How to Choose a Psychosocial Recovery Coach
Talk to two or more recovery coaches before you decide, as the NDIA suggests. Ask whether they're easy to talk to and good at listening, whether they have lived experience of mental illness and recovery, what qualifications and training they have, whether the provider is registered with the NDIS Commission, and whether they're available at times and places that suit you. Then agree the details in a service agreement.
What Are the NDIA's Five Questions?
The NDIA's recovery coach factsheet lists five things to consider when choosing.
- Are they someone you can get along with and easy to talk to? Are they good at listening to you?
- Do they have lived experience of mental illness and recovery?
- What are their qualifications and experience, and their ongoing training?
- Are they registered or not registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission?
- Are they available to support you at times and locations that suit you?
Does Lived Experience Matter?
It's your choice. The NDIA says you might find a coach with lived experience helpful.
A recovery coach with lived experience has their own experience of mental ill health and recovery and uses it to inform their work. Some people value talking with someone who has been through something similar. Others prefer a coach whose background is training and professional experience. Either way, the coach still has to meet the NDIS qualification or experience requirements.
Looking for a Recovery Coach?
We'll connect you with a registered provider of psychosocial recovery coaching, in person or online.
What Else Should You Ask a Provider?
Practical things: cost, travel, cancellations, who your coach will be, and what happens if they're away.
- What hourly rate do you charge, and is it below the NDIS limit?
- Do you charge travel time, and how?
- What's your cancellation policy, and how much notice do you need?
- Will I have one regular coach? What happens if they're on leave or leave the organisation?
- Do you meet in person, online or both? Where?
- How do you work with my GP, mental health team or family, if I want that?
- What happens if I'm going through a harder time and need more contact?
- How do I raise a concern or make a complaint?
What Should Be in the Service Agreement?
The supports and costs, how and where you'll meet, start and review dates, cancellations, and how to change or end it.
A service agreement isn't required for recovery coaching, but the NDIA recommends one when you start with a new provider. It should list each support with its item number, hours, price and total, any extra charges like travel, your rights and responsibilities and the provider's, the cancellation policy, and how to change or end the agreement. Providers can't use it to contract out of the NDIS Code of Conduct or Australian Consumer Law.
Non-face-to-face time can only be charged to your plan if your service agreement says it can be. Read that part carefully.
Questions People Ask
How many recovery coaches should I talk to?
The NDIA suggests talking to two or more before you decide.
Can I meet a recovery coach before I sign up?
Yes, and it's a good idea. The NDIA recommends meeting new providers before you start working with them.
Do I have to choose a lived experience coach?
No. It's your choice. The NDIA says you might find it helpful, but it isn't required.
Keep Reading
- Recovery coach qualificationsThe qualifications and experience the NDIS requires of a psychosocial recovery coach, what lived experience means, and how to check a coach and provider.
- Finding a recovery coachHow to find a psychosocial recovery coach near you or online: where to look, what to have ready, and how to get matched with a registered NDIS provider.
- Your first sessionWhat to expect from a first session with a psychosocial recovery coach: getting to know you, your plan and goals, the service agreement, and what to bring.
- Recovery coach price guideNDIS price limits for psychosocial recovery coaching in 2026-27: hourly maximums by time of day and remoteness, what else is charged, and who they apply to.
- How we choose providersThe checks every provider has to pass before we connect them with anyone.
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