What to expect when working with a recovery coach.

A recovery coach (previously known as a psychosocial recovery coach) is a specialist mental health support person for people with a psychosocial disability.

If you have a psychosocial disability you may be able to get funds for a recovery coach in your NDIS Plan. Their role is to help you build skills, increase independence and work towards the life you want.

But what exactly does a recovery coach do and what can you expect if you work with one? Today, we explore how this support works.

About recovery coaches.

Recovery coaches are specialist support people with mental health qualifications and a deep understanding of psychosocial disability. They need to have either lived experience with mental illness or extensive knowledge about psychosocial disability and mental health.

Using their specialist skill and knowledge they can help people with psychosocial disabilities take control of their lives and navigate the NDIS and mainstream health systems.

What can a recovery coach help with?

A recovery coach is for people who need extra help to manage complex or changing mental health needs. They may help:

• Implement a recovery plan to help you become more independent
• Help you get the most from your NDIS Plan
• Assist with coordination of NDIS supports
• Increase employment opportunities
• Provide coaching to increase skills and capacity such as motivation, strengths, resilience and decision-making
• Connect you with mainstream supports.

If you have a recovery coach in your NDIS Plan, you might be wondering what working with them will look like day to day.

Everyone’s experience is different, but there are some common things you can expect when working with a recovery coach.

Getting to know you.

Your recovery coach will start by getting to know you. This is a chance to talk about your goals, your interests and what matters most in your life.

You can also share what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past. This helps your coach understand how to support you in a way that suits you.

There’s no rush. This process should move at a pace that feels comfortable.

Helping you build a plan that works for you.

Once they understand your goals, your coach will work with you to create a plan of action. This isn’t a strict or fixed plan. It’s something that can change over time as your needs change.

Your coach may help you:

• Break goals into smaller, manageable steps
• Focus on your strengths
• Plan for challenges or setbacks.

The goal is to support your independence, not take control away from you.

Regular check-ins and support.

You can expect regular contact with your recovery coach. This might be weekly, fortnightly or at a pace that suits your needs.

During these check-ins, they may:

• See how things are going
• Help you stay on track with your goals
• Suggest how you can adjust supports if something isn’t working
• Help you prepare for your NDIS plan review.

If your situation changes, your coach will work with you to seek an adjustment to your plan. The focus is on helping you feel more prepared and supported.

Connecting you with other supports.

Your recovery coach can also suggest other supports you might benefit from and help you connect with organisations across both NDIS and mainstream supports. This might include:

• Mental health services
• Community groups
• Support workers
• Other NDIS Providers.

They can also work alongside your existing supports, including family members and other professionals, if you choose.