NDIS Therapy Supports: OT, Physio, Speech and Psychology Explained
A plain-English guide to NDIS therapy supports — OT, physio, speech and psychology: what's funded, how pricing works, and how to choose a therapist.
What counts as NDIS therapy supports?
Where do therapy supports sit in my plan?
What does each therapy actually do?
How is my therapy funding worked out?
How does therapy pricing work?
Choosing a therapist: registered or unregistered?
Getting real value from every session
How do the reforms affect therapy supports?
Therapy for children and early intervention
What if I disagree with a therapy funding decision?
Your next steps
Frequently asked questions
Which part of my NDIS plan pays for therapy?
Therapy is usually funded under Capacity Building Supports, in a category called Improved Daily Living. That funding is generally tied to that purpose, so it can't normally be moved to Core Supports like everyday assistance or transport. A future reform will introduce more flexible budgets, but until your plan moves across, the current structure applies — confirm details with the NDIA.
Can I choose my own therapist, or does the NDIS pick one?
You generally choose your own therapist. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed, you can use both registered and unregistered providers. If it's NDIA-managed, you must use NDIS-registered providers. Either way, look for someone experienced with your disability and goals, and check their rates, travel charges and cancellation terms up front.
Will the NDIS reforms cut my therapy funding?
There's no blanket removal of therapy, and critical daily-living and personal-care supports aren't part of the participation reset. The reset reduces community-participation funding, while capacity-building daily-activity allocations (where therapy sits) are being trimmed by around 10% as plans renew from late 2026. Whether that affects you depends on your usage — nobody can promise an individual outcome, so confirm with the NDIA.
Why does my therapist bill for things like reports and travel?
Therapists bill for their time, not just the appointment. Writing reports, preparing resources and reasonable travel to see you can be claimed against your plan under the pricing rules, because they're part of delivering your support. Ask your provider to explain their charges, and remember that some work can be done by a lower-cost therapy assistant to stretch your funding.
What can I do if my therapy funding is reduced or refused?
You can ask the NDIA for a written explanation and request an internal review within the required timeframe. If you're still not satisfied, you can apply to the independent Administrative Review Tribunal. Updated, specific evidence from your therapist matters most, and free disability advocates or Legal Aid can help you prepare — extra appeals-advocacy funding is available in 2026-27.