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What other therapies does the NDIS fund?

When it comes to therapies, you might want to think outside of the box. Some therapies such as Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Psychology are commonly funded. However, the NDIS may also fund a number of other evidence based allied health therapies, including:

  • Sand therapy – certificate in sand play therapy
  • Play therapy – completed intensive training and post-grad tertiary level
  • Animal-assisted i.e. equine or canine therapy
  • Art therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Behaviour therapy (ABA)
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Physiotherapist
  • Counselling
  • Orthoptist
  • Podiatrist
  • Developmental Educator

Can I access ANY therapy I want?

At the end of the day, the therapy supports you engage with must be evidence-based and related to your disability, in order for the NDIS to deem it reasonable. If you wish to access therapies for health-related issues this would be funded by the health department such as medicare.

Certain therapies such as osteopathy, chiropractics, myopathy if reasonable will require approval from your LAC in writing in order to use your NDIS funds. For example, if your child with Autism is engaging with a podiatrist for gait related issues, the NDIS would only consider funding this if the gait was caused by their disability.

You can read more about disability-related health supports HERE

How will the NDIS fund therapies?

To request funding for a specific type of therapy, you will need to be able to show that it is reasonable and necessary. This means that their is evidence based outcomes to show that the therapy that will support you to pursue your NDIS goals and maximise your independence.

Are you wondering if this funding is included in your plan? Head to our resource: How does the NDIS fund therapies to find out more about the different funding categories that therapy might fall under

Who can provide these therapies?

Your therapist needs to be a registered health therapist specialising in the area of therapy they provide i.e music therapy must be provided by a music therapist (trained and specialised in providing therapy using music).

Find a therapy provider in your area

What goals allow you to access these therapies?

For supports to be accessed using your NDIS funding, they need to be in line with the goals outlined in your plan, and meet the NDIS Reasonable & necessary guidelines. Here are some common BROAD goals that are linked to a number of different therapy supports, to allow you to use your funding flexible:

  • Improved communication (through verbal/non-verbal gestures)
  • Expressing emotions & complicated feelings
  • Increasing social skills (making eye contact, turn-taking, initiating interaction, and self-esteem)
  • Improving cognitive skills (concentration and attention, imitation, and sequencing)
  • Improving fine motor skills, strength and balance
  • Developing self-awareness and self-esteem
  • Reducing anxiety and depression
  • Managing behaviours and/or symptoms
  • Solving problems by looking with a different perspective.

I need help finding therapy supports

There are several people you can go to for help finding a therapist, this includes:

  • LAC/NDIS Planner: Ask your planner if they have any recommendations of therapist in your area
  • Support Coordinator: If you have support coordination in your plan, your Support Coordinator (SC) can help you find the right services
  • Family & Friends: Word of mouth is always a great way to find a therapist that’s right for you
  • Service Directories: We have partnered with a FREE Community Service called MyCareSpace who can help you find the perfect services in your area

CLICK HERE to find a therapy provider in your area

Sources

Positive Psychology – What are the benefits of music therapy
Art therapy for mental health recovery
Sandplay Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy in Australia

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