Occupational therapy (OT) helps children build the everyday skills they need to play, learn and take part in daily life — from fine motor and sensory processing to dressing, eating and self-care. This guide explains how paediatric OT works, what it typically costs, how NDIS funding fits in, and how to choose the right provider in Bendigo. We currently feature a range of local services, listed further down by star rating.
Action Rehab Bendigo offers hand therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy focused on shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions, including paediatric fractures. No referral needed; located at 26 Bridge St, Bendigo VIC.
General physiotherapy and allied health provider offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietitian, podiatry, and other services. Accepts NDIS, Medicare, TAC, DVA, WorkSafe. No specific paediatric age range, telehealth, waitlist, or practitioner names mentioned.
Bendigo-based provider offering Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Early Childhood Intervention for children and adults, including hydrotherapy, assessments, home modifications and assistive technology. No referral needed. Accepts NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients; not yet a registered NDIS provider for NDIA-managed participants.
The OT Group offers Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, and Support Coordination services across Victoria (Moonee Ponds, Parkdale, Bendigo clinics) and Australia-wide via telehealth.
Scope's Bendigo therapy centre offers speech pathology and occupational therapy for people of all ages and abilities, with integrated, collaborative therapist teams. Contact via phone or online enquiry; no specific ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details provided.
Registered NDIS provider in Bendigo offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, early childhood supports, and positive behaviour support for children, teens, and adults. Early childhood supports for children up to nine years. No waitlists mentioned. Services delivered in homes, schools, workplaces, and community settings.
Family-centred allied health service in East Bendigo for children aged 0-16, offering neurodiversity-affirming physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology in-home, in-clinic, or community settings. Waitlist available via online form; NDIS and telehealth not explicitly mentioned.
Bendigo/Golden Square VIC provider offering assessment, speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology and play therapy, and groups/AHA supports. No practitioner names, telehealth, NDIS registration, ages, or waitlist details explicitly stated on page.
Occupational therapy for children focuses on the 'occupations' of childhood — playing, learning, socialising and looking after themselves. An occupational therapist looks at how a child manages tasks at home, at school and in the community, then works out where support might help.
Common areas of focus include:
Therapy is usually play-based and tailored to the individual child, with practical strategies for parents and teachers to use between sessions.
Every child develops at their own pace, but you might consider an OT assessment if your child:
If you have concerns, it's worth chatting with your GP, maternal and child health nurse, or your child's teacher first. They can help you decide whether an OT assessment is the right next step.
Occupational therapists work with children across a wide age range, from toddlers and preschoolers through to primary and secondary school students. Early support can be helpful, but it's never too late — OT goals simply change to suit the child's age and stage.
A first appointment usually involves an assessment. The therapist will chat with you about your child's history, strengths and the areas you'd like help with. They may observe your child playing or completing tasks, and sometimes use standardised assessments to get a clearer picture.
From there, the therapist will typically set goals with you and suggest a plan — this might be a block of sessions, regular ongoing appointments, or a home program you carry out yourself. Bring along any relevant reports (from school, other therapists or your GP) to the first session.
Allied health therapy in Australia is commonly charged by the hour. The NDIS publishes price caps for therapy supports, and many providers set their fees at or below these caps. As a general guide, occupational therapy sessions often fall in the range of roughly $180–$220 per hour, though this varies by provider, session type and travel. Assessments and detailed reports may be charged separately.
This is a general range only and prices change — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
If your child has an NDIS plan, OT is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. This budget covers assessment, therapy and reports aimed at building skills and independence. How you use it depends on whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed:
If you're not on the NDIS, some costs may be claimable through Medicare (with a GP referral and care plan) or private health extras — check what applies to your family.
When comparing OT services, it helps to look beyond star ratings. Consider:
This page features local providers including Capable Therapy, The OT Group, Scope Social Connections and Therapy, Everyday Independence Bendigo, Treehouse Paediatrics and others across Bendigo, Golden Square, Strathdale, East Bendigo and Eaglehawk.
Taking a little time to compare options and ask these questions will help you find a provider that's the right fit for your child and your family.
Or read the full occupational therapy guide, or browse all Bendigo providers.
You don't need a referral to see an OT privately or through the NDIS. However, if you want to access Medicare rebates, you'll usually need a GP referral and a care plan. It's still worth speaking with your GP or child health nurse for guidance.
OT is generally funded under the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget in your child's NDIS plan. This covers assessment, therapy and reports. How you access it depends on whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed. NDIS price caps apply, so confirm fees with the provider.
As a general guide, OT sessions often range from around $180 to $220 per hour, with assessments and reports sometimes charged separately. The NDIS sets price caps for therapy supports. Prices vary and change over time, so always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Occupational therapists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia — you can verify this on the AHPRA website. Membership of Occupational Therapy Australia is an additional sign of professional standing.
Some Bendigo providers offer telehealth alongside clinic, home and school visits. Telehealth can be convenient for families in outlying areas or for follow-up sessions. Ask each provider what session types they offer and whether travel fees apply for in-person visits.