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Black female therapist supporting a man who is talking abut his concerns during group meeting.

Questions To Ask Your Mental Health Support Worker

When seeking mental health support, it’s essential to establish open communication and trust with your mental health support worker. Asking the right questions can help you understand your treatment plan, assess your progress, explore different treatment options, and address any concerns or expectations you may have.

Understanding Your NDIS Plan

It’s important to have a clear understanding of this, because it plays a crucial role in your mental health journey. Questions you can ask your mental health support worker: 

  • Can you explain my NDIS plan in simple terms?

Your NDIS plan will likely have several different sections to it. Your support worker can help you to understand what parts you are working on together, and what parts you may be working on with other people, such as a therapist. It’s important to feel comfortable asking for clarification if there is anything that you don’t fully understand. Your mental health support worker is there to guide you and provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your mental health journey.

  • What are the goals and objectives of my NDIS plan?

This will give you a sense of what you’re working towards and help you stay motivated throughout the process. You and your support worker can discuss strategies and activities that you will work on together to achieve your goals. This will give you a better understanding of the specific techniques or approaches that will be implemented in your treatment. 

Sometimes goals can involve big changes and it can feel like it’s hard to know where to begin. It’s helpful to break your goals down into small, achievable steps as it makes it easier to see how the small steps are getting you closer to your big goal.

  • What is the timeline of my NDIS plan and how will progress be measured?

You can explain to your support worker what success looks like. What would your life look like if you had achieved your goals? You and your support worker can set some timeframes to check in to make sure you are progressing towards your goals, and make any adjustments to your strategies and activities to achieve your goals. 

Establishing Trust and Communication

This is essential for building a strong professional relationship with your mental health support worker. Partnership and communication are central principles of a recovery-oriented framework. Building trust allows you to feel comfortable and safe in discussing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. When you trust your mental health support worker, you can openly share your experiences and collaborate on developing sessions that meet your unique needs. Trust also enables you to feel confident that your support worker has your best interests at heart and will provide you with the necessary support and guidance throughout your mental health journey.

Effective communication is equally important in the professional relationship. It involves not only expressing yourself clearly but also actively listening to your mental health support worker. By openly communicating your thoughts, emotions, and goals, you enable your support worker to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and tailor their approach accordingly. When both you and your mental health support worker engage in open and honest communication, you can work together as a team towards your mental well-being.

Some questions you can ask to establish trust in the relationship:

  • What kind of experience do you have working in this field?
  • How can I best prepare for our sessions?
  • How can we keep each other accountable?

Questions About Different Mental Health Support Strategies

Consider exploring various options to find the best fit for your unique needs and to embark on a journey towards improving your mental well-being. There are several different approaches to mental health support, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your mental health support worker and to ask them about the different options available to you. 

Some additional questions you may want to ask your support worker:

  • Can you connect me with additional resources or support to assist in my recovery?

Your mental health support worker can provide you with additional resources and support. During your sessions, you can research together to find books, online resources, support groups, or connect you with other professionals if needed.

  • How can I involve my family or loved ones in my treatment?

Involving your family or loved ones in your treatment can be beneficial. Discuss with your mental health support worker how they can participate. For example, your worker can assist you in finding resources to help your loved ones learn about your condition and how to best support you.

  • How can I track my progress and identify any barriers?

It helps to set some firm timeframes about when you will review your progress. Be kind to yourself, it’s ok if you have not achieved a goal. Taking the time to review your progress will help you to refine your goals and your strategies to achieve them.

It’s fine to change your mind and change your goals over time. You might also identify some barriers (things that got in the way of you achieving your goals). Identifying barriers can help you to refine the way your worker supports you. 

Find the Mental Health Support You Need

Remember, your mental health is a priority, so by asking the right questions, you can work collaboratively with your support worker to achieve the best possible outcomes and ensure that you receive the support and care you deserve. 

Find out how to get mental health support from Suitsme. We know how to provide really good support tailored to your situation. Our app has built-in tools to help you record and track your goals. Our support workers all have relevant experience; they are checked, screened and employed by Suitsme. Get in touch today.