Therapy Assistants Explained
How NDIS therapy assistants deliver therapy plans under a therapist's supervision at lower cost, and how to use them to make your budget go further.
If your therapy funding feels like it runs out too quickly, a therapy assistant might be part of the answer. Also called allied health assistants, they deliver parts of your therapy program under a qualified therapist's supervision, usually at a lower hourly cost. That means more contact time for the same budget. This explainer covers how they work, when they suit, and how to use them well.
What a therapy assistant is
How the supervision works
Why it can stretch your budget
When a therapy assistant suits
Getting the most from the arrangement
How it's funded
Frequently asked questions
What is a therapy assistant?
A therapy assistant, or allied health assistant, is a trained worker who delivers parts of your therapy program under a qualified therapist's supervision. They don't work independently or replace your therapist — they extend the therapist's reach by helping you practise and progress the program more…
How does a therapy assistant save money?
Their time is generally charged at a lower rate than a fully qualified therapist's, so the same funding buys more contact hours. For many goals, frequent practice matters more than every session being with the senior therapist, so you get expert oversight plus more hands-on support for your budget.
Does a therapy assistant work without a therapist?
No. A therapy assistant always works under the supervision of a qualified therapist, who designs the program, delegates suitable tasks, reviews progress and stays clinically responsible. The assistant delivers delegated parts of the plan and feeds back, but doesn't make clinical decisions on their…
When is a therapy assistant a good idea?
When your program is established and the main need is regular practice, repetition or support to carry out tasks. They're less suited to parts of therapy needing the therapist's own assessment and clinical decisions. Your therapist can advise which parts of your program can be delegated.
How do I ask for a therapy assistant?
Just raise it with your therapist — it's a normal, accepted way of working. Ask whether parts of your program could be delivered by an assistant to make your funding go further. They'll tell you which tasks can be delegated and set up the supervision so it works well.
Which budget pays for a therapy assistant?
Therapy assistant time is generally funded from the same therapy-related funding as the rest of your program, usually within Capacity Building. Because the rate is lower, it can help your funding cover more hours. Check your plan and confirm the arrangement with your therapist or plan manager.