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# NDIS Music and Art Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to General NDIS Supports The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has undergone significant changes in its approach to funding music and art therapy supports. These changes, stemming from the [NDIS Amendment Act 2024](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10530-independent-review-ndis-funded-music-and-art-supports), have redefined how these creative therapies are classified and funded within the scheme. This comprehensive guide will explore the current landscape of NDIS-funded music and art therapy, addressing recent updates, funding mechanisms, benefits, provider requirements, and future directions. As of October 2024, the NDIS has clarified its stance on various supports, including music and art therapy. These therapies now fall under a more scrutinized framework, emphasizing evidence-based practice and clear therapeutic outcomes. This shift reflects a broader trend within the NDIS towards ensuring that funded supports demonstrably contribute to participants' goals and functional capacities. An [independent review led by Dr Stephen Duckett AM](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10644-review-music-and-art-therapy-update) has been instrumental in shaping the future of these therapies within the NDIS. With approximately 600 submissions received and an extended deadline to April 2025, this review aims to establish appropriate price limits and solidify the evidence base for music and art therapy as NDIS supports. ## Funding and Access Routes for Music and Art Therapy The funding landscape for music and art therapy under the NDIS has evolved significantly. As of February 2025, these therapies are primarily accessed through the [Core – Community Participation budget](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy), marking a shift from their previous classification under Capacity-Building Therapy supports. Key points about funding and access include: - **Pricing Structure**: The NDIS has implemented new pricing arrangements for music and art therapy services: - One-to-one therapy sessions with a registered provider are priced at $67.56 per hour - Group therapy sessions (4 or more participants) with a registered provider are set at $193.99 per hour - **Reasonable and Necessary Criteria**: Participants must demonstrate that music or art therapy is [reasonable and necessary](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy) to maintain or improve their functional capacity, such as communication or psychosocial functioning. - **Plan Inclusion**: For continued access to higher therapy rates beyond February 2025, these supports must be explicitly stated and justified in the participant's NDIS plan. - **Transition Management**: The shift in funding categories necessitates careful planning and potential plan reviews. Participants are advised to [discuss their goals and support needs](https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/how-ndis-supports-work-menu/mainstream-and-community-supports/what-ndis-supports-will-we-include-your-plan) with their Planner or Support Coordinator to ensure appropriate budgeting. For a deeper understanding of NDIS-funded services and supports, including music and art therapy, check out our [Ultimate Guide to NDIS-Funded Services and Supports](/posts/your-ultimate-guide-to-ndis-funded-services-and-supports-f10e9bc6). ## Benefits and Applications of Music and Art Therapy While the evidence base for music and art therapy continues to evolve, several studies have highlighted potential benefits for specific groups of NDIS participants. A [rapid evidence review](https://dataresearch.ndis.gov.au/research-and-evaluation/decision-making-access-and-planning/evidence-summary-art-and-music-therapy) conducted by the NDIS found: - "Some evidence" supporting art therapy for children with autism - Positive outcomes from music therapy for individuals post-stroke or with multiple sclerosis However, it's important to note that the overall evidence was not conclusive for all disability groups, underscoring the need for ongoing research and evaluation. The benefits of music and art therapy can extend beyond direct therapeutic outcomes. For instance, the story of [Saffron, a 19-year-old NDIS participant with autism](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/10658-creativity-heart-saffrons-employment-journey), illustrates how art therapy funding can contribute to broader goals such as social participation and employment pathways. These creative therapies may offer unique advantages in: - Enhancing communication skills - Improving emotional regulation - Boosting self-esteem and confidence - Facilitating social interaction and engagement - Supporting motor skill development For more insights on how the NDIS is evolving to better serve participants, read our article on [Four Key Changes to Save the NDIS](/posts/four-key-changes-to-save-the-ndis-firmer-boundaries-better-claim-management-foun-72b8bbd3). ## Provider Requirements and Responsibilities Providers offering music and art therapy services under the NDIS must adhere to strict standards and qualifications: 1. **Registration**: Providers must be [registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy) to claim the specified therapy rates. 2. **NDIS Practice Standards**: Registered providers are required to meet the [Core and Verification modules](https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards) of the NDIS Practice Standards, covering areas such as human resource management, qualifications verification, and incident management. 3. **Qualifications**: - Music therapists should be Active Registered Music Therapists (RMT) with the Australian Music Therapy Association - Art therapists must be allied health professionals meeting relevant practice standards 4. **Evidence-Based Practice**: Providers are expected to deliver services aligned with current evidence and best practice guidelines. 5. **Record Keeping**: Comprehensive documentation of services, outcomes, and participant progress is essential for compliance and continued funding. Providers navigating these requirements may find our guide on [Negotiating NDIS Service Agreements: Key Clauses](/posts/negotiating-ndis-service-agreements-key-clauses-you-need-to-understand-561405f6) helpful in understanding their obligations and rights. ## Planning and Coordination for Therapy Supports Effective planning and coordination are crucial for participants to access and benefit from music and art therapy supports: 1. **Plan Reviews**: With the transition of these therapies to the Core – Community Participation budget, many participants will need to review and potentially adjust their NDIS plans. It's recommended to initiate these discussions well before February 2025. 2. **Goal Alignment**: Therapy supports should clearly align with the participant's stated goals and contribute to their functional capacity. 3. **Support Coordination**: Participants may benefit from working with a Support Coordinator to navigate the changes and ensure their plan accommodates their therapy needs effectively. 4. **Evidence Collection**: Gathering and presenting evidence of the therapy's effectiveness is crucial for continued funding, especially for accessing higher rates beyond February 2025. 5. **Transition Management**: For participants currently receiving these therapies under different support categories, a smooth transition plan should be developed in consultation with their NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator. Understanding the intricacies of NDIS planning can be challenging. Our article on [Navigating the NDIS: Common Challenges and Solutions](/posts/navigating-ndis-common-challenges-and-solutions-v1-archived-1754957019828) offers valuable insights for participants and their families. ## Conclusion and Future Insights The landscape of NDIS-funded music and art therapy is in a state of evolution. The ongoing independent review and the NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee's assessment will play crucial roles in shaping future policies and funding arrangements. Key considerations for the future include: - **Evidence-Based Decision Making**: The NDIS is likely to continue refining its approach based on emerging evidence and participant outcomes. - **Personalized Approaches**: There may be a greater emphasis on tailoring therapy supports to individual needs and goals. - **Integration with Other Supports**: Music and art therapy might be increasingly viewed as part of a holistic support package rather than standalone interventions. - **Technology Integration**: The potential for digital and remote delivery of these therapies may expand, especially in light of recent global changes in service delivery models. As the NDIS continues to refine its approach to music and art therapy, participants and providers alike must stay informed and adaptable. Regular engagement with NDIS updates, ongoing documentation of therapy benefits, and clear communication between all stakeholders will be key to navigating this evolving landscape successfully. For personalized guidance on navigating NDIS supports, including music and art therapy, consider engaging with [Sandi AI](https://sandi.app), your virtual assistant for all things NDIS. ## References 1. [NDIS Statement on Music and Art Therapy](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10522-statement-ndis-funded-music-and-art-therapy) 2. [Independent Review of NDIS-Funded Music and Art Supports](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10530-independent-review-ndis-funded-music-and-art-supports) 3. [Review of Music and Art Therapy Update](https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10644-review-music-and-art-therapy-update) 4. [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. [Newcastle Music Therapy - NDIS Information](https://www.newcastlemusictherapy.com.au/about-us/ndis/) 6. [NDIS Guidelines: What supports will we include in your plan?](https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/how-ndis-supports-work-menu/mainstream-and-community-supports/what-ndis-supports-will-we-include-your-plan) 7. [NDIS Practice Standards](https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards) 8. [Australian Music Therapy Association - NDIS Update](https://www.austmta.org.au/news-item/17354/music-therapy-is-still-an-ndis-funded-therapeutic-support) 9. [News.com.au - NDIS Supports List Update](https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/cuddle-therapy-crystals-reiki-axed-in-final-ndis-supports-list/news-story/b440568535ba1572c1175ed5cc0cf865) 10. [NDIS Stories: Saffron's Employment Journey](https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/10658-creativity-heart-saffrons-employment-journey)

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NDIS Music and Art Therapy: General NDIS Supports

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NDIS Music and Art Therapy: General NDIS Supports