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# Pricing for Therapy Supports: Understanding the Different Professional Rates The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides crucial funding for therapy supports to help participants achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Understanding the pricing structure for these supports is essential for both participants and providers to ensure fair access to services and sustainable delivery. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricacies of NDIS therapy support pricing, recent updates, and strategies for navigating the system effectively. ## Introduction to NDIS Therapy Support Pricing The NDIS operates under a complex pricing framework designed to balance participant choice and control with provider sustainability. According to the [NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26](https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/7739/download?attachment=), there are over 1,400 individual support items with specified price limits, including a wide range of therapy supports. For participants aged 9 and older, therapy supports fall under the "Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living" category. This encompasses 16 distinct professional categories and two levels of therapy assistants. Younger children (under 9) can access supports through the "Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood" category. Key updates for the 2025-26 financial year include: 1. An increase in the early childhood age limit from 7 to 9 years, effective July 1, 2025. 2. A 3.95% indexation increase for disability support worker rates, including therapy assistants. 3. New pricing arrangements for art and music therapy under community participation budgets. These changes reflect the NDIS's ongoing commitment to refining its pricing model to meet the evolving needs of participants and providers. ## Breaking Down Professional Rates for Therapy The NDIS recognizes a diverse range of therapy professionals, each with their own pricing structure. Some of the key professional categories include: - Psychologists - Physiotherapists - Occupational Therapists - Speech Pathologists - Exercise Physiologists - Dietitians - Social Workers - Art and Music Therapists Each of these professions requires specific qualifications and, in many cases, professional memberships or accreditations to provide NDIS-funded supports. The [NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document](https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/7739/download?attachment=) outlines the exact requirements and price limits for each category. It's important to note that these price limits represent the maximum amount that can be charged. Providers and participants can negotiate lower rates, and many providers offer services below the price limit to remain competitive or to accommodate participants' budgets. For example, as of February 2025, art and music therapy services can be accessed at a 1:1 rate of $67.56 per hour or a group rate of $193.99 per hour (minimum 4 participants) under community participation budgets. This change aims to support inclusive social participation while maintaining fair pricing. [Learn more about NDIS Travel Pricing Changes for Therapy Providers in 2025](/posts/understanding-ndis-travel-pricing-changes-for-therapy-providers-in-2025-4b1f3b7f) ## Participant Planning and Negotiation Strategies For NDIS participants, understanding therapy pricing is crucial for effective plan management and service negotiation. Here are some key strategies: 1. **Detailed Service Agreements**: Always insist on a comprehensive service agreement that clearly outlines the supports to be provided, their frequency, duration, and associated costs. This agreement should also specify any additional charges, such as travel time or report writing. 2. **Understand Group vs. Individual Rates**: Group therapy sessions can be more cost-effective. The per-participant price limit for group sessions is calculated by dividing the hourly rate by the number of participants. For instance, a four-person occupational therapy group session would be billed at $48.50 per hour per participant, based on the individual rate of $193.99. 3. **Negotiate Below Price Limits**: Remember that the published rates are maximum price limits. Don't hesitate to discuss lower rates with providers, especially for ongoing or long-term therapy supports. 4. **Consider Therapy Assistants**: For some supports, therapy assistants (supervised by qualified therapists) can provide cost-effective interventions. Level 1 assistants, for example, can provide delegated physiotherapy maintenance care at $56.16 per hour. 5. **Review Travel Charges**: Providers can charge up to 50% of the therapy rate for travel time. Discuss these charges upfront and consider providers closer to your location if travel costs are significant. By being proactive and informed about pricing structures, participants can make the most of their NDIS funding and ensure they receive high-quality, cost-effective therapy supports. ## Recent Updates in NDIS Therapy Pricing The NDIS regularly reviews and updates its pricing arrangements to reflect changes in the sector and ensure the scheme's sustainability. Some notable recent changes include: 1. **Early Childhood Age Limit**: As of July 1, 2025, the age limit for early childhood supports increased from 7 to 9 years. This change allows for more targeted early intervention strategies for a broader age range of children. 2. **Indexation Increase**: Disability support worker rates, including those for therapy assistants, saw a 3.95% increase effective July 1, 2025. This adjustment reflects both the Fair Work Commission's award increase and changes to the Superannuation Guarantee. 3. **Art and Music Therapy**: New pricing arrangements for art and music therapy were introduced in February 2025, allowing these supports to be accessed under community participation budgets at specified individual and group rates. 4. **Quality Supports Pilot**: In August 2025, the NDIS launched a $20 million Quality Supports Pilot for therapy providers. This initiative aims to evaluate the relationship between costs and outcomes, potentially informing future pricing models. These updates demonstrate the NDIS's commitment to evolving its pricing structure to better meet the needs of both participants and providers. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for effective plan management and service delivery. ## Practical Examples and Case Studies To illustrate how NDIS therapy pricing works in practice, let's consider a few real-world scenarios: 1. **Individual Occupational Therapy**: Sarah, living in a metropolitan area, receives one hour of occupational therapy at the national rate of $193.99 per hour. This rate covers the therapist's time, expertise, and any basic equipment used during the session. 2. **Group Speech Therapy**: A speech pathologist runs a group session for four children with similar goals. The hourly rate of $193.99 is divided by four, resulting in a per-participant cost of $48.50 per hour. This makes the therapy more affordable for families while still being viable for the provider. 3. **Art Therapy for Community Participation**: Under the new guidelines, a community center offers an art therapy group for four NDIS participants. The center can charge $193.99 per hour for the entire group, supporting social inclusion goals while providing therapeutic benefits. 4. **Therapy Assistant Support**: John receives ongoing physiotherapy maintenance. Some sessions are delivered by a Level 1 therapy assistant at $56.16 per hour, under the supervision of a qualified physiotherapist. This allows for more frequent interventions within John's budget. These examples demonstrate the flexibility of the NDIS pricing structure and how it can be applied to various therapy scenarios to meet diverse participant needs. ## Conclusion and Next Steps Navigating NDIS therapy pricing can be complex, but understanding the basics empowers participants to make informed decisions and get the most value from their plans. Key takeaways include: - Always review the latest [NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements) for up-to-date information. - Negotiate rates with providers, remembering that published rates are maximum limits. - Consider a mix of individual and group therapy options to optimize your budget. - Stay informed about NDIS updates and how they might affect your therapy supports. For personalized guidance on therapy pricing and plan management, consider reaching out to a support coordinator or using tools like [Sandi AI](https://sandi.app) for tailored NDIS assistance. By staying informed and proactive, participants can ensure they receive high-quality therapy supports that align with their goals and budget. Remember, the NDIS is designed to be flexible and participant-centered – don't hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification when needed. ## References 1. [NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26 (PDF)](https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/7739/download?attachment=) 2. [NDIS Pricing Arrangements page](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements) 3. [NDIS news: 2025-26 NDIS Pricing Arrangement and Price Limits Released](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10778-2025-26-ndis-pricing-arrangement-and-price-limits-released) 4. [NDIS news: Fairer and More Equitable Pricing for NDIS Participants](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10775-fairer-and-more-equitable-pricing-ndis-participants) 5. [NDIS statement on Music and Art Therapy](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy) 6. [NDIS news: $45 Million Boost for Quality Supports for NDIS Participants](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10856-45-million-boost-quality-supports-ndis-participants) 7. [NDIS Pricing Review Archive](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements/making-pricing-decisions/pricing-review-archive) 8. [NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Supports Guideline](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis/reasonable-and-necessary-supports)

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Pricing for Therapy Supports: Understanding the Different Professional Rates

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Pricing for Therapy Supports: Understanding the Different Professional Rates