Good news: There is still NDIS funding for music and art therapy
- dragonfly abilities
- Nov 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Art and music therapy are staying in the NDIS, but there are some important changes in 2025 that every client should know! From November 24th, qualified art and music therapists will be able to charge up to $156.16 per hour, the same rate as counsellors—a significant improvement over last year's much lower cap. To access these therapies, the provider must be registered with a professional body—so you can expect greater quality and consistency.
The NDIS is drawing a clearer line between therapy and recreational activities: only therapy provided by qualified practitioners will be funded, not general art or music classes. Therapists will use evidence-based methods and participants must demonstrate how the therapy assists with building functional skills such as communication, emotional regulation, or social engagement. This means you can keep accessing art and music therapy within your plan if you’re using a registered therapist.
Why Art and Music Therapy Matter
Art and music therapy can be truly life-changing for people with disabilities. These therapies go far beyond just “doing something fun”; they build self-confidence, emotional resilience, and functional skills in a supportive, creative environment. Many participants report that art and music therapy gave them new ways to communicate and express emotions when talk therapy didn’t work for them. For non-verbal clients, a qualified therapist might use music improvisation techniques to encourage vocal sounds and eventually help express needs through words.
Empowering Social Capacity
These therapies also help build vital social capacity. When you take part in a supportive therapy group, you practice collaboration, empathy, and belonging. Sharing creative experiences with others—whether making music or art—can open new opportunities to connect, thrive, and participate more fully in community life. As many participants have shared, art and music therapy is an essential pathway to supporting our ability to function and participate in life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you or someone you care for is ready to experience the benefits of art or music therapy, now’s a perfect time! Reach out to Dragonfly Abilities to chat about your interests, needs, and goals. Their team can help you find the right class or connect you with a qualified therapist who understands NDIS and can walk alongside you on your creative journey. You deserve supports that build your strengths and independence—let’s create something powerful together!
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