An independent review, led by Dr Stephen Duckett, has provided new guidance on pricing, qualifications and how art and music therapy will be delivered in the future.
The review confirmed that art and music therapy can be beneficial when delivered by qualified professionals and directly linked to a participant’s disability-related needs and goals.
Here’s what we know so far.
What the review looked at.
The review considered:
- Whether art and music therapy are effective and beneficial for people with disability
- The qualifications therapists should hold
- How much the NDIS should pay for these therapies
- How to make sure people on the NDIS are supported by the right people in the right way.
More than 600 people with disability, families, carers and providers contributed their experiences.
Key changes coming in November 2025.
The NDIA accepted all 15 recommendations from the review that apply to the NDIS. The biggest changes are:
- New price limit. From 24 November 2025, the maximum hourly rate will be $156.16. This aligns with counselling services and replaces the old rate of $193.99.
- Qualified therapists only. Art therapy must be delivered by therapists registered with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA). Music therapy must be delivered by therapists registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA).
- Therapeutic vs non-therapeutic activities. NDIS funding is available for therapy delivered by qualified therapists. It will not pay for general art or music classes.
- Evidence-based support. The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee will continue to review the research and provide guidance. New operational guidelines will be released in late 2025.
Why this matters.
In the ABC article, ‘New NDIS price cap for ‘life-changing’ music and art therapy revealed’, Dr Duckett stated, “It is clear that art and music therapies can be effective and even life-changing for some people with disability.”
According to the review, 6,788 NDIS participants accessed art therapy in 2023-24, while 7,217 accessed music therapy. For many participants, art and music therapy are essential supports that can improve mental health, build communication skills and encourage meaningful engagement.
What this means for you.
If you currently have art or music therapy in your NDIS Plan:
- You can keep accessing it as usual from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living under the relevant Therapy Supports line item code
- From November 2025, the hourly rate will change to $156.16
- Current group therapy rules are likely to apply. For example, if a qualified therapist is providing support to three participants, each person would pay a third of the total hourly rate of $156.16.
Good to know: Art and music therapy cannot be claimed under ‘other professional’.
Examples of what won’t be funded.
- General art or music classes without a therapeutic focus
- Activities led by people who are not members of AMTA or ANZACATA
- Materials, instruments or lessons.
What’s next.
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) will be updated in late 2025 to reflect the new price limit. A new Therapy Supports Operational Guideline will also be released to clarify how these supports should be claimed.
Need help?
If you’re unsure whether art or music therapy is included in your NDIS Plan, or if you’d like help understanding your options, the Leap in! Crew is here for you.
Call us on 1300 05 78 78 to find out more.
