FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we help?

We know you may have questions before starting a new service. Whether you want to know more about our supports, NDIS funding, appointments or what to expect when you visit us, we've brought together answers to some of the questions we're asked most often. Can't find what you're looking for? Our friendly team is here to help.

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Getting Started with Brain Buddy

What services does Brain Buddy provide?

Brain Buddy provides Positive Behaviour Support, Psychology and Early Childhood Intervention. Our services are personalised around each participant's individual needs, strengths and goals.

Who does Brain Buddy support?

We work with children, adolescents and adults across a range of support needs. Our team works with NDIS participants and their families, carers and broader support networks where appropriate.

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment through our online booking system or call our team directly. If you're unsure which service is right for you, get in touch and we'll help you understand your options.

Do I need a referral?

Referral requirements can vary depending on the service and how you're accessing support. Contact our team and we'll let you know what information we need before getting started.

Can a Support Coordinator or healthcare professional refer me?

Yes. We welcome referrals from Support Coordinators, GPs, healthcare professionals, schools, allied health providers and other organisations. Participants and families can also contact us directly.

What happens after I make an enquiry or referral?

Our team will review the information provided and contact you or your nominated representative to discuss your needs, funding and the most appropriate next steps.

Our Locations & Appointments

Where is Brain Buddy located?

Brain Buddy provides services from our Dandenong and Kew locations in Melbourne. Contact our team when booking and we'll help you find the most suitable location for your appointment.

Is parking available?

Yes. There are 1-hour and 2-hour parking spaces available across the road from our practice. For participants with mobility or accessibility needs, access to staff parking may also be arranged. Please contact our team before your appointment so we can assist with suitable parking arrangements.

Do you offer Telehealth appointments?

Yes. Telehealth is available for suitable services, allowing you to connect with your clinician online when attending in person isn't convenient or practical.

Can I choose between in-person and Telehealth appointments?

Where clinically appropriate and available for your service, you can discuss whether in-person or Telehealth appointments best suit your needs and circumstances.

Do you offer appointments outside standard business hours?

We offer flexible appointment options, including after-school and after-work appointments, subject to clinician availability.

Is your practice wheelchair accessible?

Yes, accessible facilities are available. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let our team know when making your appointment so we can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.

Do you provide interpreter services?

Yes. Our clinicians can provide services in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and German, with administration support available in Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese. Free interpreter services are available for clients at our Dandenong clinic, and AUSLAN interpreters can be arranged for NDIS participants.

NDIS & Funding

Is Brain Buddy a registered NDIS provider?

Yes. Brain Buddy is a registered NDIS provider, allowing us to provide eligible supports within our areas of registration to NDIS participants.

Which types of NDIS participants can Brain Buddy support?

We welcome self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants, subject to service suitability, available funding and current NDIS requirements.

What's the difference between self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed funding?

The main difference is who manages your NDIS funding and pays your providers.

Self-managed: You or your nominee manage the funding and payments. Brain Buddy will generally invoice you, and you follow the relevant NDIS claims process.
Plan-managed: A plan manager handles provider invoices and payments on your behalf.
NDIA-managed: The NDIA manages payments to registered providers. Brain Buddy can provide eligible supports covered by our registration and claim through the relevant NDIS provider system.

Your NDIS plan may also use a combination of management types.

How do I know how my NDIS plan is managed?

Your NDIS plan should show how your funding is managed. If you're unsure, you can speak with your plan manager, Support Coordinator or NDIA contact. Our intake team can also explain what information we need to get started.

What Brain Buddy services can be accessed through NDIS funding?

Depending on your individual plan, goals and available funding, eligible Positive Behaviour Support, Psychology and Early Childhood Intervention services may be accessed using NDIS funding. Funding arrangements and NDIS requirements can change, so we recommend confirming available funding before services begin.

Can Brain Buddy tell me whether the NDIS will fund my service?

We can help you understand the information Brain Buddy requires and discuss whether our services may be suitable. However, we cannot make funding decisions on behalf of the NDIA or guarantee that a particular service will be funded.

Do I need a Service Agreement?

Where applicable, a Service Agreement will be established before your supports begin. It explains the services being provided, fees, responsibilities, cancellations, privacy and other important information so everyone understands what has been agreed.

Psychology

Who can access Psychology services?

Our psychologists work with participants across the lifespan, including children, adolescents and adults. Support is personalised around your individual needs, experiences and goals.

What can Psychology help with?

Psychology can support emotional, behavioural, social and psychological challenges that affect wellbeing and everyday life. It can also help participants develop coping strategies, build confidence and independence, strengthen relationships and work towards personal goals.

Do you support neurodivergent participants?

Yes. Our psychologists support neurodivergent participants, including people with Autism and ADHD, through a neuro-affirming approach that recognises individual strengths, needs and experiences.

What types of therapy do your psychologists use?

Depending on your needs, our psychologists may draw on approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Your psychologist will discuss the most appropriate therapeutic approach with you.

How long is an NDIS Psychology appointment?

All NDIS appointments are 60 minutes. Longer sessions can be arranged where required and will be discussed with you beforehand based on your individual support needs.

Can my family or carers be involved in therapy?

Yes. With your consent and where appropriate, family members, carers and other important people in your support network can be involved.

Positive Behaviour Support

What is Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a person-centred approach that seeks to understand behaviours of concern and the reasons they may occur. The focus is on developing practical strategies, building skills and supporting greater wellbeing, independence and quality of life.

What is included in a Positive Behaviour Support Plan?

A Behaviour Support Plan is personalised around the participant. It helps identify behaviours of concern, contributing factors and practical strategies that participants and their support networks can use to encourage positive change and build skills.

Who may benefit from Positive Behaviour Support?

Positive Behaviour Support may be suitable for NDIS participants who experience behaviours of concern and have appropriate behaviour support funding within their plan.

How often will I see my Behaviour Support Practitioner?

This depends on your individual needs, goals and Behaviour Support Plan. Your practitioner will discuss the recommended frequency with you and your support network.

Can Brain Buddy work with my school or other providers?

Yes. With appropriate consent, our Behaviour Support Practitioners can collaborate with families, carers, schools, Support Coordinators, support workers and other providers to help create consistent strategies across different environments.

Are your Behaviour Support Practitioners NDIS-approved?

Our Behaviour Support Practitioners meet applicable NDIS requirements and have varying levels of practitioner endorsement and experience. Our team can provide further information about the practitioner supporting you.

Early Childhood Intervention

What is Early Childhood Intervention?

Early Childhood Intervention provides support during the important early years of a child's development. It aims to help children build skills and participate more confidently in everyday life while also supporting their families and carers.

What age children does Brain Buddy support?

Our Early Childhood Intervention services support children aged 0–9 years with developmental delay or disability, along with their families and carers.

What can Early Childhood Intervention help with?

Support may focus on areas such as emotional regulation, behaviour, social skills, communication, anxiety, attention and concentration, developmental delays, school readiness and everyday independence.

How will you decide what support my child needs?

Every child is different. We'll take the time to understand your child's developmental stage, strengths, interests and goals before tailoring supports to their individual needs.

Can parents and carers be involved?

Yes. Families and carers play an important role in Early Childhood Intervention. We work alongside you to develop practical strategies that can support your child across everyday routines and environments.

Can you work with my child's school or kindergarten?

Yes. With appropriate consent, we can collaborate with schools, kindergartens, educators and other professionals involved in your child's support.

Accessibility, Inclusion & Your Rights

Is Brain Buddy an inclusive service?

Yes. Our services are grounded in culturally responsive, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirmative practice. We aim to provide a welcoming environment where every participant feels respected, understood and safe.

How does Brain Buddy protect my privacy?

We take participant privacy and confidentiality seriously. Personal and sensitive information is collected, used, stored and shared in accordance with applicable privacy, professional and NDIS requirements.

What are my rights when receiving support?

You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, understand the services you're receiving, participate in decisions, have your privacy protected and raise concerns or provide feedback.

Can I make a complaint without affecting my services?

Yes. You will not be disadvantaged or refused a service because you make a complaint or raise a concern. We welcome feedback and use it as an opportunity to improve our services.

Do you have Easy Read information available?

Yes. Brain Buddy provides Easy Read resources to help make important participant information easier to understand, including information about participant rights and feedback and complaints.

Is the practice wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Our practice is wheelchair accessible. If you use a wheelchair or have specific mobility or accessibility requirements, please contact us before your appointment so our team can arrange appropriate parking and access to make your arrival as easy as possible.

Still Have Questions?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, get in touch with our team. We can answer your questions, discuss your support needs and help you understand the next steps for accessing Brain Buddy services.

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