Understanding the Different Levels of Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
Finding the right level of support for your NDIS journey. One of the questions we hear most often is: "What's the difference between Support Connection, Support Coordination, Specialist Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching?"
The answer is actually quite simple. Think of these supports as different levels of guidance. The more complex your circumstances, the more specialised the support you may need. The goal is always the same — to help you build confidence, increase independence, and get the most from your NDIS plan.
Support Connection
Helping you get started
Support Connection is the most basic level of support available under the NDIS. It is designed for people who can manage most things independently but would benefit from some assistance to understand their plan and connect with the right services.
A provider at this level may help you:
Understand your NDIS plan.
Find suitable service providers.
Explain the supports available under your funding.
Help make initial appointments and referrals.
Build your confidence to use your NDIS plan independently.
People receiving Support Connection generally require only occasional assistance and are able to manage most day-to-day decisions themselves.
Think of it as someone helping you get started.
Support Coordination
Helping you navigate the NDIS
Support Coordination is the most commonly funded level of coordination under the NDIS. A Support Coordinator works alongside you to make sure all of your supports are working together effectively and continue helping you achieve your goals.
A provider at this level may help you:
Understanding your NDIS plan.
Finding and negotiating with service providers.
Coordinating multiple services and therapies.
Monitoring how your supports are working.
Preparing for plan reviews.
Building your confidence and independence.
Developing problem-solving skills.
Connecting you with mainstream and community services.
Helping you navigate changes in your life.
Many participants receiving Level 2 Support Coordination have several providers, multiple therapies or more complex support needs that require someone to oversee the bigger picture.
Think of Support Coordination as having someone walking beside you throughout your NDIS journey.
Specialist Support Coordination
Supporting people with highly complex situations
Specialist Support Coordination is designed for participants whose circumstances are significantly more complex. This level of support is delivered by highly experienced professionals who work alongside participants, families, hospitals, government departments and service providers to reduce barriers and manage complex risks.
A Specialist Support Coordinator may assist when someone is experiencing:
Significant psychosocial complexity.
Homelessness or housing instability.
High risks to health or safety.
Hospital discharge planning.
Justice system involvement.
Child protection involvement.
Multiple government agencies involved.
Crisis situations.
Breakdown of existing supports.
Significant safeguarding concerns.
The focus is on reducing complexity, managing risks and building long-term stability so participants can continue working towards their goals.
Think of Specialist Support Coordination as helping untangle life's most complicated situations.
Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
Walking alongside your recovery journey
Psychosocial Recovery Coaching is different from Support Coordination. While Recovery Coaches also help coordinate supports, their focus is specifically on supporting people living with a psychosocial disability arising from a mental health condition.
Recovery Coaching is built around recovery principles. Rather than simply organising services, a Recovery Coach helps participants build hope, confidence, resilience and independence while working towards their own recovery goals.
A Recovery Coach may assist with:
Developing recovery goals.
Building confidence and resilience.
Establishing healthy routines.
Managing periods of mental ill health.
Strengthening natural supports.
Connecting with community activities.
Coordinating mental health and NDIS supports.
Working collaboratively with families, carers and clinical teams.
Building the skills needed to manage challenges independently.
Recovery Coaching recognises that recovery looks different for every individual. The focus is not just on coordinating services — it is about helping people build the life they want.
Think of a Recovery Coach as someone walking beside you while you rebuild confidence, purpose and independence.
At a Glance
| Support Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Support Connection | People who are mostly independent but need initial help |
| Support Coordination | People with multiple providers or more complex needs |
| Specialist Support Coordination | People in highly complex or crisis situations |
| Psychosocial Recovery Coaching | People with a psychosocial disability from mental health |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides which level of Support Coordination I receive?
During your planning meeting, your NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will consider your individual circumstances, your goals, the complexity of your support needs and how much assistance you require to implement your plan successfully. They may recommend Support Connection (Level 1), Support Coordination (Level 2), Specialist Support Coordination (Level 3), or Psychosocial Recovery Coaching depending on your situation.
Can my level of support change over time?
Yes. Your support needs are not fixed. As your circumstances change, the level of support funded in your NDIS plan may also change. During future plan reviews, the NDIA may increase, reduce or change your funded supports to ensure they continue meeting your needs. If you feel your current level of support no longer reflects your circumstances, speak with your Support Coordinator or Recovery Coach.
Is Psychosocial Recovery Coaching the same as Support Coordination?
No. While Recovery Coaches also help coordinate supports, their focus is specifically on supporting people living with a psychosocial disability arising from a mental health condition. Recovery Coaching is built around recovery principles — helping participants build hope, confidence, resilience and independence while working towards their own recovery goals, rather than simply organising services.
Which level is right for me?
Everyone's journey is different. Some people only need Support Connection for a short period before they feel confident managing their own supports. Others benefit from ongoing Support Coordination. Participants experiencing significant complexity may require Specialist Support Coordination, while people living with a psychosocial disability may receive Psychosocial Recovery Coaching. There is no 'better' level — only the level that best matches your individual circumstances at that point in your journey.
What if I feel I need a higher level of support than I currently have?
Speak with your Support Coordinator, Recovery Coach, or NDIA Planner. They can help gather evidence and discuss whether changes may be appropriate at your next plan review. You can also request an unscheduled plan review if your circumstances have changed significantly.
Want to know which level of support is right for you?
Our Support Coordinators and Recovery Coaches are here to help you understand your options and make the most of your NDIS plan.