Navigating NDIS Therapy Costs

Published at 31-03-2025 13:56:48

Tags: #ForParticipants

According to the latest NDIS Quarterly report, nearly all (close to 99%) of NDIS participants receive funding specifically earmarked for various therapies within their NDIS plans. This includes a broad range of therapeutic services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, and other specialized therapies like art therapy, music therapy, and rehabilitation counselling.

Locating Therapy Funding in Your NDIS Plan

Therapy funding is typically allocated under the "Improving Daily Living Skills" category within the CAPACITY BUILDING section of an NDIS plan. This is distinct from CORE funding, which is generally designated for support workers. Understanding the different sections of an NDIS plan is crucial for effectively managing and utilizing your funding; resources like "Understanding Your NDIS Plan" can be helpful in this regard.

Engagement with NDIS Registered Therapy Providers

When seeking therapy services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, and physiotherapy, it is essential to be aware of the provider’s hourly fee. This knowledge helps determine how many hours of therapy can be covered within your NDIS plan. The hourly rates are set under the NDIS, and you can use tools like the NDIS Price Guide search tool to easily access all relevant therapy line items.

Registration Requirements for Therapists

If your NDIS plan is self-managed or plan-managed, your therapist does not need to be NDIS registered. However, they must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and use the correct line items from the NDIS Support Catalogue to facilitate prompt payment. This flexibility also allows you to continue working with your existing therapists after joining the NDIS and use your NDIS funds to compensate them.

Calculating Therapy Hours in Your Plan

If your plan does not specify the amount, you can calculate how many hours of therapy you have by dividing the total funding by the hourly rate of the desired therapy. This bucket of funding can be used for any therapy specified in your plan. The team at MyCareSpace can assist you in working through these calculations.

Cost of NDIS Therapy

The cost of therapy varies depending on whether you choose registered or unregistered NDIS providers. Typically, registered providers charge higher rates. For instance, a non-registered physiotherapist may charge $130 per hour, whereas a registered NDIS provider might charge about $194 per hour according to the NDIS rate. Therapy prices can vary, with psychology generally being the most expensive and counselling the least.

Remote and Online Therapy Pricing

Higher rates are applicable for therapies delivered in rural and remote areas, adjusted according to the MMM rating of the area. Online therapy or teletherapy, which includes services provided over phone or video, is priced the same as face-to-face services provided the therapy meets certain conditions outlined by the NDIS. These include appropriateness of telehealth delivery, agreement from the participant, and compliance with NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Therapist Travel Charges

Therapists can bill for travel time to and from appointments. The permissible charge for travel depends on the MMM region, with a maximum of 30 minutes allowed in MMM1-3 areas and 60 minutes in MMM4-5 areas for the return journey to their usual place of work. Travel charges should be agreed upon in advance and documented in the service agreement.

Choosing the Right Therapist

When selecting a therapist, consider immediate availability, their ability to help you achieve your specific NDIS goals, and the potential travel costs involved. It is advisable to confirm any associated travel costs upfront and ensure that the therapist's interventions are directly aligned with achieving your NDIS goals.