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• NDIS Music Therapy: A Practical Guide

As an NDIS Plan Manager, I frequently help participants navigate the diverse range of
therapeutic supports available. One highly effective, engaging, and evidence-based
option is NDIS music therapy. In this practical guide, we will explore what music
therapy involves, how it can benefit you, and the requirements for including it in your
NDIS plan.

What is NDIS Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an individual therapy support that focuses on the therapeutic impact
of music on the brain, mind, and body. It is designed to support participants in
exploring and regulating their feelings and emotions, as well as building foundational
skills in memory, movement, and sequencing.

Important Note: Music therapy is not the same as taking music lessons. The focus is
always on therapeutic outcomes rather than the final musical product or
learning to play an instrument perfectly.

This type of therapy can be delivered in a variety of engaging ways, tailored to your
individual needs and preferences. Delivery methods often include:

• Listening to music
  
• Songwriting
  
• Music making
  
• Assisted relaxation strategies

How Can Music Therapy Help?

Music therapy aims to build your functional capacity or help you maintain your current
skills and independence. Working closely with a qualified therapist can lead to
improvements in several key areas of your daily life:

• Communication and Self-Expression: Improving the way you interact,
  communicate, and express your thoughts and feelings to others.
  
• Motor Skills and Mobility: Enhancing physical coordination and overall
  movement.
  
• Emotional and Cognitive Capacity: Supporting mood regulation, processing
  emotions, and boosting cognitive functions like memory.
  
• Identity and Self-Confidence: Building a stronger sense of self and fostering
  confidence in social and community settings.

Who Delivers the Therapy?

NDIS therapy supports must be strictly delivered by qualified allied health
professionals. For music therapy, this means you will work with a Registered Music
Therapist (RMT). RMTs hold a university degree specifically in music therapy and must
be registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association.

Funding Music Therapy in Your NDIS Plan

To be funded, music therapy must meet all NDIS funding criteria. Here is what you
need to know about getting it included in your plan:

• Evidence-Based Requirements: The therapy must be evidence-based and
  clearly beneficial for improving or maintaining your skills and independence.
  
• Therapy Goals: It can be funded as a capacity building support (to help you build
  new skills and independence) or as a maintenance support (to help prevent or
  delay your functional capacity from declining).
  
• Required Documentation: You will need to provide evidence from your allied
  health professional showing that this specific therapy support is right for you, what
  the expected outcomes are, and a timeline for achieving them.
  
• Plan Category: Therapy supports are typically included in your plan as a stated
  support under the Improved Daily Living Skills support category.

List of Music Therapy Line Items