Find NDIS counsellors
An NDIS counsellor is a trained professional who gives you a safe space to talk through stress, grief, relationships and big changes, funded through your NDIS plan. On Solotude, you can find and message independent NDIS counsellors yourself.
Find independent counsellors in Greater Sydney on Solotude and message them yourself. No agency and no booking fees.
Looking in Sydney? See NDIS counsellors in Sydney.
Last updated October 2026
What an NDIS counsellor does
Counselling helps you talk things through and find ways to cope. An NDIS counsellor might help with:
- Stress and worry
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family issues
- Adjusting to a new diagnosis or a big life change
- Building confidence and coping skills
Counsellor or psychologist?
Counsellors focus on talking therapy and support. Psychologists are registered with Ahpra and can also do formal assessments. Counselling has a lower NDIS price limit, so your funding can go further. Counsellors aren’t regulated by Ahpra, so look for one who’s a member of the ACA or PACFA.
Do you need a referral?
No. If counselling is funded in your plan, you can contact a counsellor yourself.
Which part of your plan pays for it
Counselling is paid from your Capacity Building budget. Look for this name in your plan:
| What your plan says | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building, may show as CB Daily Activity) | Counselling sessions |
Not sure what your plan covers? See what each part of your plan means.
What NDIS counsellors cost
For 2026-27, the NDIS price limit for counselling is $156.16 an hour. Therapists can also charge for time spent travelling to you, at up to half their hourly rate, and for some reports. Ask about this before you start. If you’re plan-managed, they can’t charge more than the limit. If you’re self-managed, you agree the price together. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you’ll need a registered provider.
Price limits are reviewed every year in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
How many counselling sessions can your funding buy?
Type in how much of your Capacity Building funding you want to spend on counselling this plan year. We’ll show you how many one-hour sessions that buys.
Estimate only. Based on the 2026-27 NDIS price limit of $156.16 an hour for standard sessions. If one amount in your plan covers several therapies, only enter the part you want to spend on counselling. We set aside 15% of your funding for travel, reports and admin, because most providers charge for these.
Questions to ask a counsellor before you start
The right fit matters more than anything else in counselling. In your first message, it’s worth asking:
- Are you a member of a counselling body, like the ACA or PACFA?
- Have you worked with people with my disability or situation?
- Do you offer sessions in person, by phone or by telehealth?
- How long are sessions, and how often would we meet?
- What happens if I need to cancel?
Membership details are self-reported on Solotude, so it’s fine to ask for proof.
What Solotude checks for counsellors
Before a counsellor appears in search, we check their photo ID, their ABN and the NDIS Commission’s compliance records. Membership of a counselling body listed on ARCAP, such as the Australian Counselling Association or PACFA, is highly recommended. Holding it is the counsellor’s own responsibility, and it shows on their profile as self-reported, so ask for their membership details before you start.
Many counsellors also add an NDIS Worker Screening Check or a Working with Children Check. We verify those too, and you can filter your search to only see counsellors who hold them. Read how it works in our Verification Policy.
How to find a counsellor on Solotude
- Create a free account on Solotude. It takes a couple of minutes and you don’t need your NDIS number.
Create a free account - Search by where you live and the support you need.
- Read profiles. See their experience, the support they offer and when they’re available.
- Message counsellors directly. Your phone and email stay private until you choose to share them.
- Agree a price and put it in a service agreement between the two of you.
Can’t find the right fit? Post a job for free and let counsellors come to you. See the full picture on how Solotude works.
Other NDIS providers you might need
NDIS services counsellors provide
Looking for help with something specific? Each guide explains what the service includes, how the NDIS funds it and what to ask before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS fund counselling?
Yes, when it’s linked to your disability and your plan goals. It’s usually paid from Improved Daily Living in your Capacity Building budget. Counselling can help with stress, grief, relationships and adjusting to change.
What’s the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist under the NDIS?
Both offer talking therapy. Psychologists are registered with Ahpra and can do formal assessments. Counsellors focus on support and talking things through. For 2026-27, counselling has a price limit of $156.16 an hour, compared with $252.99 for psychology.
How much does NDIS counselling cost?
For 2026-27, the NDIS price limit for counselling is $156.16 an hour. Counsellors can also charge for travel, at up to half their hourly rate. If you’re self-managed, you agree the price with your counsellor.
Do I need a referral to see an NDIS counsellor?
No. If counselling is funded in your plan, you can book a counsellor yourself.
Can someone be a counsellor without a qualification?
Counselling isn’t regulated by Ahpra, so the title isn’t protected by law. Look for a counsellor with a counselling qualification who’s a member of the ACA or PACFA. Members must meet training standards and follow a code of ethics.
Are you a counsellor?
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