If you or someone you support is accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it’s important to understand how therapy services fit into your plan. At Inclusion Supports Australia, we want to clarify how NDIS therapy services work, what support is available, and how to choose the right provider for your individual needs.
1. What are “therapy supports” under the NDIS?
Therapy supports refer to evidence-based supports delivered by qualified allied health professionals designed to build or maintain a participant’s functional capacity (for example in language, mobility, personal care, social interaction). NDIS+1
These are different from purely health-services (which are usually funded through Medicare or state health systems) and must meet the NDIS’s “reasonable and necessary” criteria. NDIS+1
2. Who can deliver NDIS-funded therapy services?
Only providers who are appropriately qualified and (where required) registered with bodies such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or an accredited allied-health association can deliver therapy supports under NDIS. PACFA+1
Even if the plan is self-managed, the provider still needs to meet these qualification standards. PACFA
3. What types of therapy are covered?
Therapies that help improve, maintain or slow the decline of functional capacity are eligible. This includes areas like mobility, communication, interpersonal interaction, and community participation. NDIS+1
Note: Some therapies (e.g., art therapy / music therapy) are still under review in terms of their classification for NDIS funding. NDIS+1
4. How do I know if therapy is “reasonable and necessary”?
“Reasonable and necessary” means the therapy must:
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be related to your disability support needs
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help you work toward goals in your plan
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represent value for money
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be likely to help you achieve an outcome. PACFA+1
Your therapist should provide a well-written assessment or report that outlines why the support is needed, how often it should be provided, and what outcomes can be expected. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au+1
5. What’s the difference between plan-managed, self-managed and NDIA-managed when it comes to therapy?
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If your plan is NDIA-managed, you generally must use a registered provider, and they can invoice the NDIA directly.
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If self-managed or plan-managed, you more flexibility in choosing providers (including unregistered ones) but you still need to ensure they meet the eligibility/qualification criteria. therapyonlineaustralia.com
It’s important to check that any provider you choose has experience working with NDIS plans and understands reporting obligations (e.g., progress reports, invoices).
6. Can I change therapy providers if I’m not happy?
Yes — you have the right to choose a provider who best meets your needs, preferences and desired therapy style.
If a provider isn’t compatible, or you feel you’re not getting the outcomes you hoped for, talk to your support coordinator or plan manager and consider an alternative. therapyonlineaustralia.com
7. What happens if therapy funding runs out or I need more sessions?
If your therapy funding in your NDIS plan is used up or you require more support than originally planned, you can ask for a plan review. Your therapist can help by providing updated evidence of progress, or showing that additional sessions are necessary to meet your goals. therapyonlineaustralia.com
It’s wise to monitor how the sessions are going and whether measurable progress is being made.
8. What sorts of therapy supports won’t be funded by NDIS?
The NDIS is not intended to fund supports that are part of mainstream health or education systems (e.g., diagnosis, hospital treatment, purely recreational activities). NDIS+1
Also, if a therapy lacks evidence of improving functional capacity (for NDIS purposes) it may not be funded. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au+1
Always ask: is the therapy outcome-based and disability-related, or is it something that should be funded outside of the NDIS?
9. What should I ask a therapy provider?
When engaging a therapy provider (for example an occupational therapist, speech pathologist or behavioural therapist), consider asking:
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What experience do you have working with NDIS participants?
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Are you registered with (or accredited by) the relevant professional body?
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How will the therapy align with my NDIS goals?
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How many sessions do you estimate, and what outcomes will we measure?
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Do you provide progress reports and can you assist with plan-review documentation?
These questions help ensure you choose a provider who understands both therapy and the NDIS environment. therapyonlineaustralia.com+1
10. How can Inclusion Supports Australia help?
At Inclusion Supports Australia, we specialise in delivering NDIS therapy supports through qualified allied health professionals who understand the NDIS framework. We can assist with referral, plan-management, and help connect you with the right therapist to meet your goals.
If you’d like to talk to us about how our therapy services work, feel free to Contact Us and we’ll guide you through your options.
If you’d like to refer yourself or someone you support into our therapy services, you can submit a form on our Referral Page and our team will be in touch.
Navigating NDIS therapy services doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By understanding what therapy supports are, how they are funded, what qualifies, and how to choose a provider, you’re better equipped to make the most of your NDIS plan. Whether you’re just starting or reviewing your plan, the right therapy support can help you build independence and participate more fully in life.
For any questions about therapy options available through Inclusion Supports Australia, please get in touch via our Contact Us page or complete a referral via our Referral page.