How Therapy Assistants Work (And When They’re a Great Option)

Therapy can be a powerful tool for growth — but it can also be expensive. For many NDIS participants, limited therapy budgets don’t always cover as many sessions as they’d like.

That’s where a Therapy Assistant (TA) can be a great solution.

Therapy assistants work under the supervision of a qualified therapist to deliver practical, goal-based support. They don’t replace therapists — but they help make therapy more consistent, accessible, and affordable.

Let’s break down how it works (and why it’s worth considering).

🧠 What Is a Therapy Assistant?

A Therapy Assistant is someone trained to:

• Follow the plan set by a qualified therapist (e.g. OT, speech, physio, psych)

• Support participants to practice skills between formal therapy sessions

• Offer hands-on, in-context support (e.g. at home, in the community, or school)

• Help track progress toward therapy goals

• Provide feedback to the therapist about how things are going

They might also be called:

• Allied Health Assistants (AHAs)

• Therapy Support Workers

• Therapy Aides

They work under supervision and don’t diagnose or create treatment plans.

🎯 What Can a Therapy Assistant Help With?

Depending on the therapy goals, a TA might:

• Practice speech and language exercises

• Support fine motor or gross motor skills (e.g. handwriting, balance, coordination)

• Help build social or communication skills through play or structured activities

• Support emotional regulation tools (e.g. visual aids, Zones of Regulation)

• Assist with life skills like cooking, planning, or hygiene routines

• Provide home program follow-ups from OTs, physios, or speechies

• Create visual resources or practice routines

The therapist sets the plan. The assistant brings it to life with repetition, encouragement, and real-world support.

💸 Are Therapy Assistants More Affordable Than Therapists?

Yes — usually significantly. While therapy sessions might be charged at around $190–$230 per hour, Therapy Assistants usually charge $85–$120 per hour, depending on their level and employer.

This makes them a smart way to stretch NDIS therapy funding, especially when participants need more frequent support than the budget allows.

🧾 How Is Therapy Assistant Support Funded in the NDIS?

Most therapy assistants are funded under:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

Your therapist may need to provide:

• A written support plan

• Clear therapy goals

• Ongoing supervision or review

• Progress notes from the assistant (or collaborative documentation)

If you’re self- or plan-managed, you may have the option to engage independent therapy assistants. If agency-managed, they’ll need to be NDIS-registered.

💡 When Is a Therapy Assistant a Good Option?

Therapy assistants can be a great fit when:

• You want more regular support but can’t afford weekly therapy

• You’ve got a solid therapy plan and want help practicing it

• Your child or teen learns better through repetition and real-world play

• You want extra sessions to build confidence before school, work, or social goals

• You need someone to bridge the gap between clinic and daily life

They’re also great for participants who struggle with traditional therapy settings — offering support in more natural environments.

📍 While we don’t currently offer Therapy Assistant services at Loving Life, we do work alongside participants who use TAs — and can align our support to complement therapy goals. We also offer programs that build life skills, communication, and emotional confidence — all of which support therapeutic outcomes.

Need help navigating your plan or supports? 📝 Contact us here