The NDIS funds therapy that is reasonable and necessary, based on evidence and delivered by a qualified allied health professional. It usually sits in the Capacity Building part of your plan, under Improved Daily Living. This can include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, dietetics and exercise physiology. To get it, link your therapy to your goals and show how it helps your daily life.

Many people hear that the NDIS "covers therapy" and then find it hard to work out what that means for them. How much is in your plan? Which therapies count? What if the NDIS says no? This guide answers those questions in plain language and shows you how to find the right provider in Perth. If you want detail on one therapy, we link to a guide for each one below.

What counts as NDIS therapy?

Therapy services are supports that help you build skills and independence at home, in the community, at school and at work. They are delivered by qualified allied health professionals. The table below shows the main therapies and what each one helps with.

Not every therapy suits every person. Which one you need depends on your goals, your disability and your daily life. A good provider will help you decide, and many people use more than one.

Which part of your plan pays for therapy?

NDIS plans are split into support categories. Most therapy comes from Capacity Building funding, usually under Improved Daily Living. Some supports, such as exercise physiology or dietitian advice, may be listed under Improved Health and Wellbeing instead, so check how your own plan is set out.

Two things to know:

• Capacity Building funds cannot be moved between categories. If your Improved Daily Living budget is used up, you cannot top it up from another category.
• Your plan shows the total, not the number of sessions. How far the money goes depends on the provider's rates, the length of sessions and whether you need reports or travel.

If you are not sure what your plan includes, ask your support coordinator, your plan manager or the NDIS.

How the NDIS decides if therapy is funded

The NDIS looks at whether support is reasonable and necessary. In practice, therapy is more likely to be funded when:

• It is linked to your goals and your disability.
• It is based on evidence and delivered by a qualified allied health professional.
• It helps you build or keep functional skills, or prevents them from getting worse.
• It is good value compared with other options.

Ongoing therapy can still be funded if it is needed to make small gains or to stop your abilities from declining.

How to get therapy into your plan (step by step)

1. Write down your goals. Be specific. "Walk to the shops on my own" or "have my family understand me when I speak" are easier to fund than "get better".
2. Talk to a therapist first. An assessment can show what is needed and how much support helps. A short report from your therapist is strong evidence.
3. Show the link between the therapy and daily life. Explain what changes for you if you do or do not have the therapy.
4. Raise it at planning or review. Bring your goals and reports to your NDIS planning meeting. If your plan is already approved, you can ask for a plan review when your needs change.
5. Check the result. Look at your plan after it is approved. If therapy is missing or the budget looks too low, ask for the reasons.

Support coordinators can help with these steps if you have them in your plan.

What if the NDIS says no, or funds less than you expected?

This is common, and it is not always the final answer.

• Ask for the reasons in writing. Then you know what evidence is missing.
• Add evidence. A therapist's report that shows your goals, your current abilities and what the therapy will achieve can change the outcome.
• Request a plan review. If your circumstances have changed, you can ask for your plan to be reviewed.
• Ask for a review of the decision. The NDIS has a process for reviewing decisions you disagree with. The NDIS helpline is 1800 800 110, and your support coordinator or an advocate can help.

Does the way your plan is managed change who you can see?

Yes, a little.

• NDIA-managed: you generally use registered providers.
• Plan-managed: a plan manager pays your providers, and you can usually use registered and unregistered providers.
• Self-managed: you pay providers yourself and claim the cost back, and you can usually choose registered or unregistered providers.

Check your plan, because the details can vary and the NDIS can change the rules.

How to choose a therapy provider in Perth

Funding is only half the picture. The provider matters just as much. Here is what to look for:

• Qualifications and registration. Ask what professional registration the therapist holds and whether the service is a registered NDIS provider.
• Experience with your needs. Ask how often they work with people with similar goals.
• One team, several therapies. If you need OT, physio and speech, one service can make appointments and communication easier.
• Location and access. Check parking, public transport, accessible facilities and whether they offer telehealth or home visits.
• Clear communication. Ask how soon you will get reports, how goals are tracked and how they work with your support coordinator or plan manager.
• Waiting times. Ask how long it takes to get a first appointment.
• Facilities. Some services have extras, such as a hydrotherapy pool on site.

At AF Therapy Services in Balcatta we offer occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, dietetics, exercise physiology, hydrotherapy and allied health assistance under one roof. For a closer look at our location, see NDIS therapy in Balcatta, or read our overview of allied health services.

What happens at your first appointment?

Your first session is usually about getting to know you. The therapist will ask about your goals, your daily routine and any past assessments. They may do some simple tests. You will leave with an idea of what therapy involves and how often you need it. Bring your NDIS plan, any reports you already have and a list of your goals.

Ready to start?

If you would like to talk about therapy options for you or someone you support, contact AF Therapy Services or send a referral. We can explain what is involved and help you plan your first steps. See all of our services.

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This article is general information, not NDIS, legal or medical advice. NDIS rules and funding details change, and every plan is different. Check current information with the NDIS or your support coordinator.