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 therapy supports 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:

More resources

What is Speech Pathology & how can it benefit me?

Specialised Speech Pathology explains what Speech therapy is, how it will benefit you, and why you should try it online?
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:
Keeping the kids busy during lockdown - Make pasta for lunch!

Keeping kids busy during lockdown. How to make home made pasta - no machine needed!
How does the NDIS fund therapies?

The NDIS can fund therapy under three categories in your NDIS plan, all which fall under Capacity Building Supports:
Does the NDIS fund music therapy?

Music is used to actively support people to improve their health and well-being but can you use your NDIS funding to access music therapy?
Talking to your kids about grown-up things

Talking to your kid about ‘grown-up’ things can be even trickier when you have a child with Autism or an intellectual disability, we have the perfect support for you!

What other therapies does the NDIS fund?