Allied Health Therapy Services
Practical, person-centred therapy supports that build confidence, capacity and everyday wellbeing.
Nhanya Foundation provides allied health therapy services in Melbourne for children, young people and adults who need support to build skills, improve daily functioning, strengthen communication, and increase independence, delivered with a person centred approach.
Our therapy services are delivered with care, patience and respect. We understand that people may come to therapy after stress, trauma, disability-related challenges, developmental concerns, or major life changes. Our focus is on practical support that helps people move forward at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
We welcome people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Therapy planning can consider language, cultural identity, family and community context, communication preferences and what respectful support means to the person.
Nhanya Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. Any surplus generated through our services is applied to our charitable purposes and community benefit, including support for women, children, young people and families experiencing hardship, instability and disadvantage.
Our Therapy Services
Nhanya Foundation offers a range of allied health therapy supports, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech pathology and behaviour support. Each service is tailored to the person’s needs, goals and circumstances. We work alongside individuals, families, carers, support coordinators and other professionals to ensure therapy is practical, respectful and connected to real life.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy supports people to build independence and participate more confidently in everyday life. This may include support with self-care, daily routines, sensory needs, home and community access, functional capacity, equipment needs, and skill development.
Our Occupational Therapists focus on practical outcomes. We help people understand what support is needed, what barriers may be affecting independence, and what strategies can make daily life safer, easier and more manageable. Explore our dedicated Occupational Therapy services & assessments →
NDIS Occupational Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
Does NDIS cover occupational therapy?
Yes. Occupational therapy can be funded under the Capacity Building or Core supports categories of an NDIS plan where it is reasonable and necessary to help a participant achieve their goals. Funding is not automatic for every plan, so it needs to be discussed at your planning meeting or plan review.
What does an NDIS occupational therapist help with?
An NDIS occupational therapist helps participants build independence in everyday activities such as self-care, home and community access, sensory regulation, and functional capacity. They can also complete functional capacity assessments used to support NDIS planning and plan reviews.
How do I access occupational therapy on my NDIS plan?
If occupational therapy is included in your plan, you can choose any registered or unregistered occupational therapist, including Nhanya Foundation. If it isn't yet included, raise it with your planner, LAC, or support coordinator, explaining how it relates to your goals.
Can I change occupational therapists under the NDIS?
Yes. Participants can choose and change their occupational therapy provider at any time. There is no lock-in, and you're free to select a provider that best suits your needs and goals.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy supports movement, strength, mobility and physical wellbeing. It can assist people who experience pain, reduced mobility, physical disability, falls risk, neurological conditions, or changes in physical function.
Our Physiotherapy support is focused on improving comfort, movement and participation in daily life. We work with each person to build realistic goals, improve physical capacity where possible and support safer movement at home and in the community.
Psychology
Psychology support can help people manage emotional distress, anxiety, trauma, grief, behavioural concerns, adjustment difficulties and mental health challenges.
Our approach is gentle and person-centred. We support people to better understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, build confidence, and work towards improved wellbeing. Where appropriate, we also work with families and support networks to help create safer and more supportive environments.
Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology supports communication, language, speech, swallowing and social interaction needs. This may include support for children with developmental delays, people with disability, or individuals who need help expressing themselves or understanding others.
Our Speech Pathologists focus on helping people communicate in ways that are meaningful and practical for them. This may include communication strategies, assessment, therapy, family education, and support to improve participation at home, school, work or in the community.
Behaviour Support
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) helps people, families and support teams understand behaviours of concern and respond in safer, more respectful and practical ways.
Our Behaviour Support Practitioners deliver specialist behaviour support services in Melbourne, taking a person-centred and trauma-informed approach. We look at what may be contributing to behaviour, including communication needs, environment, stress, sensory factors, unmet needs, trauma, or changes in routine. The goal is to reduce distress, improve safety, and build better support around the person.
Where positive behaviour support plans or regulated requirements are involved, we work carefully and responsibly with the person, their family, support team and relevant professionals. Learn more about our Positive Behaviour Support plans & assessments →
Why choose Nhanya Foundation?
Nhanya means persistence. That is how we approach therapy.
We understand that meaningful progress often takes time. Our therapists work patiently with people and their support networks, focusing on steady progress, practical strategies and long-term wellbeing.
As a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, our purpose is community benefit. We are not driven by private profit or pressure to capture every service around a person. Our therapy services sit alongside our support coordination and group-based programs, allowing us to provide connected support while still respecting choice, transparency and each person’s best interests.
We believe good therapy should feel respectful, useful and connected to everyday life.
Who we Support
Our therapy services may support:
- children and young people with developmental or functional needs, including youth support services
- people with disability
- people needing trauma support or experiencing stress or emotional challenges
- families and carers needing practical strategies and family support networks
- people with communication, mobility or daily living concerns
- people needing assessment, therapy planning or capacity-building support
- individuals who require coordinated support across therapy, community support services and disability services
Start with a conversation
If you are unsure which therapy service is right, we can help you talk through the options.
Contact Nhanya Foundation to discuss therapy needs, referral pathways, availability, and the most appropriate next step.
