Music therapy and art therapy

NDIS Capacity Building support

Therapy that uses music or art to support communication, wellbeing, emotional expression and skill development, led by a qualified therapist.

The short answer

Music therapy and art therapy use music-making or art to support communication, emotional expression, wellbeing and skill development. They are led by qualified therapists.

About Music therapy and art therapy

Creative therapies work through activities that many people find natural and enjoyable. In music therapy a person might sing, play instruments, improvise or listen, while in art therapy they might draw, paint or work with clay. The therapist guides the activity with a therapeutic purpose, such as building communication, expressing feelings or developing movement and attention.

You do not need to be musical or artistic. The focus is on the process rather than the finished product, and activities are adapted to the person. These therapies can be helpful for people who find words difficult, and for those who benefit from a non-verbal way to connect and express themselves.

Creative therapists have specific training and belong to professional associations. Ask about qualifications, experience with people like you and how progress is measured, so that you can tell whether the sessions are helping.

Who is this service for?

People who express themselves or connect with others more easily through music or art than through words.

What a typical session looks like

A music or art therapy session takes place in a safe, private space, either one to one or in a small group. The therapist invites you to make or listen to music, or to draw, paint, sculpt or work with other materials. You do not need any skill or experience, because the focus is on the process, not the result.

After the activity, you may talk about what you made or how it felt, or you may simply reflect quietly. The therapist observes and responds, and over time helps you work on goals such as communication, emotional expression, confidence, movement or relationships. Sessions are often adapted to suit a person's abilities and sensory needs.

Who delivers this support

Registered music therapists and art therapists have specialist postgraduate training and belong to professional associations that set standards. Ask about their qualifications, registration with the relevant association and experience with your age group and needs. These therapies are different from music lessons or art classes, though some people enjoy both.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Think about what you hope to get from therapy.
  2. Contact therapists and ask about their approach.
  3. Try a session and see how it feels.
  4. Review goals after a few weeks.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Creative therapies often work alongside other therapies, counselling and community activities. They can be especially helpful for people who find it hard to express themselves in words, and for children and young people. Many people use them to build confidence and connection, which helps in other parts of life.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Music therapy and art therapy if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Music therapy and art therapy is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Music therapy and art therapy that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Therapy services providers on the NDIS register

10,460 NDIS providers list therapy services supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing therapy services

See all 10,460 therapy services providers

Listings by state and territory

Suburbs with the most listings

Listings covering the most areas

Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What is music or art therapy?

Therapy that uses music-making or art to support communication, emotional expression, wellbeing and skill development, led by a qualified therapist.

Do I need to be musical or artistic?

No. The focus is on the process, not on producing something polished. Therapists adapt activities to the person.

How do I find a qualified therapist?

Look for therapists with recognised qualifications and membership of their professional association, and ask about their experience with people like you.

Do I need to be good at music or art?

No. The therapy is about the experience, not the result.

Is this the same as an art class?

No. Therapy has therapeutic goals and is led by a qualified therapist, whereas classes teach creative skills.

Can children take part?

Yes. Creative therapies are widely used with children and can be adapted to their needs.

Do I need to be musical or artistic to try these therapies?

No. The activities are designed for people of all abilities, and the focus is on expression and connection, not skill.

How is music therapy different from music lessons?

Music therapy uses music to work on goals such as communication, emotion and movement, guided by a trained therapist. Lessons teach how to play or sing.

Can these therapies help children?

Yes. They are widely used with children because they can be playful and do not rely on words, and they can help with communication, social skills and emotional expression.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Music therapy and art therapy?

If Music therapy and art therapy is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Music therapy and art therapy provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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