Finding a therapist who fits can take a few tries. This guide shows where to look for an occupational therapist (OT), physiotherapist or speech pathologist, how to check who you are dealing with, and what to ask first. For how therapy fits in your plan, see allied health under the NDIS.
The short answer
Start with your plan, then your support network, then the NDIS provider finder. Check the therapist's registration and qualifications. Meet or call at least two. Then agree how sessions, reports and costs will work in a service agreement.
Step 1: Check your plan
Look for therapy funding in your plan. It is often in your capacity building supports. Your plan might list a total for therapy or name a type of therapy or an outcome.
Also check how that budget is managed. If it is NDIA-managed, you must use a registered provider. If it is self-managed or plan-managed, you can usually choose registered or unregistered providers.
Step 2: Where to look
The NDIS suggests several ways to find providers:
- ask your my NDIS contact, support coordinator or recovery coach
- ask people you trust for recommendations
- research providers and check reviews
- use the NDIS provider finder, which lists registered providers by suburb or postcode
In the provider finder, enter your suburb or postcode and choose the right suburb from the list. It shows website, phone, email and suburb details for each provider.
Registered providers who deliver therapy can hold registration group 0128, Therapeutic supports. Exercise physiology has its own group, 0126. Some therapists are not registered with the NDIS Commission, which the NDIS allows for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
Step 3: Check who you are dealing with
For a registered provider, search the Commission's register by ABN. See how to check an NDIS provider's registration number.
For the person, check the professional register. Ahpra's Register of practitioners covers occupational therapy, physiotherapy and psychology, among other professions. If a name is not there, the practitioner may have registered under a different name. Ask them, or call Ahpra on 1300 419 495.
Speech pathology is not in the list of professions on Ahpra's register page. Ask a speech pathologist what qualifications they hold and which professional body they belong to. The glossary explains Ahpra and occupational therapist.
Step 4: Ask before the first session
Use these questions:
- Have you worked with people like me?
- How do you set goals, and how will we know it is working?
- What will a session look like, and where?
- How do you work with my family or support workers?
- When and how do you write reports? Is there a cost?
- What are your cancellation rules?
- Will a student or assistant see me?
The NDIS says allied health students and provisional psychologists can only provide services under the supervision of a qualified provider. You must agree, and a service agreement should record it.
Step 5: Agree it in writing
A service agreement is a good idea. It should cover what supports you will get, how often, the cost and how to change or end the arrangement. Read how to choose a support worker for more questions that also suit therapists.
Ask early about reports. Your therapist may need to write one for your next plan. See allied health reports and evidence for a plan reassessment.
A short example
Nina needs an OT to help with kitchen skills. Her support coordinator gives her two names. She finds a third in the provider finder. She phones all three with the same questions.
One has no space for months. One does not explain how reports work. The third offers a first visit at Nina's home and explains how progress will be measured. Nina checks that OT on Ahpra's register and signs a service agreement.
If it is not working
You can change therapists at any time. Talk to your therapist first. If that does not help, see the NDIS steps in what to do if something goes wrong with a provider.
What each type of therapist does
The three professions often overlap, but they focus on different things.
- An occupational therapist (OT) helps with everyday activities, like dressing, cooking, getting around your home, using equipment and joining in at work or study.
- A physiotherapist focuses on movement, strength, balance and pain.
- A speech pathologist helps with speaking, understanding, communication tools and swallowing.
Your plan, your goals and your needs decide which one is right. If you are not sure, ask your my NDIS contact, support coordinator or GP. A first appointment can also help you work out which therapy fits.
Getting the most from your first appointment
Prepare a few things before you go.
- Your goals. Write them down in plain words.
- Your plan. Bring it, or note which budget covers therapy.
- Past reports. Bring any earlier assessments or reports.
- Your questions. Use the list above.
- A support person. You can bring someone to help you remember what was said.
At the end, ask what happens next. A good therapist will explain what they plan to do, how often, and how you will both know it is working.
Waiting times and fit
Some therapists have long waiting lists. Ask how long it will be before you can start, and how often they can see you. If the wait is long, ask if they know someone who can see you sooner.
It is also fine if the first therapist is not the right fit. You can try someone else. The NDIS says you can change providers at any time if talking to them about your concerns does not help. Our guide on what to do if something goes wrong with a provider covers the first steps.
On Goodo
If you want to hear who other participants use for therapy, you can add your question to the Goodo list and we will email you when your area opens.
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
Do I need a registered NDIS provider for therapy?
Not always. The NDIS says that if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed you can usually choose registered or unregistered providers. If the therapy budget is NDIA-managed, you must use a registered provider.
How do I check an occupational therapist or physiotherapist is qualified?
Ahpra keeps a public Register of practitioners that covers occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology and other professions. If a name does not appear, you can ask your therapist for the name they registered under or call Ahpra.
Are speech pathologists on the Ahpra register?
Speech pathology is not on the list of professions that Ahpra shows on its Register of practitioners page. Ask a speech pathologist which professional body they belong to and what their qualifications are.
Can a student see me instead of a qualified therapist?
The NDIS says allied health students and provisional psychologists can provide services on placement, but only under the supervision of a qualified provider. You need to agree to this, and it should be written in your service agreement.
Where does therapy funding sit in my plan?
Look in your plan for your capacity building supports. Therapy is often listed there. Read how your plan describes it, because some plans name a type of therapy or an outcome. Ask your my NDIS contact if you are unsure.
Sources
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