Specialist NDIS support in the Illawarra
Behaviour support, psychology and occupational therapy for complex needs
ACSO has supported people in the Illawarra for years. We’re now extending that local presence with specialist Clinical Services for NDIS participants with complex needs across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, the Shoalhaven and the wider South Coast.
Services begin by secure telehealth with experienced clinicians, while we recruit local practitioners to join our national practice team.
Services available in Shellharbour and the Illawarra
Our clinicians work with participants, families and support teams to deliver timely assessments and evidence-based intervention.
We support people aged 12+ who may experience challenges related to:
- Intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairment and acquired brain injuries (ABI)
- Complex mental health and psychosocial disability
- Neurodiversity, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD
- Personaility disorders
- Trauma histories
- Active or historical substance use
- Forensic histories
- Challenging behaviours such as sexualised behaviours, arson or violence
Depending on needs and goals, support may include a one-off assessment, consultation, or ongoing intervention.
Better understand behaviours of concern, improve safety, and build skills to support positive development aligned with your goals.
May include: assessment, positive behaviour support planning, staff guidance, training and one-to-one intervention.
Build independence, participation and everyday functioning at home and in the community.
May include: assessment, intervention, skill development, environmental strategies, and practical supports tailored to goals and daily needs.
Our occupational therapists work with NDIS participants across home, community and custodial settings.
Evidence-based therapy to support mental health, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, coping, trauma, relationships and adjustment.
May include: goal-based sessions and practical strategies between appointments.
Time-limited specialist input for complex situations, rising risk, or when a plan isn’t working.
May include: case formulation, risk advice, care team support, review of existing plans, or support during transitions.
Psychology services may include mental health assessment, psychosocial disability assessment, clinical formulation, risk and needs assessment, NDIS-related psychological reports, and practical recommendations for participants and support teams. Assessment options will depend on the person’s needs, referral and suitability for telehealth.
Who is ACSO?
For more than 40 years, ACSO has partnered with people and communities across health, justice and human services, supporting individuals with complex needs to live safer, more independent lives. As a registered NDIS provider, we deliver services that are safe, inclusive and high quality, with a strong focus on practical outcomes and respectful, person-centred care.
With established services across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, ACSO is now bringing its specialist clinical expertise to deliver NDIS psychology, occupational therapy and behaviour support services in the Illawarra and across New South Wales via telehealth.
Who Can Access ACSO NDIS Clinical Services?
We accept referrals for people funded through:
- The NDIS (plan-managed, agency-managed and self-managed participants)
- The Department of Communities and Justice
We support referrals through NDIS funding and fee-for-service arrangements. Fee-for-service referrals may be suitable for individuals, organisations or agencies who are not using NDIS funding. Our team can help confirm the most appropriate funding pathway for each referral.
We work with participants across a range of settings, including home, community and custodial environments such as prisons.
If you are not sure whether our service is the right fit, our team can talk you through the referral process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once we have a pracitioner on the ground, we’ll be able to provide face-to-face support in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, the Shoalhaven and surrounding South Coast communities. In the meantime, we can offer telehealth services to participants in these areas, and ongoing across NSW.
That’s our plan as local caseload grows and as we recruit local practitioners. In the meantime, our national clinical services team provides a point of contact.
No GP referral is required. You can contact us directly or submit a referral through our online form.
We can support people who are applying for the NDIS for the first time, including providing NDIS Needs Assessments to support your application. Contact our team to find out more.
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available for participants anywhere in NSW. For in-person services outside the Illawarra, contact us to discuss your options.
Yes. We have experience delivering clinical services in prisons and other custodial environments and accept referrals through the Department of Justice.
NDIS and fee-for-service referrals are reviewed and responded to within 2 business days. Once your referral has been reviewed, our team will contact you to discuss next steps and provide an estimated time frame for service commencement.
We welcome referrals regardless of how NDIS funding is managed: plan-managed, agency-managed or self-managed.
We also support fee-for-service arrangements, which may suit individuals or organisations outside the NDIS.
Not sure which applies? Contact our team or speak with your Support Coordinator and we’ll help confirm the right pathway.
Have another question? Get in contact below.
Why Choose ACSO for Clinical Support?
We know that choosing a clinical service is about more than availability. It is about finding a team that understands you, communicates clearly, and works in a way that feels practical and supportive.
- Specialist experience with complex needs
Over 40 years working across health, justice and human services, supporting people with layered needs and higher-risk situations. - Practical, usable plans
Clear recommendations and strategies that families and support teams can implement day to day. - A team approach that reduces confusion
We work alongside participants, families, carers and providers to build shared understanding and consistent supports. - Flexible delivery across NSW
We offer secure telehealth statewide and options to support people across settings, including home, community and custodial environments. - Plain-English communication
We explain what we’re doing, why it matters, and what happens next, so everyone involved can stay aligned. - Reliable, respectful follow-through
We stay engaged, track progress and adapt support as needs change, keeping the focus on meaningful outcomes.
Get in Touch
Not sure where to begin? Our team is happy to help.
Email: CSReferrals@acso.org.au
Phone: 1800 524 200
Build for complex referrals
Telehealth across Queensland
Face-to-face services cover Brisbane and out to the Ipswich region. For participants elsewhere in Queensland we deliver by secure video, supported by the participant’s local team where helpful. We’ll tell you upfront if a service genuinely needs to be face-to-face.
Funding we accept
Face-to-face services cover Brisbane and out to the Ipswich region. For participants elsewhere in Queensland we deliver by secure video, supported by the participant’s local team where helpful. We’ll tell you upfront if a service genuinely needs to be face-to-face.
⚠️Our Clinicians
All ACSO clinicians are fully qualified and registered with the relevant professional bodies, including AHPRA where applicable.
In-Person
⚠️ CONTENT NEEDED Team profiles Add short bios for key clinicians, including their name, role, AHPRA registration details, relevant professional memberships (e.g. APS, OTA), areas of expertise and experience. This is important for Google’s E-E-A-T standards — NDIS services are classified as “Your Money, Your Life” content, meaning clinician credentials directly affect search rankings and referrer trust. Even two or three profiles make a meaningful difference.
Telehealth
CONTENT NEEDED Team profiles Add short bios for key clinicians, including their name, role, AHPRA registration details, relevant professional memberships (e.g. APS, OTA), areas of expertise and experience.
Cultural Safety and Accessibility
ACSO is committed to delivering clinical services that are safe, inclusive and free from bias for everyone.
We stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are actively working toward reconciliation through our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. We provide affirming, respectful support for LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the justice, mental health and disability systems.
We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the land on which our Perth services are delivered, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
If you have specific accessibility or communication needs, please let us know at the time of referral and we will do our best to accommodate them.
