Exploring alternative therapies funded by the NDIS
Published at 17-02-2025 13:00:00
Exploring alternative therapies funded by the NDIS
The NDIS provides funding for a wide range of therapies designed to support participants in achieving their goals, improving their well-being, and enhancing their independence. While traditional therapies such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy are well-known, many participants may not be aware that alternative therapies can also be funded under the NDIS if they meet the ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria.
This article explores alternative therapies that may be covered by the NDIS, how they can benefit participants, and how to access them through your NDIS plan.
What are alternative therapies?
Alternative therapies are non-traditional forms of treatment that focus on holistic well-being, addressing physical, emotional, and mental health in unique ways. Many people with disabilities find alternative therapies helpful for managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and achieving personal goals.
While these therapies may not be mainstream medical treatments, they can complement traditional therapies and provide additional benefits to NDIS participants.
Can the NDIS fund alternative therapies?
Yes! The NDIS may fund alternative therapies if they are considered ‘reasonable and necessary’ under your plan. This means the therapy must:
Be directly related to your disability and support your NDIS goals.
Provide benefits that traditional therapies may not cover.
Be recommended by health professionals or therapists.
Represent value for money and be cost-effective.
If an alternative therapy is evidence-based and has proven benefits, it is more likely to be approved under NDIS funding.
Types of alternative therapies that may be funded by the NDIS
Music therapy 🎶
What is it?
Music therapy uses sound, rhythm, and melody to support participants in improving communication, emotional expression, cognitive function, and motor skills.
Who can benefit?
- Individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, or speech delays to improve communication.
- Participants with anxiety, depression, or PTSD to support emotional well-being.
- Those with neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, stroke recovery) to enhance movement and coordination.
How is it funded?
NDIS may cover music therapy under Capacity Building Supports – Improved Daily Living or Core Supports – Assistance with Social and Community Participation if it aligns with a participant’s goals.
Art therapy 🎨
What is it?
Art therapy involves creative activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help participants express emotions, develop motor skills, and improve mental health.
Who can benefit?
- Participants with autism or intellectual disabilities to enhance communication.
- Individuals experiencing emotional regulation challenges to process feelings.
- Those with physical disabilities to develop fine motor skills.
How is it funded?
Art therapy can be funded through Capacity Building Supports – Improved Daily Living if it helps participants develop skills or process emotions.
Equine therapy (horse therapy) 🐴
What is it?
Equine therapy involves interacting with and riding horses to improve social, emotional, and physical skills.
Who can benefit?
- Participants with sensory processing disorders to improve focus and coordination.
- Individuals with anxiety, trauma, or emotional distress to build confidence and self-esteem.
- Those with physical disabilities to enhance core strength and mobility.
How is it funded?
This therapy may be included under Capacity Building Supports – Improved Relationships or Social and Community Participation if it is demonstrated to be beneficial.
Hydrotherapy (water therapy) 💦
What is it?
Hydrotherapy uses water-based exercises to improve movement, pain relief, and relaxation.
Who can benefit?
- Individuals with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or physical impairments to improve mobility.
- Participants with chronic pain or arthritis to reduce discomfort.
- Those with autism or sensory issues to support sensory integration.
How is it funded?
Hydrotherapy can be funded under Capacity Building Supports – Improved Health and Well-being or as a Core Support if it is necessary for disability-related needs.
Animal-assisted therapy 🐕
What is it?
Animal-assisted therapy involves trained therapy animals (dogs, cats, or other animals) to support emotional and mental well-being.
Who can benefit?
- Participants with anxiety, depression, or PTSD to reduce stress.
- Individuals with autism or developmental delays to enhance communication and social interaction.
- Those with physical disabilities to encourage movement and engagement.
How is it funded?
It may be included in Capacity Building Supports – Improved Relationships if it helps develop social and emotional skills.
Yoga and mindfulness therapy 🧘♂️
What is it?
Yoga and mindfulness therapy focus on breathing exercises, movement, and meditation to support mental and physical well-being.
Who can benefit?
- Participants with anxiety or PTSD to improve relaxation and emotional regulation.
- Individuals with physical disabilities to enhance mobility and flexibility.
- Those with sensory processing disorders to build body awareness.
How is it funded?
Yoga therapy may be funded under Capacity Building Supports – Improved Health and Well-being if it aligns with a participant’s goals.
How to access alternative therapies through the NDIS
Check if the therapy aligns with your NDIS goals
When applying for NDIS funding, ensure that the alternative therapy directly supports one of your approved goals. For example, if your goal is to improve mobility, hydrotherapy may be considered a reasonable and necessary support.
Get supporting documentation
To increase your chances of NDIS funding approval, provide supporting evidence such as:
A letter from an allied health professional (e.g., physiotherapist, occupational therapist).
Reports demonstrating the therapy’s effectiveness.
A written justification of how it aligns with your goals.
Speak with your support coordinator (if you have one)
If you have a support coordinator, they can help you:
Identify providers offering the alternative therapy you are interested in.
Understand how the therapy fits within your NDIS plan.
Assist with documentation needed for funding requests.
If you do not have a support coordinator, you can do your own research or seek recommendations from disability networks or advocacy groups.
Final thoughts
Alternative therapies can provide valuable support for NDIS participants, helping them improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. If an alternative therapy aligns with your goals and is deemed reasonable and necessary, it can often be funded under the NDIS.
If you’re interested in exploring alternative therapies or need help managing your plan, Just Plan Managers is here to assist. Call us on 1300 217 037 or email info@justplanmanagers.com.au to learn how we can help you access the therapies that work best for you.