Allied health

Health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech pathologists who provide therapy supports.

What it means

Allied health professionals are qualified health workers other than doctors and nurses. They are university-trained and registered or accredited in their field. Common examples include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, dietitians, podiatrists, exercise physiologists and social workers.

In the NDIS, allied health professionals often provide therapy supports that help you build skills, maintain function or take part in daily life. They also carry out assessments and write reports that describe your disability, how it affects you, and what supports you may need. These reports can be important evidence when you ask for funding or particular supports in your plan.

In practice

You might see one allied health professional or a team, depending on your goals and needs. For example, an occupational therapist could look at how you manage tasks at home, while a physiotherapist works on your movement and strength.

Therapy supports from allied health professionals are usually funded under Capacity Building in your plan. To use this funding, you choose a provider, agree on what the therapy will focus on, and work towards your goals over time. The professional may set exercises or strategies for you to practise between sessions.

When you need evidence for a plan review or a request for equipment, an allied health professional can assess you and explain, in writing, why a support is reasonable and necessary. Choosing someone experienced with NDIS reporting can make this process smoother.

A real example

For example, Priya has a plan that includes therapy supports. She sees an occupational therapist to build her cooking and self-care skills, and a speech pathologist to help with her communication. Both write short reports before her next plan review, explaining what she has achieved and what ongoing support she needs.

Allied health — FAQs

What is an allied health professional?
An allied health professional is a qualified health worker who is not a doctor or nurse. They are trained and registered or accredited in a specific field. Examples include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, dietitians and podiatrists. In the NDIS, they often provide therapy and write assessments and reports about your support needs.
How does the NDIS fund allied health supports?
Allied health therapy is usually funded under Capacity Building supports in your plan. This funding helps you build skills and independence over time. You choose a provider, agree on goals, and work towards them together. The support needs to be reasonable and necessary and connected to your disability-related goals in your plan.
Can allied health professionals write reports for my plan?
Yes. Allied health professionals can assess you and write reports that describe your disability, how it affects your daily life, and what supports you need. These reports are useful evidence for plan reviews or when you request equipment or specific supports. Choosing someone experienced with NDIS reporting can help make your request clearer.
How do I choose an allied health provider?
Look for someone qualified in the area you need help with, such as movement, communication or daily tasks. Consider their experience with your type of disability and with NDIS reporting. You can ask about their approach, availability and location, including whether they offer telehealth or home visits. It helps to choose someone you feel comfortable working with.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see an allied health professional?
Under the NDIS you generally do not need a doctor's referral to use your therapy funding with an allied health professional. You can contact a provider directly and arrange support that fits your plan goals. However, some professionals or clinics may ask for background health information to understand your needs before starting.

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