Starting out
Just got your first NDIS plan? Start here.
A first plan can feel like a wall of jargon. Here's the short version for getting therapy started — what to look for in your plan, who to contact, and how to book your first online session without waiting months.
The five-minute plan check
Before you book anything, find these in your plan document:
- A Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. This is what funds therapy. Note the amount.
- How that budget is managed — self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed. This decides who you can book (self-managed and plan-managed give you the most choice).
- Your plan start and end dates. Funding doesn't roll over, so it's worth starting therapy early rather than rushing at the end.
- Your goals. Therapy supports have to connect to a plan goal — most plans include something about communication, independence, or daily living that covers speech, OT, or psychology.
Who to keep on speed dial
- Your plan manager (if plan-managed) — they pay invoices; we just need their email.
- Your support coordinator or LAC — they help you put the plan into action and can answer the curly questions.
Starting with us
Once you know your budget and management type, booking is quick:
- Tell us what you're hoping therapy will help with — you don't need a diagnosis or referral to begin.
- We match you to a therapist in the right discipline who has availability soon.
- Your first session is an assessment — your therapist works out where to start and roughly how many sessions they'd suggest, so you can plan your budget with confidence.
Not sure which discipline fits? Our two-minute screener points you in the right direction.
Common questions
- How do I know if my plan funds therapy?
- Look for a Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. That's the category that funds speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology. If it's there, you have therapy funding to use.
- How is my plan managed?
- Your plan states whether each budget is self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed. This decides which providers you can use. Self-managed and plan-managed both let you choose online and non-registered providers.
- Do I have to use my whole budget?
- No. Your budget is a ceiling, not a target. Use what helps you pursue your goals. A good therapist will suggest a sensible number of sessions and check in before recommending more.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-06-14. NDIS rules change — check the official source for the current detail.