Navigating Therapy Services in the NDIS

Published at 05-05-2025 11:45:06

Tags: #ForParticipants

Do You Need a Therapist?

If you're living with a disability, daily tasks might present unique challenges. You could find it difficult to walk, talk, or eat, or perhaps you struggle with routines like getting ready in the morning, shopping, preparing meals, or maintaining your home. Maybe busy environments feel overwhelming or physical obstacles hinder your mobility.

Everyone's challenges are different, and while you might have a sense of what your biggest hurdles are, it can be tough to figure out how to overcome them alone.

Rather than applying a "one-size-fits-all" solution, you need a tailored approach to address your specific difficulties. A therapist can work with you to develop personalised strategies that help make daily life more manageable. These solutions will be designed with your unique needs in mind, considering your environment, activities, and the people around you.

What is a Therapist?

A therapist is a professionally trained practitioner who assesses and provides treatments for various conditions and disabilities. They can work solo or as part of a team with other specialists, often called a multi-disciplinary team.

A therapist may also be known as:

• Allied health professional
• Allied health practitioner
• Allied health provider

These terms are interchangeable, so don’t worry about using the wrong one.

Therapists involved in the NDIS may include:

• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Exercise Physiologists
• Behaviour Support Practitioners
• Dietitians
• Psychologists
• Music Therapists
• Key Workers
• Podiatrists
• Orthoptists
• Social Workers
• Rehabilitation Counsellors

How Does Therapy Work in the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) itself doesn’t provide therapy services. Instead, NDIS participants receive funding in their plans to access therapy services from external providers.

Funding for therapy is generally included in the "Improved Daily Living" category within Capacity Building Supports. Some therapy services may be covered under "Improved Relationships" or "Improved Health and Wellbeing." It's best to discuss the specific funding requirements with your therapist.

How Can You Find a Therapist?

To get connected with the right therapists, Expath offers a FREE concierge service. Reach out to our team today for assistance in finding the right provider for you!

Alternatively, explore options in the Expath Provider Directory.

Booking an Appointment with a Therapist

Each provider manages their appointments differently. In some cases, you may speak directly with the therapist, or their administrative team may handle your booking. It depends on how the provider organises their intake process.

When booking, you’ll likely be asked for:

• Your NDIS Number
• NDIS Plan Start Date and End Date
• Your NDIS goals
• Diagnosed conditions recognised by the NDIS
• The reason for your referral

The therapist may also conduct a risk assessment to ensure a safe face-to-face meeting. Additionally, they might ask for prior reports or medical documents to get a clearer understanding of your situation.

Providing these documents is crucial as it:

• Gives the therapist a better picture of your condition, reducing time spent discussing your medical history.
• Familiarises the therapist with your existing healthcare team, guiding them in delivering appropriate care.
• Prevents overlapping of supports from multiple therapists, helping you maximise your funding.

Why is the Reason for Referral Important?

Sharing the reason for your referral helps ensure that your needs align with the provider’s services. It allows the therapist to prepare properly and makes sure they have the right skills and knowledge to address your specific goals. It’s also a good opportunity to clarify your expectations and what you hope to achieve with therapy.

Understanding Service Agreements with Therapy Providers

Before your first appointment, or at the initial assessment, your provider will ask you to sign a service agreement. This is a formal document that outlines the expectations between you and the provider.

A service agreement ensures that:

• Both you and the provider have a mutual understanding of the supports being provided.
• You agree on how the supports will be delivered.
• You get what you’re paying for, and are protected from unexpected issues.

If necessary, you can have a family member or friend sign the agreement on your behalf, or you can sign it yourself.