Therapy assistants and group programs can be a practical, affordable way to help your child build skills between (or alongside) sessions with a speech pathologist, occupational therapist or psychologist. This page features Ballarat-area providers offering these supports and explains how they work, what they cost, and how to choose the right fit for your family.
Bacchus Marsh-based provider supporting infants through seniors, including NDIS participants. Offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, early intervention (ECI, ESDM), ABA/positive behaviour support, group programs, and OT/speech assistant support. Services delivered in-home, in-clinic, and via telehealth.
National 360 Ballarat clinic offering appointment-based paediatric allied health services in Ballarat Central, VIC. Location details, hours (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm) and contact information provided; no explicit details on ages, NDIS registration, telehealth or waitlists found in text.
A therapy assistant (sometimes called an allied health assistant, or AHA) works under the direction of a qualified allied health professional — such as a speech pathologist, occupational therapist or physiotherapist. The lead therapist sets the goals and program, then the assistant delivers regular, hands-on practice sessions. Because assistants work at a lower hourly rate, this model lets your child get more frequent support while stretching your funding further.
Group programs bring several children together to work on shared goals — for example, social skills, play skills, emotional regulation, fine-motor tasks or early literacy. Groups are usually planned and supervised by an allied health professional and are a great way for children to practise skills with peers in a natural, motivating setting.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might consider extra support if your child:
These are general observations only, not a diagnosis. A qualified therapist can help you work out whether an assistant-led or group program suits your child.
Group and assistant programs run for a wide age range — from toddlers and preschoolers through to primary-school and teenage years. Groups are usually organised by age and stage so children are matched with peers at a similar level. When you enquire, ask which age brackets each program caters for.
For an assistant-led program, you'll typically start with an assessment or planning session with the supervising therapist. They'll get to know your child, set goals, and design a program the assistant will deliver. For a group, there's often a short intake chat or observation session to check the group is a good match and to understand your child's needs.
Come prepared to talk about your child's strengths, challenges, any diagnoses or reports, and what you'd like them to get out of the program. Bring your NDIS plan if you have one, plus any recent therapy reports.
As a general guide in Australia, allied health assistant sessions often sit around $55–$90 per hour, while therapist-led services are higher (frequently $180–$220+ per hour). Group programs are usually priced per session and are often more affordable per child because the cost is shared.
The NDIS sets maximum price limits in its annual Pricing Arrangements, and these caps change, so always confirm current rates directly with the provider. These figures are a general indication only.
Under the NDIS, therapy assistant and group supports are usually funded from your Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. Some social and community group programs may draw on Core supports instead. If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you'll have more flexibility over which providers you use; agency-managed plans require NDIS-registered providers. Your support coordinator or plan manager can help you understand which line applies.
This page features Reverence Community Care (based in Bacchus Marsh, rated 4.9★ from 29 reviews) and National 360 Ballarat (Ballarat Central). When comparing these or any provider, look at:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a program that genuinely suits your child — and makes the most of your funding.
Or read the full therapy assistants & groups guide, or browse all Ballarat providers.
A therapist (such as a speech pathologist or occupational therapist) assesses your child, sets goals and designs the program. A therapy assistant delivers regular practice sessions under that therapist's direction. Because assistants charge a lower rate, this model can give your child more frequent support for the same funding.
These supports are commonly funded from Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living, and some community-based groups may come from Core supports. Confirm with your provider, support coordinator or plan manager which line applies to your child's plan, and check whether the provider needs to be NDIS-registered for your management type.
As a general guide, assistant sessions often range from around $55–$90 per hour, with group sessions priced per session and usually cheaper per child. NDIS price caps apply and change yearly, so always confirm current fees directly with the provider. These figures are indicative only.
Programs cater to a wide range, from toddlers and preschoolers to primary and secondary students. Groups are usually organised by age and developmental stage. Ask each provider which age brackets they run and whether there's a group that matches your child's needs.
Ask who supervises the assistants or groups and confirm their registration — speech pathologists with Speech Pathology Australia, and occupational therapists and psychologists with AHPRA. You can also confirm NDIS registration status and ask about current waitlists when you enquire.