Mind Matters: Mental Health Support in Geelong for People with Disabilities

Author : kristin jone | Published On : 10 Oct 2025

Some stories hit harder when they’re personal.

If you’ve ever supported a mate, sibling, or parent living with disability in Geelong, you’ll know this truth: mental health isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s the whole game. It shapes motivation, independence, and how someone sees their place in the world. But too often, mental health support for people with disabilities is patchy, misunderstood, or loaded with red tape.

That needs to change.

This article cuts through the confusion, spotlighting what’s working in Geelong and how people with disability—and those around them—can access the support they need without going in circles.

What mental health challenges do people with disabilities face?

Quick answer: People with disabilities are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation—often worsened by systemic barriers and stigma.

Let’s be blunt. Living with a disability in Australia can be exhausting. Not because of the disability itself, but because of:

Inaccessible services – long waitlists, complicated referral systems, or staff with limited disability training.
Stigma – assumptions that someone’s distress is just “part of their condition”.
Fragmented care – support workers, therapists, GPs, and support coordinators often don’t talk to each other.

The result? Many fall through the cracks.

According to the ABS, adults with disabilities experience psychological distress at almost double the rate of those without disabilities. And in places like Geelong—where services are expanding but still stretched—that’s deeply concerning.

What local supports are available for mental health in Geelong?

Geelong’s health and disability sector has come a long way in the past decade. Here’s what’s on the ground now:

Barwon Health Mental Health Services – Offers support for moderate to severe mental illness, including community outreach and inpatient programs.
NDIS-funded psychologists and therapists – If your NDIS plan includes Capacity Building funding, you may be able to access sessions with psychologists who specialise in both disability and mental health.
Peer support programs – Groups like Wellways and Flourish Australia run peer-led sessions where lived experience takes centre stage.
Local Area Coordinators (LACs) – While not therapists, LACs can help connect participants to the right mental health supports under their NDIS plans.
Community centres and neighbourhood houses – These often fly under the radar, but some run inclusive art therapy, mindfulness, or men’s mental health workshops.

🧠 Real-world note: A carer in Belmont shared how her daughter, who lives with an intellectual disability, connected with a local art therapy group that became “the single most important thing in her week.” That’s the power of community-based support.

Can NDIS cover mental health services?

Yes—but it’s not always straightforward.

Here’s the breakdown:

The NDIS can fund mental health supports if they’re related to a participant’s primary disability.
If someone has a psychosocial disability (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar), they may be eligible for support under this category.
But for many with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities, the lines are blurrier—especially if they also have depression or anxiety.

This is where support coordination becomes crucial. A good support coordinator can:

Help gather reports and assessments
Make a strong case for mental health supports in plan reviews
Link participants with experienced therapists in Geelong

If you’re nodding along thinking, “this sounds confusing”, you’re not alone. Many families say the hardest part isn’t the therapy—it’s getting it funded.

How can carers and family members access mental health help?

Caring for someone with a disability is rewarding, yes—but also emotionally taxing.

Carers often put themselves last, brushing off stress, burnout, or sadness as “just part of the role”. But here’s the truth: if you don’t look after your own mental health, you can’t sustainably care for someone else.

Resources in Geelong for carers include:

Mind Australia’s Carer Services – Offers counselling, peer support, and education.
Carer Gateway – A national service that connects carers to local support like respite care or financial help.
Head to Health Geelong – Offers short-term mental health support without the need for a GP referral.

Anyone who’s tried booking therapy while juggling daily care knows how hard it can be. That’s why walk-in and telehealth options are game-changers for carer wellbeing.

What role does community play in mental health support?

Too often, mental health is treated like a “clinical issue”. But ask anyone who’s lived it: community connection is as important as any diagnosis or therapy.

In Geelong, some of the most meaningful mental health support comes from:

Disability-friendly community events – Think inclusive dance nights, adapted sport, or community gardening.
Peer mentors – People with lived experience offering a listening ear and guidance.
Skill-building workshops – Cooking classes, creative arts, or digital literacy groups tailored for people with disability.

These activities reduce isolation and build confidence—which directly supports mental wellbeing.

A young man in Norlane with mild autism and social anxiety shared how a local gym program helped him “feel normal for the first time in years.” That’s not just fitness—that’s mental health in action.

What’s missing from the current system?

Despite positive efforts, several gaps remain:

Cultural safety – People from migrant, refugee, or First Nations backgrounds often face double the barriers.
Youth-specific mental health – Services tailored for young people with disabilities are still limited.
Crisis support – Mental health crises often land people in emergency departments, which aren’t always equipped for disability-specific needs.

Plus, some local providers are still learning how to support dual diagnoses—where disability intersects with complex mental health needs.

This is where better training, funding, and collaboration can make a real difference.

How can families build a consistent support system?

Consistency is key.

Mental health isn’t a “tick-the-box” situation—it’s built through routine, relationships, and small, regular wins.

Here’s what families in Geelong are doing that works:

Creating weekly rituals – Beach walks, Sunday boardgames, or group classes build structure.
Using disability support workers with mental health training – Some NDIS providers now offer dual-skilled staff.
Keeping a ‘wellbeing notebook’ – A simple journal to track moods, triggers, and what’s helping.
Tapping into peer networks – Facebook groups or local disability collectives where tips and experiences are shared.

These strategies might sound small, but over time, they build psychological safety.

FAQ

Can NDIS fund psychology if I don’t have a psychosocial disability?
Yes, if your mental health needs are directly related to your primary disability, you can receive funding under Capacity Building supports.

Are there disability-specific mental health services in Geelong?
Some therapists and organisations specialise in both mental health and disability. Ask your support coordinator for local referrals.

Where do I start if I feel overwhelmed?
Start with your GP or Local Area Coordinator. They can refer you to local services, or suggest a plan review if needed.

Sometimes the best support isn’t high-tech or clinical—it’s knowing someone’s got your back when things feel wobbly.

In Geelong, the intersection of mental health and disability support is slowly improving—but it still takes self-advocacy, community, and clear info to get there. For many, a key piece of the puzzle is understanding how to access disability support in Geelong that covers the full spectrum—from mobility to mental wellbeing.