Clinical Psychologist for NDIS Participants | Understanding Capacity Building Psychology
By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
A common area of confusion relates to the difference between capacity building psychology under NDIS funding versus mainstream psychological treatment. They share similarities but serve very different purposes.
What Is Capacity Building Psychology?
Under NDIS funding, psychological support focuses on building daily functioning, not clinical treatment of illness. Capacity building is about strengthening the skills required to live as independently as possible.
When funded by the NDIS, my role is capacity building and involves:
- developing emotional regulation strategies
- improving communication and social participation
- strengthening planning and problem-solving abilities
- building confidence in community settings
- creating structures and routines that support everyday independence
- developing coping strategies for sensory overload, fatigue, pain, or behavioural challenges
- understanding patterns of behaviour and making workable adjustments
- navigating life transitions such as school, work, housing, or community engagement
- improving functional skills by supporting memory, attention, or executive functioning
What Is Psychological Treatment?
Psychological treatment is part of the mainstream health system and is not funded by the NDIS.
The NDIS does not replace mainstream health services. Instead, it supports people with physical impairments that, after being fully treated, remain permanent and significantly impact daily functioning.
Conditions That I, as a Clinical Psychologist, Can Support Under the NDIS
Below is a combined list of psychosocial, physical, neurological, sensory, and developmental conditions that I, as a clinical psychologist, can provide capacity building support for. The essential requirement is that the condition is fully treated, but continues to create enduring functional impairment in areas such as daily living, communication, emotional regulation, decision making, or community participation.
Psychosocial and Mental Health Conditions
- anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety and panic disorder
- depressive disorders
- bipolar disorder
- schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- personality disorders
- chronic or severe mental health conditions that cause long-term functional impairment
Physical, Neurological, and Sensory Conditions
I also support participants living with permanent physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments, including:
- cerebral palsy
- acquired brain injury, including stroke and traumatic brain injury
- spinal cord injury
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- chronic or irreversible respiratory disorders
- visual or hearing impairment
- intellectual disability
- global developmental delay
- neurological or physical disabilities related to amputation, congenital conditions, or chronic neurological disease
Support in these contexts may include:
- adjustment to disability
- problem solving and decision making
- fatigue management strategies
- pain coping techniques
- behaviour support
- routines for independence
- building confidence in daily tasks and community settings
Capacity Building Psychology in Practice
Drawing on years of clinical practice, counselling work, and my earlier background in the trades, I have seen how people thrive when support is practical, workable, and grounded in real life. The NDIS is designed to strengthen a person’s functional capacity so they can engage more fully in daily activities, relationships, and community life. Understanding this distinction helps participants, families, and support teams access the support that genuinely fits their goals.
Specifically we:
- understand the functional impact of the condition
- develop practical strategies for emotions, sensory overload, fatigue, or frustration
- build independence in self-care, travel, community access, and decision making
- strengthen routines that support work, learning, volunteering, or social connection
- support behaviour change using evidence-based approaches
- complete psychological and functional capacity assessments that inform planning
- assist participants and care teams to reduce behaviours of concern using trauma-informed, person-centred practices
Enquiries / Appointments
https://hennessyclinicalpsychology.com/contact/
Online NDIS Referrals
