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# Can I Use NDIS Funding for Alternative Therapies? Understanding the Criteria in 2025 Alternative therapies are becoming increasingly popular among NDIS participants seeking diverse approaches to support their disability-related goals. From music and art therapy to animal-assisted interventions, these non-traditional therapeutic approaches can offer unique pathways to improved wellbeing and functional capacity. However, understanding whether NDIS funding can support these therapies requires navigating specific criteria and evidence requirements. The NDIS operates on a framework of "reasonable and necessary" supports, which means not all alternative therapies automatically qualify for funding. With recent policy updates, pricing changes, and ongoing reviews in 2025, participants need current information to make informed decisions about incorporating alternative therapies into their support plans. This comprehensive guide explores the funding criteria, provider requirements, and practical considerations for accessing alternative therapies through NDIS funding in 2025. ## Criteria for Funding Alternative Therapies The foundation of NDIS funding decisions rests on whether supports meet the "reasonable and necessary" criteria established under the NDIS Act. For alternative therapies to receive funding approval, they must [relate directly to a participant's disability and goals, and contribute to functional improvements](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports) in areas such as communication, social participation, or daily living skills. Evidence-based practice forms the cornerstone of funding decisions. Alternative therapies must [demonstrate value for money and be likely effective based on current good practice and evidence](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports). This requirement has become more stringent following comprehensive reviews, with the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee receiving [$45.5 million over four years from 2024-25](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10099-budget-delivers-people-disability) to advise on therapeutic support evidence bases. The evidence landscape for alternative therapies varies significantly. Current research shows that [evidence is limited or mixed for many disability groups](https://dataresearch.ndis.gov.au/research-and-evaluation/decision-making-access-and-planning/evidence-summary-art-and-music-therapy), particularly for music and art therapy applications. This has prompted ongoing reviews and updated operational guidance expected throughout 2025. Budget categories for alternative therapies typically fall under Capacity Building supports, specifically "Improved Daily Living" for individual skill development or ["Increased Social & Community Participation" when therapies facilitate community engagement](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy). Some therapies may also qualify under Core supports if they involve specialised equipment, though equipment-only requests face additional scrutiny regarding safety and necessity. The assessment process requires comprehensive documentation demonstrating how the proposed therapy addresses specific disability-related functional limitations. Participants should prepare detailed evidence packages including professional recommendations, expected outcomes, frequency requirements, and cost justifications. For those managing their own funding, understanding these criteria is essential - learn more about [Navigating Self-Management of NDIS Funding in 2024](/posts/navigating-self-management-of-ndis-funding-in-2024-c56c7246) for additional guidance on budget management strategies. ## Provider Requirements for Delivering Therapies NDIS funding for alternative therapies requires delivery by appropriately qualified providers who meet specific registration and competency standards. Providers must [be delivered by appropriately qualified and registered providers](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy) and hold NDIA registration in relevant support categories such as allied health or capacity building. Qualification requirements vary by therapy type but generally include recognised tertiary qualifications in relevant fields. For music and art therapy, providers typically need creative arts therapy certification alongside allied health registration. Animal-assisted therapy providers require [allied health qualifications plus specific accreditation in animal-assisted interventions](https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/assistive-technologies/assistance-animals), ensuring both therapeutic competency and animal welfare standards. Registration compliance extends beyond initial qualifications to ongoing professional development and audit requirements. Providers must maintain current registration status and follow operational guidelines specific to their therapy type. For behaviour-related supports, providers must complete relevant audit modules, while all providers must adhere to the [NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements) and negotiate rates within established limits. Price limits for alternative therapies have undergone significant changes in 2025. Music and art therapy rates were adjusted in February 2025, with individual sessions priced at $67.56 per hour and [group sessions (minimum 4 participants) at $193.99 per hour](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy). These rates operate under the Community Participation budget category and reflect updated operational guidelines. The provider landscape continues evolving with ongoing reviews. [Dr Stephen Duckett's independent review concluded on 17 April 2025](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10689-independent-review-music-and-art-therapy-update), receiving approximately 600 submissions. Updated operational guidance and pricing arrangements are expected later in 2025, potentially affecting provider requirements and service delivery models. Providers should monitor these developments and prepare for potential changes to qualification standards and pricing structures. ## Planning for Alternative Therapies in NDIS Plans Incorporating alternative therapies into NDIS plans requires strategic planning that aligns therapeutic goals with funding categories and budget allocations. Participants should work with their support coordinators or plan managers to identify appropriate budget categories and ensure sufficient funding allocation for their chosen therapies. The planning process begins with gathering comprehensive evidence to support funding requests. This includes obtaining written recommendations from qualified professionals detailing how the therapy addresses disability support needs, expected outcomes, session frequency, and cost estimates. Successful applications demonstrate clear connections between therapeutic interventions and NDIS goals, particularly around improved daily living skills or increased community participation. Budget management has become more structured with new funding arrangements. [New and reassessed plans use three-monthly funding release cycles from 19 May 2025](https://ndis.gov.au/news/10721-changes-ndis-funding-periods) to improve budgeting predictability. This change affects how participants can access and manage funding for ongoing alternative therapies, requiring more frequent budget monitoring and potentially splitting therapy hours across funding tranches. Plan reviews offer opportunities to adjust therapy funding based on outcomes and changing needs. Participants should document therapy progress, functional improvements, and any barriers to accessing services. This evidence supports requests for continued or increased funding in subsequent plans. The review process also allows for exploring new therapeutic approaches as evidence bases develop and provider options expand. For participants interested in innovative approaches to community engagement, exploring [Exploring Innovative Community Participation Ideas with](/posts/exploring-innovative-community-participation-ideas-with-ndis-funding-88c81954) NDIS funding can provide additional strategies for maximising therapy benefits within community settings. Additionally, understanding broader NDIS changes through resources like [NDIS SIL 2025: Changes, Impacts, and Opportunities](/posts/understanding-ndis-sil-2025-changes-impacts-and-opportunities-64be0539) helps participants navigate the evolving funding landscape effectively. ## Future Directions and Considerations for 2025 The alternative therapy landscape within NDIS funding continues evolving throughout 2025, driven by evidence reviews, policy updates, and pricing adjustments. The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee's work will significantly influence which therapies receive ongoing funding support, with first outputs expected mid-2025 providing clearer guidance on evidence requirements. Pricing arrangements reflect broader NDIS sustainability initiatives. The [Annual Pricing Review 2024-25 increased price limits by 3.95% effective 1 July 2025](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10775-fairer-and-more-equitable-pricing-ndis-participants), reflecting award wage increases while maintaining cost control measures. These adjustments affect therapy affordability and provider sustainability, potentially influencing service availability and delivery models. Technology integration presents emerging opportunities for alternative therapy delivery. Remote and hybrid therapy models developed during recent years may expand access for participants in regional areas or those with mobility limitations. However, funding frameworks must adapt to accommodate these delivery methods while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness and participant safety standards. Provider development initiatives aim to strengthen the alternative therapy workforce. Enhanced qualification pathways, professional development programs, and clearer competency standards support service quality improvements. Participants benefit from increased provider choice and improved service standards, though may experience temporary disruptions as the sector adapts to new requirements. Evidence development remains crucial for long-term therapy sustainability. Participants and providers should contribute to outcome measurement and research initiatives that demonstrate therapeutic effectiveness. This evidence supports continued funding availability and may expand access to currently unfunded alternative approaches. Understanding [NDIS Travel Pricing Changes for Therapy Providers in 2025](/posts/understanding-ndis-travel-pricing-changes-for-therapy-providers-in-2025-4b1f3b7f) helps participants budget for comprehensive therapy access including travel components. ## Conclusion NDIS funding for alternative therapies in 2025 operates within a framework that balances participant choice with evidence-based practice and financial sustainability. Success in accessing funding requires understanding the reasonable and necessary criteria, working with qualified providers, and maintaining comprehensive documentation of therapeutic outcomes. The evolving policy landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. While evidence requirements have strengthened, this ultimately supports better therapeutic outcomes and sustainable funding arrangements. Participants should stay informed about ongoing reviews, pricing changes, and provider developments to maximise their therapy options. For personalised guidance on accessing alternative therapies through NDIS funding, consider connecting with Sandi AI at [https://sandi.app](https://sandi.app). Sandi can help navigate the complex funding criteria, identify suitable providers, and develop strategic approaches to incorporating alternative therapies into your NDIS plan effectively. ## References 1. [NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Supports](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports) 2. [NDIS Statement on Music and Art Therapy Funding](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy) 3. [Independent Review of Music and Art Therapy Update](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10689-independent-review-music-and-art-therapy-update) 4. [NDIS Funding Period Changes](https://ndis.gov.au/news/10721-changes-ndis-funding-periods) 5. [Music and Art Therapy Review Update](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10644-review-music-and-art-therapy-update) 6. [NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2024-25](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10775-fairer-and-more-equitable-pricing-ndis-participants) 7. [Budget Delivers for People with Disability](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10099-budget-delivers-people-disability) 8. [Evidence Summary: Art and Music Therapy](https://dataresearch.ndis.gov.au/research-and-evaluation/decision-making-access-and-planning/evidence-summary-art-and-music-therapy) 9. [NDIS Access Requirements](https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/operational-guidelines/ndis-act-2013) 10. [NDIS Guidelines on Sensory Equipment](https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/assistive-technologies/sensory-equipment) 11. [NDIS Guidelines on Assistance Animals](https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/assistive-technologies/assistance-animals) 12. [NDIS Pricing Arrangements](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements)

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Can I Use NDIS Funding for Alternative Therapies? Understanding the Criteria in 2025

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Can I Use NDIS Funding for Alternative Therapies? Understanding the Criteria in 2025