coaching (or just recovery coaching) is a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support designed for people living with mental health challenges (psychosocial disabilities). A recovery coach is like a personal guide or mentor who has mental health knowledge and works with you to navigate daily challenges and move forward in your life. The aim is to help you become more independent and confident in managing day-to-day activities .

Your recovery coach will spend time getting to know you and what you want in life. They can help you set and achieve goals, build up your strengths and skills, and connect you with other services or supports you might need . For example, a recovery coach might help you create a routine, build social connections, or learn coping strategies for when you’re not feeling well. They also coordinate with your other supports – like doctors, therapists, or family – to make sure everyone is on the same page and supporting your recovery journey . Importantly, a recovery coach puts you in the driver’s seat: they coach and encourage you to make your own choices (the NDIS calls this choice and control), rather than making decisions for you.

At Recovery Together, our psychosocial recovery coaches focus on what you want out of life (such as studying, working, improving relationships, or simply having a better day-to-day routine) and help break those aspirations into achievable steps. Many of our participants like that our coaches have a deep understanding of mental health – some even have lived experience of overcoming similar challenges, which means they truly “get it” and can share hope and understanding . Overall, recovery coaching is there to empower you, ensure you’re not alone in dealing with complex challenges, and help you take more control of your life while working toward a fulfilling, meaningful future .

What are Capacity Building supports?

Capacity Building supports are services that help you build up your skills, independence and confidence so you can live the life you want. In the NDIS world, Capacity Building is one of the main funding categories – it’s all about personal growth and learning, rather than just day-to-day care. These supports are designed to empower you to reach your goals and become more independent .

In practice, capacity building supports can include a whole range of activities depending on your needs and goals. For example, they might help you develop daily living skills (like cooking, budgeting, or using public transport on your own), improve your social skills or confidence, get job-ready or succeed in your studies, or learn ways to manage your mental health and wellbeing. Unlike core supports (which cover everyday assistance), capacity building supports are more like classes, coaching, or training sessions that build you up so you need less assistance in the long run .

At Recovery Together, our services such as counselling and recovery coaching are part of your capacity building supports – they’re focused on building your resilience, skills and self-knowledge. We also offer other capacity-building activities tailored to young people, for instance: helping you create routines, mentoring you on communication or social interactions, and generally boosting your confidence to tackle challenges. All these supports pave the way for you to become more independent and unlock new opportunities in life . In short, capacity building supports are there to help you grow – to take on life’s hurdles with increasing confidence and ability.

What is Training for Carers (Psychoeducation) and who is it for?

Training for Carers, also known as psychoeducation, is a specialised form of training we offer to the important people in your life – such as your family members, close friends, or other carers. The goal is to help your support network better understand your needs and how to support you in a helpful, empowering way. Our psychoeducation program is specialised training designed to help families, carers, and informal supports better understand and support individuals with psychosocial disabilities . In other words, we educate and equip your loved ones with knowledge and strategies so that they can effectively assist in your recovery journey.

For example your family or carers might learn about the nature of your mental health condition or disability – what you experience day-to-day, what helps you thrive, and what kinds of things might be unhelpful. We might teach communication techniques, coping strategies for crisis moments, or ways to encourage your independence. This can clear up misunderstandings and reduce frustration all around. When everyone’s on the same page, it creates a supportive environment where you can progress with less friction.

Training for Carers is always done with your consent and involvement. You are at the centre of your support team, and we recognise that you’re the expert on your own life. By helping your carers understand your perspective and by hearing their perspective too, we foster a “recovery together” approach – truly living up to our name. The benefit is that not only do you get support; your carers feel supported and informed as well. It can be a huge relief for them to learn practical ways to help you without overstepping, and for you to feel understood by those closest to you. Ultimately, this service strengthens your whole support network so that everyone can work as a team to help you achieve your goals.

Note: Training for Carers can be funded under NDIS capacity-building supports if it’s part of your plan’s goals. We can help you figure out if this is an option for you. But even outside of formal sessions, we’re always happy to include your family or supporters (with your permission) in conversations to promote understanding.

Who can access Recovery Together’s services?

Recovery Together’s services are geared towards young adults in their twenties who are living with a disability and seeking support through the NDIS. In particular, we specialise in supporting people with psychosocial disabilities – that is, mental health conditions that significantly affect your day-to-day life (for example, severe anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health challenges) . If you’re roughly between the ages of 20 and 29 and you find that your mental health or another disability is making it hard to do everyday things or pursue your goals, you’re exactly the kind of person we’re here for. We also welcome participants with other types of disabilities in this age range, especially if you feel our counselling or coaching approach would suit your needs.

To use our services under the NDIS, you do need to meet the NDIS eligibility criteria. Generally, this means you have a permanent and significant disability that impacts your ability to take part in everyday activities, you’re under 65 years old when you first access the NDIS, and you live in Australia as a citizen or permanent resident . Mental health conditions can qualify as disabilities under the NDIS – the scheme recognises psychosocial disability as a legitimate category of support . So if your mental health issue is long-term (likely to be with you for life, even if it improves) and substantially affects things like your self-care, relationships, or work/study, then you could be eligible as an NDIS participant.

Importantly, Recovery Together is a national service – you can live anywhere in Australia (city, country, or remote) and access our support. We operate online, which means as long as you have a phone or internet connection, we can work with you no matter where you are . This is great for people in rural or remote areas, or anyone who prefers the convenience and comfort of receiving support from home.

In summary, if you are a young adult (around 20–29) with a psychosocial or other disability and either already have an NDIS plan (or are in the process of getting one), you are eligible for Recovery Together’s services. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, don’t worry – reach out to us and we can help figure that out together.

I’m not an NDIS participant yet. Can I still get support or advice?

Yes – if you’re not yet a participant in the NDIS but think you might need the kind of support we offer, we’re happy to help you figure out the next steps. Many young people aren’t sure if they’re eligible for the NDIS or how to apply, and that’s okay. We can provide guidance and information to help you navigate the NDIS application process if needed.

First, we can chat about your situation to see if the NDIS is likely the right path. Typically, to access the NDIS you’ll need evidence of a permanent disability (which can be a psychosocial disability) that significantly affects your daily functioning . We can explain what kind of documentation or assessments might be required – for example, letters from psychologists or doctors about how your mental health condition impacts your life. If it sounds like you meet the criteria, the next step would be to contact the NDIS (either directly or through a Local Area Coordinator) to make an Access Request. This is essentially an application to join the scheme. We can’t guarantee the NDIS will approve an application, but we can certainly help you understand the process and even connect you with advocacy services if you need extra help with the paperwork.

While you’re going through this “getting on the NDIS” journey, we’ll be here to support you with information and moral support. Unfortunately, we can’t provide ongoing services under NDIS funding until you’re an approved participant with a plan, but we might be able to offer a one-off consultation or refer you to interim resources. For example, there are community mental health services (outside the NDIS) for people who aren’t covered by NDIS – we can point you in the right direction if needed . The bottom line is: don’t be afraid to reach out to us even if you’re not on the NDIS yet. We understand the system can be confusing, especially if you’re new to it. We’ll do our best to answer your questions and assist you on the road to getting support. Whether that means helping you apply to the NDIS or finding alternative supports, we’re committed to helping you get the help you need.

How do I get started with Recovery Together?

Getting started with us is simple and friendly. Here’s what to expect:

1. Reach Out:

Contact us through our website or give us a call. A quick message or phone call is all it takes to get the ball rolling. You don’t need a referral – you can self-refer just by reaching out. We know it can be a bit daunting to make that first contact, but our team is warm and welcoming. Even if you just have questions, we’re happy to talk.

2. Initial Chat:

We’ll set up an initial conversation (either over the phone or via video call, depending on your preference). This is a casual, no-pressure chat where we get to know a bit about you and what you’re looking for. We might ask about what support you’re interested in (counselling, coaching, etc.), what goals or challenges you have, and your NDIS status (for example, which supports are funded in your plan, if you have one). This is also your chance to ask us questions – about our services, how we operate, or anything you’re curious or unsure about. If you’re new to the NDIS or our type of supports, we’ll gladly explain how it all works. By the end of this chat, we’ll both have a clearer idea if our services are a good fit for you.

3. Service Planning:

If you decide to proceed with Recovery Together, we’ll work with you to choose the right supports. We’ll talk about which of our services will best meet your needs – for example, you might decide to start with weekly counselling sessions, or a mix of counselling and recovery coaching. We’ll also schedule sessions at times that suit you (we strive to be flexible – we know young adults often have work, study, or other commitments). Everything is person-centred, meaning we fit our support around your life, not the other way around . If you have specific preferences (like you’d prefer a coach of a particular gender, or you’d rather communicate via video than phone), let us know and we’ll accommodate them as much as possible.

4. Paperwork and Prep:

There will be a bit of paperwork to get started – mainly an NDIS service agreement and service booking if you’re an NDIS participant. Don’t worry, we handle most of the admin and will guide you through any forms. We’ll confirm the funding side of things with you (which budget in your NDIS plan will be used, how many hours or sessions we’re setting up, etc.). If your plan is agency-managed or plan-managed, we can take care of service bookings and invoices directly with the NDIS or your plan manager. If you self-manage, we’ll explain how invoicing works and make sure you’re comfortable with it. The key is you won’t have to stress about the technical details – we’ve got that covered.

5. Meet Your Recovery Coach/Counsellor:

We’ll match you with a suitable recovery coach or counsellor from our team (or sometimes a combination – e.g. you might work with a recovery coach for broader goal support and a counsellor for therapy sessions). We take into account the information you gave us – for instance, what you’re hoping to achieve and the kind of personality or approach you think works best for you. Once matched, your practitioner will reach out to schedule your first official session. In that first session, you’ll start to build a working relationship, set initial goals or topics to focus on, and most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable and heard.

6. Ongoing Support:

From here, you’re on your recovery journey with us! We will have regular sessions as agreed (for example, one-hour coaching session weekly, or fortnightly counselling – it depends on your plan and preference). We continually tailor our approach based on your feedback. If something isn’t working for you, we encourage you to let us know – we can adjust session frequency, switch to a different team member, or try a different strategy. Periodically, we’ll review how things are going to ensure you’re happy with the support and making progress towards your goals. Remember, you’re in control – you can pause, stop, or change services any time if your needs or circumstances change.

Throughout this whole process, we strive to make it as easy and empowering as possible. Starting with a new service can feel like a big step, but we’ll walk alongside you from the first hello to your first achievement and beyond. Your comfort and confidence are our priorities from day one.

Note: If at any point you feel lost or have second thoughts during the startup process, that’s completely okay – just talk to us. We’re here to support you, not to pressure you. Even after services begin, it’s normal to take some time to adjust. We will check in with you to make sure you’re settling in fine.

How is Recovery Together different from other providers?

We know you have options when it comes to NDIS support services. Recovery Together stands out because we offer a combination of qualities tailored specifically for young adults with psychosocial or related disabilities. Here’s what makes us different:

Young-Adult Focused:

We work exclusively with young adults (around 20–29), which means everything we do is tailored for people in your age group. This is a unique stage of life with its own challenges and goals – like moving toward independence, figuring out career or study paths, building adult relationships, and discovering who you are. Unlike some providers that serve a wide age range, we zero in on young adults. We’re tuned into youth culture, sensitive to issues like transitioning from school to adulthood, and flexible to fit around things like uni schedules or entry-level jobs. Our team is experienced in engaging with young people in a relatable, respectful way. You’re never talked down to – we work with you as an equal.

Psychosocial Recovery Specialists:

Mental health and psychosocial disability aren’t just a side note for us – they’re our core specialty. Recovery Together was founded to bridge the gap in support for young people with mental health challenges. Our approach is deeply recovery-oriented, meaning we believe in your ability to live a satisfying, hopeful life and we focus on your strengths and dreams (not just your “illness” or problems). We stay up-to-date with best practices in mental health support and NDIS guidelines, and we align with the NDIS psychosocial recovery framework which emphasises personal recovery and social inclusion. Because of this focus, we understand issues like anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and social isolation, and we know how to help without stigma. Whether it’s through a recovery coach with lived experience of mental health issues or a counsellor skilled in youth mental health, you’ll be supported by people who truly “get” psychosocial disability and care about your recovery journey.

Person-Centred and Flexible Support:

“Providing person-centred support that fits your life, not the other way around.” This is one of our guiding principles . We don’t ask you to conform to a rigid program; we adapt to you. From scheduling sessions at times that suit you, to tailoring our communication style (text reminders, email vs. phone contact – you name it), we try to make things as convenient and comfortable as possible. Because our services are online, you can engage with us from wherever you are – your bedroom, your backyard, or any safe space you choose. There’s no need to travel, and no worry if you move towns for a job or study; we can continue supporting you seamlessly. This flexibility removes a lot of barriers that might stop young people from getting help. We also recognise that life can be unpredictable – especially when dealing with mental health. If you’re having a tough week, we can adjust the session or even just check in with a short call. Our motto is basically: we’ll meet you where you’re at. Your needs and preferences drive the support plan.

“Recovery Together” in Action:

We truly believe in doing recovery together with you. That means collaboration and empathy are at the heart of our service. You’re not a passive client – you’re the active leader of your own recovery, with us alongside as teammates. We encourage feedback and make decisions jointly with you about your support. Also, we often involve (with your permission) the other important people in your life (family, friends, other professionals) so that everyone can work in unison towards your goals. By bridging gaps and breaking barriers, we empower you to reclaim your independence, no matter where you’re starting from . Our team is described as warm, friendly and non-judgmental – we know how important it is to feel comfortable with the people helping you. Many of our staff have walked similar paths or have supported others who have, so we approach you with understanding and genuine care. You’re never just a number to us. We celebrate your wins (big or small) and if setbacks happen, we help you navigate them with compassion.

Quality and Compliance:

While being youth-friendly and flexible, we also pride ourselves on being fully aligned with NDIS guidelines and legislation. We are a registered NDIS provider (meeting all the quality and safety standards), so you can trust that our services are professional and accountable. We keep up with the latest NDIS rules – for example, if the NDIA updates a policy that affects your supports, we’ll know about it and help you understand it. We handle all the NDIS paperwork and billing correctly, so you don’t have to worry about technical issues. Essentially, we offer the reliability and knowledge of a big provider, but with the personal touch of a small, dedicated team.

In summary, Recovery Together is different because we specialise in you – your age group, your type of challenges, and your hopes. We combine expertise in psychosocial recovery with a friendly, down-to-earth approach. Our online, person-centred model breaks down barriers like location or rigid schedules. And true to our name, we walk the journey with you together, with empathy and empowerment at every step. We’re passionate about seeing young adults not just survive but thrive – and that passion shows in everything we do.