In short: If you have NDIS funding, an occupational therapist (OT) can help you or your child build everyday skills and greater independence. NDIS occupational therapy is usually funded under your Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget. Our OT team supports participants across Melbourne's west, including Truganina, Tarneit, Werribee, Point Cook, Deer Park and Melton.
What does an NDIS occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people of all ages do the everyday activities that matter to them — from a child learning to hold a pencil or manage school, to an adult regaining independence at home. Under the NDIS, an OT works towards the goals in your plan, which might include self-care, daily routines, fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, or using assistive technology.
OTs can also complete functional capacity assessments and assistive technology assessments that help with NDIS planning and reviews. To learn more about the discipline itself, see our guide to what an occupational therapist does.
How is occupational therapy funded under the NDIS?
For most participants, occupational therapy is funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. This part of your plan is about building skills and independence over time, rather than day-to-day assistance.
A few things are useful to know:
- Improved Daily Living funding is generally flexible across therapy types, so it can cover occupational therapy, and often other allied health, within that budget
- Some supports an OT recommends — such as certain assistive technology — may be funded differently within your plan
- Whether occupational therapy is funded depends on it being reasonable and necessary and related to your disability and goals
If you are unsure how your plan covers OT, your support coordinator or plan manager can help — see our guide to NDIS plan management options.
What should I look for in an NDIS occupational therapist?
When choosing an OT, it can help to consider:
- Experience with your situation — for example children's developmental needs, autism, or adult independence
- Whether they offer clinic appointments, and community or home visits if that suits you better
- How they set goals with you and measure progress
- Clear communication with you, your family and your support team
- Availability and waiting times
It is reasonable to ask a provider these questions before you start, so you can choose the right fit.
Occupational therapy across Melbourne's west
Our occupational therapists support NDIS participants across Melbourne's western suburbs. We see people in our Truganina clinic and, where appropriate, through community visits to homes, schools, kindergartens and childcare centres in nearby areas including Tarneit, Werribee, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Deer Park and Melton. Telehealth can also be an option for some appointments.
You can explore our occupational therapy service and our wider NDIS supports to see how we work.
How do I get started?
Getting started is straightforward:
- Check your eligibility if you are not sure whether OT fits your plan
- Make a referral to begin
- Or contact our team to talk it through first — support is available in several languages
If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you can usually choose your own OT. If you are NDIA-managed, you will need to use a registered provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NDIS pay for occupational therapy?
Yes. For most participants, occupational therapy is funded under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living part of an NDIS plan, when it is reasonable and necessary and relates to your disability and goals. How your plan covers it can depend on your funding and plan management type, which your support coordinator or plan manager can help explain.
Which part of my NDIS plan covers occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is usually funded from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, which is the part of your plan focused on building skills and independence. This budget is generally flexible across therapy types. Some OT recommendations, such as certain assistive technology, may be funded from a different part of your plan.
Can I choose my own occupational therapist on the NDIS?
If you are plan-managed or self-managed, you can usually choose your own occupational therapist, including non-registered providers. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you will need to use an NDIS-registered provider. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm what applies to you.
Do you offer occupational therapy near me in Melbourne's west?
Our occupational therapists support participants across Melbourne's west, with clinic appointments in Truganina and community or home visits to nearby areas such as Tarneit, Werribee, Point Cook, Deer Park and Melton where appropriate. Telehealth is also available for some appointments. Contact our team to check availability for your area.
How long does it take to start occupational therapy?
This depends on current availability and the type of support you need. After a referral, the first appointment is usually an assessment so the OT can understand your goals and needs before planning support. Contact our team for current waiting times and to arrange an initial appointment.
Do I need a diagnosis to see an NDIS occupational therapist?
If you already have an NDIS plan with funding for therapy, you generally do not need a separate diagnosis to start occupational therapy — the OT works towards the goals in your plan. For NDIS access itself, evidence about how your disability affects daily life is part of the process. Our team can help you understand what is needed.
Trusted sources for further reading
- NDIS — National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Occupational Therapy Australia — the peak body for OTs
- Healthdirect — Occupational therapy
This article is general information only and does not replace individual professional advice. NDIS funding decisions depend on your individual plan and circumstances. For advice about your situation, please speak with a qualified occupational therapist, your support coordinator or the NDIS.
