Music Therapy continues to play an important role in helping NDIS participants build confidence, strengthen communication, regulate emotions, and develop everyday living skills. With ongoing discussions about therapy funding and qualifications this year, we want to make sure you have the facts clearly and simply.
Here’s what you need to know about accessing Music Therapy under the NDIS in 2025.
The NDIS continues to recognise Music Therapy as a clinical therapeutic service when delivered by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).
This means it can be funded from your Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget when it is reasonable and necessary for your functional goals.
Participants commonly use Music Therapy to support:
When your NDIS goals clearly describe what you’re working toward, Music Therapy can continue to be funded as therapeutic support.
On 24 November 2025, the NDIS introduced a new, specific price limit for Music Therapy, reducing the hourly rate from the previous general therapy price.
According to the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA):
“The price change represents a reduction of 19.5% – from $193.99 per hour ($176.35 after GST) to $156.16 per hour ($141.96 after GST).” (Australian Music Therapy Association, 25 Nov 2025)
AMTA has raised strong concerns, noting that the change may impact service access for participants, with AMTA President Monica Zidar RMT stating:
“The cut will cause serious and immediate harm to participants and the workforce… We are seeing practice closures, workforce reductions and rapid withdrawal from the NDIS market.”
This new rate applies only when the service is delivered by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).
If you’re unsure how this affects your current funding or therapy hours, our team can help you review your plan and understand what this new price limit means for you.
For Music Therapy to be claimed as therapy under the NDIS, your provider must be a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).
An RMT is someone who has:
This ensures your therapy is:
If a provider is not an RMT, the NDIS may classify their sessions as community or recreational activities rather than therapy, meaning they may need to be funded from different parts of your plan.
Plan reviews and audits continue to focus on functional outcomes, so it’s important that your Music Therapy:
If you’re unsure whether your current goals support Music Therapy, our team can help you review and prepare before your next plan reassessment.
At Support Agency, our Music Therapy service is delivered by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).
Our approach is safe, clinical, and person-centred helping you develop meaningful skills through music in a way that is both therapeutic and enjoyable.
We can help you:
Contact Support Agency today to book an intake or ask a question.