How Many Therapy Sessions Can I Get With My NDIS Budget?
Calculate OT, physio, speech therapy and psychology sessions from your funding allocation
Sessions Available
Occupational Therapist
NDIS Item: 15_617_0128_1_3
Rate: $193.99 per hour
Cost per Session
$193.99
Total Hours
25
Total Sessions
25
This estimate is for direct therapy time only. Additional costs may apply for reports, assessments, non-face-to-face consultations, and provider travel.
Therapy supports—including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, and psychology—help NDIS participants build capacity and reach their goals. These services are funded under Capacity Building supports. Use this calculator to work out how many therapy sessions your budget can cover based on official NDIS price limits.
How NDIS Therapy Pricing Works
The NDIS sets maximum hourly rates for different therapy types. Occupational therapy and speech pathology have the same rate ($193.99/hour national), physiotherapy is slightly lower ($183.99/hour national), and psychology is higher ($252.99/hour national) reflecting different qualification requirements.
These rates cover direct therapy time—face-to-face sessions where the therapist works with you on specific goals. Additional costs may apply for initial assessments, progress reports, non-face-to-face consultations (phone or video), provider travel, and report writing for the NDIA.
Planning Your Therapy Budget
When planning your NDIS budget request, consider how many hours of therapy per week or month you need to achieve your goals. For example, a child with autism might need 2 hours of occupational therapy per week (around $20,000 per year), while an adult recovering from injury might need intensive physiotherapy for 3 months ($10,000).
Your therapy budget sits in the Capacity Building category of your plan. It's separate from Core Supports (like support workers) and Capital Supports (like equipment). During plan reviews, you'll need to show how therapy is helping you reach your goals and why continued funding is reasonable and necessary.
What Affects Session Costs
Session duration varies by provider and your needs. Standard sessions are 45 minutes to 1 hour, but some providers offer 30-minute or 90-minute sessions. Longer sessions may be more cost-effective if you need intensive work, while shorter sessions suit maintenance or check-in appointments.
Regional loading applies: remote area therapy rates are approximately 10% higher, and very remote rates are about 50% higher. This accounts for the scarcity of therapists in less accessible areas. Many regional participants access telehealth therapy to reduce travel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same therapist throughout my plan?
Yes, continuity of care is important. Once you find a therapist who understands your goals and works well with you, you can continue seeing them across multiple plan periods, as long as therapy remains reasonable and necessary for your situation.
What if my therapist charges less than the NDIS rate?
That's great—you'll get more sessions for your budget. Some providers charge below the maximum rate, especially in competitive urban markets. Shop around and compare quotes, but also consider the therapist's experience and fit for your needs.
Do I pay extra for reports and assessments?
Initial assessments and progress reports can be claimed separately, usually at the same hourly rate. Check your service agreement for details. Some providers include reports in their therapy hours; others charge separately. Clarify this upfront to avoid surprises.
Can I have more than one therapy type at the same time?
Yes, many participants work with multiple therapists. For example, a child might see both an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist. Your plan will allocate budget across different therapy types based on your assessed needs and goals.
What happens if I don't use all my therapy budget?
Unused Capacity Building funds don't automatically roll over to the next plan. You can request a plan variation to reallocate funds to other supports, or simply use what you need. At your next plan review, explain why your usage was lower than expected.
How do I know how much therapy I need?
Your therapist will recommend a treatment plan based on your goals and condition. Your LAC or support coordinator can help estimate the budget needed. It's okay to start with less and request a plan variation if you need more.
Important: This is general information only, not financial or care advice. NDIS price limits change annually. Always check the official NDIS pricing schedule for the most current rates and consult your plan manager or support coordinator about your specific situation.
Official Sources
NDIS Support Catalogue 2026-27 (Appendix 4 - Therapy)
Effective: 24 September 2026 | Last checked: 16 October 2026
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