Compassionate, recovery-oriented NDIS support for participants with mental health conditions across Sydney. We understand that recovery is personal, non-linear, and unique to every individual. Our trauma-informed support workers help you build daily living skills, stay connected to community, and develop coping strategies that work for you.
Psychosocial disability is the term used by the NDIS to describe the disability experienced by someone whose mental health condition significantly impacts their ability to participate in everyday activities. Not everyone with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition has a psychosocial disability — the NDIS requires evidence that the condition is permanent or likely to be permanent, and substantially impacts functional capacity in areas such as self-care, communication, social interaction, learning, and self-management.
The NDIS recognises psychosocial disability as a legitimate and important support need. Funded supports can include support workers for daily personal care, assistance with social and community participation, recovery coaching, skills development, therapeutic supports, and employment assistance. Critically, the NDIS approach to mental health is recovery-oriented — it focuses on building capacity, fostering hope, and supporting participants to live meaningful, contributing lives rather than simply managing symptoms.
At Livara Care, we embrace recovery-oriented practice in everything we do. We understand that mental health recovery is not linear — there are good days and difficult days, progress and setbacks. Our support workers are trained in trauma-informed care, meaning they understand the impact of past trauma on present behaviour, never judge, and always prioritise the participant's sense of safety and autonomy. Whether you are living with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or a personality disorder, we are here to walk beside you on your recovery journey.
Sources: Information on this page aligns with the NDIS psychosocial disability glossary, the AIHW mental health services report, and the NDIS recovery-oriented practice framework.
Trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support that respects your journey and builds your capacity.
Our workers understand the impact of trauma on mental health. They provide non-judgmental, compassionate support that prioritises safety, trust, and participant autonomy at every step.
We work with you to identify your recovery goals — whether that is returning to work, rebuilding relationships, managing daily routines, or simply getting through each day. Goals are broken into achievable steps.
We assist with cooking, cleaning, budgeting, personal care, and household management — building practical skills that support independence and reduce the stress that can exacerbate mental health symptoms.
Isolation worsens mental health. We support participants to attend community activities, social groups, hobbies, and volunteering — at their own pace and comfort level, with a trusted worker by their side.
Consistent routines support mental health stability. We help participants establish morning and evening routines, medication schedules, and weekly plans that provide predictability and reduce anxiety.
We teach and reinforce practical coping strategies including grounding techniques, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and distress tolerance skills — always in coordination with clinical teams.
Recovery-oriented, person-centred, and grounded in respect for every participant's experience.
We begin with a comprehensive, non-clinical assessment that explores your strengths, challenges, triggers, coping strategies, support network, and recovery goals. We involve families and clinicians where appropriate and with your consent.
Together we develop a recovery plan that identifies short-term and long-term goals across daily living, social connection, health management, and personal growth. The plan is reviewed regularly and adjusted as your needs change.
We carefully match you with a support worker who has mental health experience and a compatible personality. Building trust takes time, and we respect your pace. Meet-and-greet sessions are offered before formal support begins.
Support is delivered flexibly to accommodate good days and difficult days. We adapt our approach based on how you are feeling, always prioritising your comfort and consent. There is no pressure to perform or progress faster than you are ready.
Regular check-ins with you, your family, and your clinical team ensure coordinated care. We celebrate progress, navigate setbacks together, and adjust the plan as your recovery journey evolves.
We understand the real challenges faced by people with mental health conditions — and we have practical, compassionate solutions.
Solution: All Livara Care workers receive mental health first aid and trauma-informed care training. We match participants with workers who have lived experience or specialist mental health knowledge.
Solution: We build trust slowly. Meet-and-greet sessions, gradual increases in support time, and consistent workers help participants feel safe and in control.
Solution: We start with low-pressure, interest-based activities in familiar settings. A trusted support worker accompanies you, reducing social anxiety and building confidence gradually.
Solution: Our workers provide gentle, flexible support that adapts to how you are feeling. On difficult days, we focus on basics. On better days, we build skills. There is never pressure to perform.
Solution: We foster a culture of respect and non-judgment. Our workers see your strengths, not your diagnosis. Recovery is celebrated, and setbacks are navigated with compassion, not criticism.
Solution: We maintain open communication with psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs, and community mental health teams (with your consent). Workers are briefed on care plans, triggers, and crisis protocols.
Anonymised case studies showing the impact of recovery-oriented mental health support.
Participant: 34-year-old male, Parramatta
Condition: Severe depression and anxiety
Goals: Rebuild daily routines, return to part-time work, reduce social isolation
David* had been hospitalised twice in six months and was struggling to maintain basic self-care. His family was worried and wanted support that was patient, non-judgmental, and focused on small wins.
We matched David with a support worker who had mental health experience and a calm, encouraging approach. They started with one-hour sessions focused on getting out of bed, showering, and making breakfast. Over four months, David built a consistent morning routine, began attending a local walking group, and enrolled in a part-time TAFE course. His anxiety gradually reduced as his sense of achievement grew. Today, David works part-time and manages his own daily routines with occasional support.
*Name changed for privacy
Participant: 22-year-old female, Liverpool
Condition: Bipolar disorder
Goals: Medication adherence, mood stability, social connection, vocational preparation
Emily* had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was struggling with medication consistency, impulsive spending during manic periods, and isolation during depressive episodes. Her family wanted support that understood bipolar cycles and could provide stability without being intrusive.
Our support worker established a consistent daily routine including medication reminders, meal preparation, and budgeting support. During manic periods, the worker helped Emily channel energy into creative activities. During depressive periods, they focused on gentle self-care and maintaining connection. After six months, Emily\'s hospitalisations reduced from three to zero, she joined a peer support group, and began volunteer work in preparation for employment.
*Name changed for privacy
Provider #405 352 2740. Fully audited and compliant with NDIS Practice Standards.
87+ Google Reviews from participants and families across Sydney.
100+ qualified support workers with mental health and trauma-informed training.
We provide mental health support services throughout Greater Sydney.
Common questions about NDIS mental health and psychosocial disability support.
Contact us to discuss how we can support you or your loved one.