Therapy assistant sessions and group programs can be a practical, lower-cost way to help your child build skills between (or alongside) sessions with a lead therapist. This page features Hobart-area providers offering these supports, and explains how the model works, what it typically costs, and how to choose the right fit for your family.
Umbrella Therapy Services offers psychology, counselling, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, positive behaviour support, and allied health assistants at Claremont and Howrah, Tasmania clinics. Services delivered in-person or via telehealth; no age range, NDIS registration, or waitlist details specified.
Early Start Australia Hobart (Montrose, TAS) offers speech pathology, OT, dietetics, early intervention, physiotherapy, provisional psychology, music therapy and allied health assistants for ages 0-16. In-clinic, telehealth, and offsite (home/school) appointments available statewide.
Early Start Australia Hobart (Montrose, TAS) provides in-clinic and telehealth services for ages 0-16, including speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, dietetics, early intervention, music therapy, and allied health assistants, with home/school visits and state-wide telehealth availability.
Knights of the Shed (Hobart, TAS) offers psychology services and therapeutic activity-based social skills group programs, supporting people of all ages from upper primary through post-secondary. Services include individual and group therapy, early childhood supports, and specialist behaviour intervention. NDIS information provided.
Southern Tasmania allied health provider with locations in Kingston and Moonah, offering Behaviour Support, Dietetics, Early Childhood Practitioner support, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Therapy Assistants. Website under construction; no details on ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlists provided.
Tasmanian practice offering speech pathology assessment and intervention with therapy assistant support, for children and families. Neuro-affirming, evidence-based approach. Speech pathologists currently at capacity; waitlist open for new referrals via email.
Southern Tasmania allied health provider (Kingston & Moonah) offering behaviour support, counselling/social work, dietetics, early childhood intervention, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and therapy assistants. Referral form available online. Website under construction; no explicit NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details stated.
NeuroRehab Allied Health Network offers Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Exercise Physiology, Dietetics and Allied Health Assistant services for adults and children with neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Registered NDIS provider (4050000294), offering clinic, home, community, and telehealth appointments across multiple Australian locations.
A therapy assistant (sometimes called an allied health assistant, or AHA) is a support worker who delivers parts of a therapy plan under the supervision of a qualified allied health professional — usually a speech pathologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or psychologist. The lead therapist sets the goals and program, then the assistant helps your child practise and consolidate skills through regular, repeated sessions.
Group programs bring several children together to work on shared goals — for example social skills, play, motor skills, emotional regulation, or school readiness. Groups are usually run or overseen by a qualified therapist and can be a great way for kids to practise skills with peers in a more natural, social setting.
Both models are often more affordable than one-on-one therapist time, and many families use a mix: regular sessions with a therapist to review progress and set goals, plus assistant or group sessions to build practice hours.
Every child develops at their own pace, and only a qualified professional can assess your child. That said, families often seek support when a child:
Groups and assistant supports run across a wide age range — from toddlers and preschoolers (play and early communication groups) through to primary and high-school-aged kids (social skills, school readiness, motor groups). Ask each provider which age bands they group children into, as programs are usually matched by age and developmental stage rather than age alone.
Most providers start with an intake or assessment appointment with a qualified therapist rather than the assistant. During this visit the therapist will:
For group programs, expect an initial chat to check the group is a good match for your child's age, needs and goals before they start.
As a general guide only, in Australia:
The NDIS publishes annual price caps that set maximum rates registered providers can charge, and these differ for therapists versus assistants. Actual fees vary between providers, so always ask for a written quote and service agreement before you start.
Under the NDIS, therapy assistants and group programs are typically funded from your child's Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. If you're self-managed or plan-managed you generally have more flexibility in who you can use; agency-managed plans must use NDIS-registered providers. Check how your plan is managed before booking.
This page features providers including Umbrella Therapy Services (Claremont), Early Start Australia (Montrose), Knights of the Shed (Hobart), Independent Kids (Kingston and Moonah), SpeechPathology.me (Kingston) and NeuroRehab Allied Health Network (Moonah). When comparing them, look at:
This guide is general information only and isn't medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional about your child's individual needs.
Or read the full therapy assistants & groups guide, or browse all Hobart providers.
A therapist (such as a speech pathologist, OT or physio) assesses your child, sets goals and reviews progress. A therapy assistant, or allied health assistant, delivers parts of that program under the therapist's supervision — usually at a lower hourly rate, which lets you build more practice hours.
They serve different purposes. Groups are excellent for practising social, play and communication skills with peers in a natural setting, while one-on-one sessions target individual goals. Many families use both. Your child's therapist can advise what mix suits their goals best.
These supports are usually funded from the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget. Self-managed and plan-managed families have more flexibility in choosing providers, while agency-managed plans must use NDIS-registered providers. Check how your plan is managed before booking.
As a general guide, assistant sessions and group programs cost less than one-on-one therapist time, and groups are shared across participants. The NDIS sets annual price caps for registered providers. Fees vary, so always request a written quote before starting.
Ask which professional body the supervising therapist is registered with — Speech Pathology Australia for speech pathologists, and AHPRA (plus Occupational Therapy Australia membership) for OTs, physios and psychologists. Also ask how the assistant is supervised and about current waitlists.