Positive behaviour support (PBS) helps children who show behaviours of concern by understanding what's driving them and building skills and environments that support everyone. This guide explains what behaviour support involves, how it's funded through the NDIS, and how to choose the right Melbourne provider for your family. The providers featured on this page are ranked by rating to help you start your shortlist.
Melbourne CBD multidisciplinary practice offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Allied Health Assistance, Positive Behaviour Support, and NDIS Support Coordination/Plan Management for children, including babies. NDIS-funded services mentioned; no explicit ages, telehealth, or waitlist details given.
Bloom Healthcare provides NDIS allied health services in Melbourne including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, behavioural support, psychology, and speech pathology, delivered at home, school, or via telehealth. NDIS provider with low to no wait times; also offers aged care programs.
Future Proof Early Intervention (Keilor East/Airport West, VIC) offers early childhood intervention via a Key Worker model, feeding therapy (SOS Approach), positive behaviour support, parent education groups, and social skills groups. Availability to start immediately; no explicit NDIS registration or telehealth details mentioned.
NDIS-registered multidisciplinary clinic in Oakleigh, VIC offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, behaviour support and allied health assistant/group programs for ages 0-17. Provides early intervention, in-clinic, telehealth and mobile services across southeast Melbourne; immediate appointment availability, no waitlist mentioned.
NDIS-registered provider offering play-based, neuroscience-informed therapy for children, young people and young adults. Services include early intervention, psychology/diagnostic assessments, occupational therapy, positive behaviour support, group programs, and parent support. Offers in-clinic (Moonee Ponds, Frankston, Briar Hill, Geelong) and telehealth across Australia.
Melbourne-based provider offering psychological counselling and NDIS behaviour support services for adults, adolescents, children, couples and families since 2006. Employs accredited Behaviour Support Practitioners meeting NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission standards. Locations in Preston, Point Cook and Doncaster.
Connect PBS is an NDIS-registered provider of Positive Behaviour Support in Hallam, VIC, led by a doctoral-level behaviour support practitioner. Services include individualised behaviour support plans and strategies, delivered in-person or via telehealth (from home).
Wantirna VIC provider offering early intervention for children aged 0-18 with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, PDA. Uses ABA, PBIS, Alert Program in play-based 1:1 and group sessions plus sensory 'Rooms For Regulation' program. Services NDIS plan-managed and self-managed participants; no telehealth or waitlist mentioned.
Positive behaviour support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that looks at the reasons behind a child's behaviour rather than just the behaviour itself. Behaviours like hitting, meltdowns, running away, self-harm or refusing tasks are usually a form of communication — a child is trying to meet a need, avoid something distressing, or cope with an environment that isn't working for them.
A behaviour support practitioner (often a psychologist, social worker, or trained allied health professional) works with your family to understand these drivers, then develops a Positive Behaviour Support Plan. This plan focuses on prevention, teaching new skills (like communication and emotional regulation), and changing the environment — not punishment. Under the NDIS, the goal is always to reduce and eliminate any restrictive practices over time.
Every child has tough days, but you might consider behaviour support if your child regularly:
These patterns can affect the whole family and a child's ability to learn and connect. Support is about reducing that stress for everyone.
Behaviour support can help children of almost any age, from toddlers through to teenagers. Early intervention tends to have the strongest results, but plans are always tailored to a child's developmental stage. For younger children, work often centres on parents and carers as the main agents of change.
The first appointment is usually an information-gathering session. Expect the practitioner to ask lots of questions about your child's history, health, communication, what the behaviours look like, when they happen, and what's already been tried. They may want to observe your child at home, kinder or school.
From there, they'll typically conduct a functional behaviour assessment to work out the purpose of the behaviours before drafting a plan. This can take a few sessions. You're a key part of the process — good practitioners see parents as partners.
As a general guide, allied health and behaviour support services in Australia commonly fall within NDIS price caps. The NDIS sets a maximum hourly rate for specialist behaviour support (in the vicinity of $190–$220+ per hour, updated annually), while other practitioner categories have their own caps. Private (non-NDIS) fees vary between providers.
Please treat any figures as indicative only — always confirm current pricing directly with the provider and check the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
How it's funded under the NDIS: Behaviour support is generally funded under Capacity Building — Improved Relationships (Improved Daily Living may also apply). If your child's plan includes this line, funding can cover assessment, plan development, training for parents and carers, and ongoing implementation support. If you're unsure which budget applies, your support coordinator or LAC can help, or ask the provider to explain how they'll bill.
When comparing providers, look for:
The providers featured on this page — including Language For Life, Bloom Healthcare, Karista, Advance Therapy, Entelechy Therapy, and others across Melbourne CBD, Brighton, South Yarra, Fitzroy North, Kew and Richmond — offer a starting point. Ratings and review counts vary, so use them as one factor alongside credentials, availability and how comfortable you feel.
Taking the time to ask these questions upfront helps you find a provider who's the right fit — and gives your child the best chance of meaningful, lasting change.
Or read the full behaviour support guide, or browse all Melbourne providers.
Yes, if your child's NDIS plan includes the relevant funding. Behaviour support is usually funded under Capacity Building — Improved Relationships, which can cover assessment, plan development and parent training. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator which budget applies.
There's overlap, and some behaviour support practitioners are psychologists. Behaviour support focuses on understanding and changing behaviours of concern through a formal Positive Behaviour Support Plan, often involving family, school and environment. General psychology may focus more on a child's emotions, thinking and mental health. Many children benefit from both.
It varies. Assessment and plan development typically take several sessions, and meaningful change usually unfolds over months as skills are taught and environments adjusted. Consistency at home and school makes a big difference. Ask your provider how they'll track progress along the way.
Under the NDIS, specialist behaviour support is capped (generally around $190–$220+ per hour, reviewed annually), with other practitioner categories having their own caps. Private fees vary. Treat these as indicative only and confirm current pricing with the provider and the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
Not always. Behaviour support responds to behaviours of concern rather than a specific diagnosis, though a diagnosis may be relevant to your child's NDIS access. Speak with your GP, paediatrician or NDIS planner about your child's needs and eligibility.