What other therapies does the NDIS fund?

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

How will the NDIS provide funding for 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, the therapy has evidence based outcomes 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?

The goals you wish to achieve from therapy are quite personal, however some therapies might work better for one person than they would for someone else. 

Here is a list of different goals these therapies may work towards:

• 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.

Looking for supports?

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

• 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

Find a therapy provider in your area

Sources:

• https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/managing-your-plan/support-budgets-your-pla
• https://positivepsychology.com/music-therapy-benefits
• https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Art-therapy-for-mental-health-recovery
• http://transitionalsupport.com.au/sandplay-therapy/
• https://www.sunrisemedical.com.au/blog/animal-assisted-therapy-in-australia