Many NDIS participants use allied health professionals. These are therapists such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and psychologists. This guide explains how therapy fits into your plan and how to get the most from it.
Where therapy sits in your plan
An NDIS plan has different budgets. Capacity building supports help you build skills and independence. Therapy usually sits here, often under Improved Daily Living.
The NDIS says therapy funding in this category can only be used for therapy. It cannot be moved to other capacity building supports.
Your plan might:
- list a total amount for therapy without naming a type, so you can choose
- name a type of therapy or an outcome, in which case you must use it that way
Read your plan carefully. If you are unsure, ask your NDIS contact or support coordinator.
How therapy is meant to work
The NDIS describes therapy as building skills, not only providing a service. In most cases, your therapist will:
- assess your needs
- build a therapy plan with you
- teach you strategies and how to carry out your program
- review it regularly
- share strategies with your family, carers and other providers so you can practise between sessions
You can decide with your therapist whether you want individual or group sessions, a block of sessions or regular visits.
Getting therapy into your plan
For a therapy support to be included, it must meet all the NDIS funding criteria. Read what is reasonable and necessary.
The NDIS says you should give it evidence. This is usually an assessment or report from your therapist. It should say:
- what supports you need
- how often
- why they will help
- what goals they link to
Ask your therapist to write clearly and link the report to your goals. A good report is short, specific and honest about what has and has not worked.
What is not funded
The NDIS says some things are not funded. For example, group programs are not funded where there is not enough evidence that they are effective as therapy. It lists examples such as "Lego therapy" and activities like yoga, art and music lessons and drama groups.
If you are not sure, ask before you book. Check the NDIS supports lists on ndis.gov.au.
Choosing a therapist
You can ask:
- Do you have experience with people like me?
- How do you set goals?
- What will a session look like?
- How do you work with my family or support workers?
- How and when will you write reports?
- What are the costs and cancellation rules?
- Are you registered with a professional body? Which one?
Some professions are registered with AHPRA, which keeps a public register. Others are self-regulated through professional associations. Ask which applies to your therapist and check the right register.
If your plan is agency-managed, you must use a registered NDIS provider. If it is self-managed or plan-managed, you can use unregistered providers. See how to check if an NDIS provider is registered.
Progress reports and reassessment
Before your plan is reassessed, the NDIS may ask for evidence from your therapist. This can show your progress toward goals and any measurable outcomes.
Ask your therapist early. Good reports take time. See NDIS plan reassessment: what to expect.
Children and therapy
For children, the NDIS notes that funding structures change at age 9. A child's plan may include individual therapy supports rather than a team approach. Early childhood supports have their own rules. Check ndis.gov.au for details for your child. Government reforms also include a program called Thriving Kids for some children aged 8 and under. Check the NDIS and Department of Health websites for the latest.
If you are an allied health professional
You are covered by the NDIS Code of Conduct when you provide NDIS-funded supports. Good practice includes:
- writing reports that are clear and linked to the person's goals
- being open about costs and cancellation
- not making claims you cannot support
- telling participants about any conflicts of interest
- keeping records
On Goodo, a Verified allied health professional badge shows we checked identity and AHPRA registration on a certain date. Not all allied health professions are on AHPRA, so some will use other routes. A badge is not an endorsement. See how Goodo verifies people.
Making the most of your sessions
Therapy works best when you and your therapist are on the same page. A few tips can help.
- Start with your goals. Tell your therapist what you want to be able to do. For example, "cook a simple meal" or "ask for what I need at work".
- Ask for homework you can do. Short, clear practice between sessions often makes the biggest difference.
- Bring your support people. If a family member or support worker will help you practise, invite them to a session.
- Ask for a plain-language summary. After each block of sessions, ask what changed and what is next.
- Speak up if it is not working. You can ask to change the approach, or change therapists.
- Keep an eye on your budget. Ask your therapist or plan manager how much is left before you book a long block.
Good therapists welcome these questions. They show you care about the results.
About this guide
Goodo is independent. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the NDIA or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is general information, not medical or health advice. Rules change, so check ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as allied health under the NDIS?
Therapy supports such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology and psychology, among others. They usually sit in the capacity building budget, often under Improved Daily Living.
Do I need a report from my therapist to get therapy in my plan?
Evidence helps a lot. The NDIS says you give it an assessment or report that sets out recommended supports, how often, and why. The support must meet all the funding criteria.
Can I choose any therapist?
Often yes, if your plan lets you choose. Your plan might list a total therapy amount without naming a type. Some plans name a specific therapy or outcome, and then you must use the funding that way.
Are group programs funded?
Some may be, but the NDIS says group programs are not funded where there is not enough evidence they are effective. Examples it gives include Lego therapy, and activities such as yoga and art lessons.
How can I check an allied health professional is registered?
Many professions are registered with AHPRA, which has a public register. Others are self-regulated through professional associations. Ask which applies and check the right register.
Sources
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