What play therapy is
Children often cannot explain in words what they are feeling or finding hard. In play therapy, a trained therapist uses toys, sand trays, art, puppets and games to help a child express themselves, work through difficult experiences, and practise skills such as regulating emotions, communicating and relating to others.
Sessions can be child led, where the child chooses the play, or more structured, where the therapist guides activities toward a goal. Parents are often involved, either in sessions or through coaching on how to use play at home.
When the NDIS funds it
Play therapy is not on the list of excluded supports. The NDIS Supports Rules include therapeutic supports: evidence based therapy that helps participants improve or maintain functional capacity in areas such as communication, interpersonal interactions and psychosocial functioning. Play therapy can fit here when it meets the usual tests:
- It relates to your child's disability, not general childhood worries or parenting
- It links to a goal in their plan, such as managing emotions, communicating or joining in with others
- It is delivered by a suitably qualified professional
- It is reasonable and necessary and good value compared with other options
Who can deliver it
Play therapy is a way of working rather than a single profession. Psychologists, occupational therapists, counsellors and social workers may use it, and some have extra play therapy training.
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements set the qualification each therapy item requires. A professional whose discipline is not named there can be claimed under the other therapy professional item, where the provider considers them appropriate under the NDIS Commission's requirements for the therapeutic supports registration group. Ask any play therapist which item they will claim and what qualification they hold.
What it costs in 2026/27
Price limits depend on the professional delivering the session. In most of Australia, for 2026/27:
- Psychologist: $252.99 an hour
- Occupational therapist or social worker: $193.99 an hour
- Counsellor or other therapy professional: $156.16 an hour
Which budget pays
For children younger than 9, therapy is usually funded and claimed as early childhood supports, which have their own items. For older children it usually comes from the improved daily living skills part of the Capacity Building budget.
Since 1 October 2026, improved daily living skills funding is reduced by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed. Plan session numbers with your therapist so the budget lasts.
Play therapy and the early childhood approach
NDIS early childhood support focuses on family centred practice: helping parents and carers build their child's skills in everyday routines. A good play therapist for a young child will involve you and give you ideas to use at home, not only see your child in a clinic.
From 1 October 2026 Thriving Kids supports began rolling out outside the NDIS for children 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. Ask your early childhood partner what is available near you.
Getting it funded
- Ask the therapist for a written plan with goals linked to your child's NDIS plan
- Ask how progress will be measured, and for a short report before reassessment
- Check the therapist's qualification and the NDIS item they will claim
- If your child is agency managed, the therapist must be an NDIS registered provider