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# Latest on NDIS Music and Art Therapy 2025: A Comprehensive Guide The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has recently undergone significant changes in its approach to funding music and art therapy. These creative therapies have long been recognized for their potential to improve the lives of people with disabilities, offering unique avenues for expression, communication, and personal growth. As we enter 2025, it's crucial for NDIS participants, their families, and service providers to understand the latest developments in NDIS-funded music and art therapy. ## Introduction to NDIS Music and Art Therapy Music and art therapy are powerful tools that can help individuals with disabilities improve their quality of life, enhance communication skills, and foster emotional well-being. These therapies use creative processes to address physical, emotional, and cognitive needs, often achieving outcomes that traditional therapies may struggle to reach. As of [February 1, 2025](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy), the NDIS has implemented new guidelines for funding music and art therapy. These changes reflect a broader shift in how these supports are categorized and funded within the scheme. While the NDIS continues to recognize the value of these therapies, the new framework aims to ensure that funding is allocated effectively and in line with evidence-based practices. Currently, NDIS participants can access music and art therapy through their plan's community participation budget. This shift from the previous capacity-building category has implications for both pricing and how these therapies are integrated into participants' overall support plans. ## Eligibility and Access for NDIS Participants To access NDIS-funded music or art therapy in 2025, participants must meet the general NDIS eligibility criteria. This includes being [under 65 years of age, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and living in Australia](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/information-gps-and-health-professionals/eligibility-and-early-intervention-faq). Additionally, the participant's disability must be permanent and significantly impact their daily life. For music and art therapy specifically, the NDIS now considers these as capacity-building supports. To be eligible, participants must demonstrate that these therapies are: 1. Reasonable and necessary for their specific needs 2. Likely to improve or maintain their functional capacity 3. Beneficial for areas such as communication, interpersonal interactions, or psychosocial functioning To apply for or verify ongoing eligibility for music and art therapy supports, participants can: 1. Engage with their local area coordinator or NDIA office 2. Provide evidence from treating health professionals, potentially using the [Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/information-support-your-request/providing-evidence-your-disability) 3. Discuss the inclusion of these therapies during their plan review or creation process It's important to note that participants with existing plans that include stated supports for art or music therapy [can continue accessing these supports at the pre-February 2025 rates](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy), ensuring continuity of care. For more information on navigating NDIS funding options, check out our guide on [Navigating Self-Management of NDIS Funding in 2024](/posts/navigating-self-management-of-ndis-funding-in-2024-c56c7246). ## Funding and Pricing Arrangements The NDIS has introduced new pricing structures for music and art therapy, effective from February 1, 2025. These changes are part of the scheme's ongoing efforts to ensure fair and sustainable pricing for supports. Here are the key details: - One-to-one sessions: $67.56 per hour - Group sessions (4 or more participants): $193.99 per hour These rates are now funded through the community participation budget, rather than the previous capacity-building Improved Daily Living category. This shift reflects the NDIS's current classification of music and art therapy as supportive rather than clinical therapeutic interventions. It's worth noting that while these are the standard rates, the [NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) for 2025-26](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements) allow for some flexibility. Participants and providers can negotiate lower rates, but they cannot exceed the set price limits. For participants looking to maximize their NDIS funding across various supports, including therapy and transportation, our article on [NDIS Travel Pricing Changes for Therapy Providers in 2025](/posts/understanding-ndis-travel-pricing-changes-for-therapy-providers-in-2025-4b1f3b7f) offers valuable insights. ## Provider Requirements and Best Practices To deliver NDIS-funded music and art therapy services in 2025, providers must meet specific requirements: 1. [Registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/how-register) 2. Adherence to the NDIS Practice Standards 3. Compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct Providers offering music and art therapy fall under the "0128 Therapeutic Supports" registration group. However, it's important to note that the qualifications and accreditations for practitioners in this field are currently under review by the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee. Best practices for providers include: - Maintaining up-to-date qualifications and professional development - Tailoring therapy sessions to individual participant goals and needs - Documenting progress and outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of interventions - Collaborating with other support providers to ensure a holistic approach to participant care For participants managing their own supports, our guide on [Empowering NDIS Participants: Choosing Your Own Support Providers](/posts/empowering-ndis-participants-choosing-your-own-support-providers-f9164425) offers valuable advice on selecting and working with providers. ## Practical Examples and Case Studies Real-world examples highlight the positive impact of NDIS-funded music and art therapy: 1. **Saffron's Story**: [A 19-year-old NDIS participant with autism and a genetic disorder](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/10658-creativity-heart-saffrons-employment-journey) used NDIS funding through an employment pathways program to launch a small art business. This initiative not only provided a creative outlet but also opened up volunteering opportunities and local art sales, showcasing the potential of art therapy to enhance both personal expression and vocational skills. 2. **Music Therapy for Stroke Recovery**: The NDIS [evidence summary](https://dataresearch.ndis.gov.au/research-and-evaluation/decision-making-access-and-planning/evidence-summary-art-and-music-therapy) identified benefits of music therapy for stroke survivors, particularly in improving mood and social participation. One participant reported significant improvements in speech and motor control through regular music therapy sessions. 3. **Art Therapy for Children with Autism**: Group art therapy sessions funded through the NDIS have shown promise in helping children with autism develop social skills and emotional regulation. A local provider reported that participants demonstrated increased engagement and reduced anxiety during collaborative art projects. These examples illustrate how music and art therapy, when appropriately integrated into NDIS plans, can contribute to meaningful outcomes across various aspects of participants' lives. ## Conclusion As we navigate the evolving landscape of NDIS-funded music and art therapy in 2025, it's clear that these creative interventions continue to play a valuable role in supporting individuals with disabilities. While funding arrangements and provider requirements have undergone changes, the core focus remains on delivering effective, participant-centered supports. For participants and their families, staying informed about eligibility criteria, funding options, and provider qualifications is key to making the most of these therapeutic opportunities. Providers, in turn, must adapt to new pricing structures and registration requirements while maintaining high standards of practice. As the NDIS continues to refine its approach based on evidence and participant outcomes, we can expect further developments in how music and art therapy are integrated into the scheme. By staying engaged with these changes and advocating for the value of creative therapies, the NDIS community can work together to ensure that participants have access to a diverse range of supports that enhance their quality of life and foster personal growth. For personalized guidance on navigating NDIS supports, including music and art therapy options, don't hesitate to [engage with Sandi AI for tailored assistance](https://sandi.app). ## References 1. [NDIS Statement on Music and Art Therapy](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy) 2. [NDIS Review of Music and Art Therapy Update](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10644-review-music-and-art-therapy-update) 3. [NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Updates](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements/pricing-updates) 4. [NDIS 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) 5. [NDIS Eligibility and Early Intervention FAQ](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply/information-gps-and-health-professionals/eligibility-and-early-intervention-faq) 6. [NDIS Application for People with Psychosocial Disability](https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works/psychosocial-disability/applying-ndis-people-psychosocial-disability) 7. [Greens Statement on Art and Music Therapies](https://greens.org.au/news/media-release/greens-statement-cuts-art-music-therapies) 8. [NDIS Pricing Arrangements](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements) 9. [Independent Review of Music and Art Therapy Update](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10689-independent-review-music-and-art-therapy-update) 10. [NDIS Fairer and More Equitable Pricing](https://ndis.gov.au/news/10775-fairer-and-more-equitable-pricing-ndis-participants) 11. [NDIS Provider Registration Process](https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/how-register) 12. [NDIS Participant Story: Saffron's Employment Journey](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/10658-creativity-heart-saffrons-employment-journey)

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Latest on NDIS Music and Art Therapy 2025

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Latest on NDIS Music and Art Therapy 2025