Living with disability and mental health conditions can present unique challenges, from navigating daily life to accessing the right services. In Western Australia (WA), there are a range of supports available to help individuals and families manage these complexities and live more independently. At Mosaic Community Care, we’re committed to helping people find the right pathways to support, empowerment, and wellbeing.
Mental Health and Disability: Understanding the Connection
Mental health and disability often intersect. People with physical or intellectual disability may experience mental health challenges due to social isolation, stigma, or difficulty accessing services. Likewise, individuals with mental health conditions may face physical or cognitive barriers that affect their ability to participate fully in everyday life.
Recognising this connection is key to providing holistic support that addresses both mental wellbeing and functional needs.
Mental Health vs Psychosocial Disability
A mental health condition affects how a person thinks, feels, or behaves. Some examples include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. These conditions can be temporary or long-term and are diagnosed by health professionals.
A psychosocial disability happens when a mental health condition causes serious and lasting problems in a person’s daily life. This might include difficulty working, studying, socialising, or taking care of themselves. It’s not just about having a diagnosis, it’s about how that condition affects someone’s ability to function in the world.
While a psychosocial disability comes from a mental health condition, not everyone with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. It depends on how much the condition affects their everyday life.
NDIS and Psychosocial Disability
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for people with permanent and significant disability, including mental health conditions and psychosocial disability.
Through the NDIS, participants can access tailored supports such as:
- Support Coordination: Guidance to help participants understand and use their NDIS plan effectively.
- Capacity Building Supports: Services that promote independence, skill development, and community participation.
- Psychosocial Recovery Coaching: A specialised service that helps people with psychosocial disability set goals, build confidence, and connect with mental health supports.
Mosaic Community Care offers Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, Support Coordination (including Specialist Support Coordination), and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
These services are delivered by experienced professionals who understand the complexities of mental health and disability. Our team works alongside participants to provide consistent, person-centred support that empowers individuals to live meaningful and connected lives.
Community-Based Support in WA
Beyond the NDIS, there are a range of community-based services in WA that support people with mental health conditions:
- Living Proud WA: A support service for LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those with disability, offering peer support, education, and advocacy.
- Headspace: Mental health support for young people aged 12–25, including counselling and vocational services.
- WA Mental Health Commission: Provides information and access to public mental health services across the state.
- Local Councils and Community Centres: Many offer inclusive programs, social groups, and recreational activities designed to support wellbeing and reduce isolation.
- Life Without Barriers: Provides person-centred mental health and psychosocial recovery support, housing, and social inclusion services.
- Ruah Community Services: Offers support for mental health, homelessness, and family violence with a recovery-focused approach.
- HelpingMinds: Delivers free mental health education, carer support, and early intervention programs across WA.
How Mosaic Community Care Can Help
Navigating support through the NDIS can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex needs. That’s where Mosaic Community Care comes in.
We work closely with individuals and families to:
- Understand their NDIS plan and available supports
- Connect them with the right services, both NDIS-funded and community-based
- Provide ongoing guidance and advocacy
- Support recovery, independence, and inclusion
Whether you’re looking for help with employment, daily living, or mental health recovery, we’re here to provide the right support along the way.
Get in Touch
If you or someone you care about is living with a disability and mental health challenges, support is available. Mosaic Community Care is a registered NDIS provider offering compassionate, person-centred services across WA.
You can contact our team at 08 9314 8900 or submit an enquiry to book an appointment to discuss your requirements.