TherapyNow https://therapynow.au/ We're closing the therapy gap for people with disability. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:02:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 https://therapynow.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-TN-favicon-32x32.png TherapyNow https://therapynow.au/ 32 32 The independent review and support coordination https://therapynow.au/supportcoordination/ Fri, 22 Dec 2023 03:47:04 +0000 https://therapynow.au/?p=2594 The Independent Review and Support Coordination: A Perspective on Proposed Changes  The independent review has suggested significant modifications in support coordination. We’ve taken a deep dive into these changes because […]

The post The independent review and support coordination appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]>

The Independent Review and Support Coordination: A Perspective on Proposed Changes 

The independent review has suggested significant modifications in support coordination. We’ve taken a deep dive into these changes because every day we hear from our participants how support coordinators have gone above and beyond to find them services that meet their needs. 

The primary goal of these changes is to streamline the service delivery by addressing the overlap in roles of planners, LACs, plan managers, and support coordinators. While this is the stated aim, many of the review submissions stressed that support coordination is highly valued by many participants, with many stressing that this function shouldn’t change.

A key proposal from the review is the transition from support coordination to a new “Navigator” role. This shift warrants attention from current support coordinators due to several critical distinctions: 

  1. Role and Funding of Navigators: Navigators will operate under the guidance of the NDIA. This might involve a block funding model, differing from the current choice-driven approach for support coordinators. These models typically involve a few large organisations which we saw in the LAC tendering process. Navigation providers will be expected to have consistent policy, reporting, monitoring process.  
  2. Focus on Community Services: Navigators are expected to guide participants towards utilising non-NDIS community services, a function originally associated with LACs. This change reflects a shift in the approach to support coordination, adapting to a broader perspective on participant support. 
  3. Contractual Independence: The contracts for Navigators, anticipated to be akin to those for LACs, are likely to include stringent independence clauses. This could mean limitations on providers offering multiple services, ensuring a clear demarcation of roles within the system. 

While the review indicated that much of the current intermediary workforce could be redeployed, it will likely involve a substantially different role. Many of our support coordination partners started their own business to ensure that participants received a service consistent with their values. The proposed reform will likely create an environment where coordinators will likely be employed by a major not for profit, who are subject to contractual obligations that require navigation to be performed a consistent fashion. While the effect on the participant experience is unclear, it will certainly be a new environment for coordinators. 

The review emphasizes the necessity of thorough consultation and co-design with the disability community to ensure that these changes are effectively aligned with their needs.  While the total implementation horizon is thought to be 5 years, we shouldn’t be surprised if support coordination changes happen faster given their impact on the scheme. 

A major change to the type of work 

There are a lot of recommendations in the Independent Review, few of which individually will radically alter the scheme. However, taken together, some of these changes will have major implications for how participants and support coordinators work together in the scheme.  

The first two primary changes are “budgeting before planning” and “independent assessments” with their associated reference ranges. Fundamentally, these changes taken together will enable the Agency to determine someone’s funding level, without reference to their intentions or desired level of support. This may create the circumstances where navigators, rather than finding support at the level determined in the plan, will be responsible for making a participant’s budget “fit” with their desired supports. This may mean negotiating with participants and providers about what services they “really” need and potentially bargaining for subunit price rates. 

Another important change to support coordination is the creation of “foundational supports” for the scheme. Early intervention participants will largely be removed from the scheme and will transition to state funded arrangements which are unlikely to be market based. Naturally, this is a substantial deviation from the current format of assisting families to find their most suited provider. 

While this is naturally a stressful time for support coordinators and providers alike, we’ve seen across the sector the same commitment to ensuring that participants receive the best service possible. While the future is uncertain, it is clear that these changes will take time, and our important work must continue. 

The post The independent review and support coordination appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]> TherapyNow Research Spotlight: Advancing Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder https://therapynow.au/therapynow-research-spotlight-advancing-early-intervention-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 02:03:59 +0000 https://therapynow.au/?p=1599 At TherapyNow, we’re committed to staying informed about the latest research in our field. As an NDIS registered therapy provider specializing in occupational therapy, we strive to ensure our services […]

The post TherapyNow Research Spotlight: Advancing Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]> At TherapyNow, we’re committed to staying informed about the latest research in our field. As an NDIS registered therapy provider specializing in occupational therapy, we strive to ensure our services reflect the most recent and beneficial findings. Today, we highlight intriguing research around early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Recent studies underscore the immense potential of early intervention for children with ASD. These studies suggest that the timing of interventions can significantly influence developmental outcomes. Remarkably, the research points to the possibility that starting therapeutic interventions just a year earlier can lead to more significant outcomes.

To provide context, ASD often manifests as challenges with social interaction and emotional responses. Research shows that early intervention, especially when initiated around the age of 3, can effectively assist with challenges, to a greater extent than if it started around the age of 4.

These findings illuminate the intricacies of ASD and the multifaceted benefits of early intervention. They emphasize the need for individualized therapy plans, tailored specifically to the child’s age, abilities, and unique needs.

At TherapyNow, our goal is to integrate these research-backed approaches into the services we provide to children and families. Our focus on occupational therapy is designed to enhance daily living skills and promote independence. We believe in meeting individuals where they are, and designing our interventions to support their fullest potential.

Acknowledging the critical role of Support Coordinators and Early Intervention Coordinators in connecting children with essential resources, we’ve ensured our availability data is live. This tool has been designed to expedite the matching process and provide swifter access to our services. By doing so, we aim to help children capitalize on the early intervention window, playing our part in facilitating their therapeutic journey.

While we recognize this tool offers valuable assistance, we are aware that it’s one piece of a broader puzzle. Getting the right help at the right time for individuals with ASD often requires a multifaceted approach, and we’re proud to contribute in the ways we can.

Our commitment is to consistently incorporate the latest research findings into our practice. Stay tuned for more TherapyNow research spotlights, where we continue to share how our services are informed by the latest research findings.

In the world of therapy, every day presents a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. That’s the TherapyNow promise.

Reference: Maksimović S, Marisavljević M, Stanojević N, Ćirović M, Punišić S, Adamović T, Đorđević J, Krgović I, Subotić M. Importance of Early Intervention in Reducing Autistic Symptoms and Speech-Language Deficits in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children (Basel). 2023 Jan 6;10(1):122. doi: 10.3390/children10010122. PMID: 36670672; PMCID: PMC9857540.

The post TherapyNow Research Spotlight: Advancing Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]> The Challenges of Support and Early Intervention Coordination: and what we’re doing to help https://therapynow.au/navigating-therapy-support-coordination-challenges/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 01:38:12 +0000 https://therapynow.au/?p=1586 In the dynamic landscape of disability support, the role of support coordinators and early intervention coordinators is pivotal. Their tireless efforts ensure that individuals receive the support they need, when […]

The post The Challenges of Support and Early Intervention Coordination: and what we’re doing to help appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]>

In the dynamic landscape of disability support, the role of support coordinators and early intervention coordinators is pivotal. Their tireless efforts ensure that individuals receive the support they need, when they need it. However, the increasing demands of the role present a set of unique challenges that require innovative solutions.

The Challenge of Rising Participation Rates

Recent data shows a steady increase in participation rates across various age groups. The participation rate for males in the 0-6 age group increased from 4.9% in June 2022 to 6.0% in March 2023. The 15-18 age group saw an increase from 4.5% to 5.0% during the same period. This trend underscores the growing demand for support services and the increasing complexity of matching clients with available therapists.

The Dilemma of Low Utilisation Rates

Despite the increasing participation rates, utilisation rates in capacity building remain relatively low. As of March 2023, the utilisation rate for the 0-6 age group was 62%, while the 15-18 and 7-14 age groups had utilisation rates of 56% and 64% respectively. This gap between participation and utilisation rates highlights the challenges faced by support coordinators in connecting clients with the services they need. Increasingly, we’re hearing frustrations in the support coordination community that adequately trained and experienced professionals are becoming difficult to find, or have long waiting lists. This often means that support coordination time is wasted, and the impact of quality early intervention is hampered.

Regional Disparities

The challenge is further compounded in regions with lower utilisation rates. For instance, Central Australia and Bundaberg saw a decrease in utilisation rates between June 2022 and March 2023. Even regions with stable utilisation rates, such as Western NSW and Toowoomba, present challenges due to the sheer demand for services.

Our part

At TherapyNow, we value the critical role support and early intervention coordinators play in serving our communities. Recognising the complexity and increasing demands of your roles, we are committed to enhancing our offerings to facilitate your work.

With a primary aim to expedite the process of connecting individuals to support services, we are making our live therapist availability data readily accessible. This tool has been tailored to provide an immediate snapshot of local therapist availability within a two-week timeframe, enabling you to make informed decisions swiftly and efficiently.

We also deeply appreciate the importance of quality early intervention and the necessity of addressing the needs of underserviced groups. As part of our efforts in this direction, we are on the brink of launching an innovative out-of-home care approach. This program is specifically designed to empower selected therapists with trauma-informed strategies and tools, facilitating their role in the case coordination process and fostering more effective support for these groups.

Your experiences and insights are vital to us in refining our approach and enhancing our offerings. We invite you to share your experiences and suggestions as we continue to develop tools and strategies to better serve the disability support community. Your voice matters in our journey towards creating a more inclusive and efficient support ecosystem.

The post The Challenges of Support and Early Intervention Coordination: and what we’re doing to help appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]> Empowering Therapists: A Flexible Approach to Caseload Management and Specialisation with TherapyNow https://therapynow.au/empowering-therapists-a-flexible-approach-to-caseload-management-and-specialisation-with-therapynow/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:21:29 +0000 https://therapynow.au/?p=1304 Therapists play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities live fulfilling lives, yet they often face challenges in managing their caseload, specializing in their areas of interest, and maintaining a work-life balance. At TherapyNow, we are committed to empowering therapists by offering them flexibility, autonomy, and support to focus on what they truly love – delivering exceptional therapy services.

The post Empowering Therapists: A Flexible Approach to Caseload Management and Specialisation with TherapyNow appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]>
Future of therapy

Empowering Therapists: A Flexible Approach to Caseload Management and Specialisation with TherapyNow

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Therapists play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities live fulfilling lives, yet they often face challenges in managing their caseload, specializing in their areas of interest, and maintaining a work-life balance. At TherapyNow, we are committed to empowering therapists by offering them flexibility, autonomy, and support to focus on what they truly love – delivering exceptional therapy services.

By joining TherapyNow, therapists gain the flexibility to choose their caseload based on their expertise and interests, allowing them to deliver therapy with passion and dedication. We understand that each therapist has unique skills and strengths, and we strive to create an environment where they can specialize in their preferred areas. This approach not only benefits the therapists but also ensures that individuals with disabilities receive personalized and effective services, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

At TherapyNow, we offer a part-time commitments that can seamlessly complement other work opportunities, enabling therapists to explore their potential as independent contractors. Our supportive work environment ensures that therapists have access to a world-class CRM prepopulated with client information from the intake process, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality services.

For therapists who may be concerned about venturing out on their own, we provide a staged commitment, allowing them to start making a difference without fully diving into the deep end. We recognize that therapists generate the most value, and we offer fair rewards without demanding all of their time.

Our customer engagement team matches clients’ needs with therapists’ unique profiles, and therapists are given the opportunity to accept new clients that suit their skill set. This streamlined process ensures that therapists can efficiently manage their caseload while focusing on their areas of expertise.

Join us in empowering therapists to take control of their caseload and specialize in what they love. With TherapyNow’s flexible and supportive approach, therapists can effectively manage their work while delivering high-quality therapy services to those who need it most. Together, we can create a brighter future for individuals with disabilities and the professionals who support them.

Tags :
Share This :

The post Empowering Therapists: A Flexible Approach to Caseload Management and Specialisation with TherapyNow appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]> The NDIS Conundrum: How Greater Access to Therapists Can Drive Successful Early Interventions and Sustainable Outcomes https://therapynow.au/the-ndis-conundrum-how-greater-access-to-therapists-can-drive-successful-early-interventions-and-sustainable-outcomes/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:19:05 +0000 https://therapynow.au/?p=1297 The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been a lifeline for many Australians with disabilities, but recent data points to a growing concern regarding the rate of participants exiting the scheme. With the NDIS facing a potential budget blowout, it’s crucial to explore how providing access to high-quality therapists can enable successful early interventions and equip individuals with the skills they need to eventually exit the scheme.

The post The NDIS Conundrum: How Greater Access to Therapists Can Drive Successful Early Interventions and Sustainable Outcomes appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]>
Future of therapy

The NDIS Conundrum: How Greater Access to Therapists Can Drive Successful Early Interventions and Sustainable Outcomes

Thursday, April 20, 2023

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been a lifeline for many Australians with disabilities, but recent data points to a growing concern regarding the rate of participants exiting the scheme. With the NDIS facing a potential budget blowout, it’s crucial to explore how providing access to high-quality therapists can enable successful early interventions and equip individuals with the skills they need to eventually exit the scheme.

A Closer Look at the Numbers:

In 2021, only 1.04% of NDIS participants exited the scheme, less than half the 2.14% forecast by the scheme’s actuary, according to the annual financial sustainability report. The gap between actual and expected exit rates is most significant among participants under six and those aged over 65.

This growing discrepancy highlights the need for effective early intervention strategies, particularly for young children who were initially envisioned to enter the NDIS on a temporary basis. The idea was that these young children would receive a burst of early intervention support, often in the form of therapy services such as speech pathology and occupational therapy, which would help them catch up with their peers and develop strategies to overcome disadvantages. Eventually, they would no longer need the scheme and could successfully exit.

The Role of High-Quality Therapists in Early Intervention:

One critical factor in achieving successful early intervention outcomes is access to high-quality therapists. By providing a wide range of exceptional therapy services, we can equip children with the skills they need to overcome their challenges and exit the NDIS as initially intended.

TherapyNow believes that offering fair rewards and flexibility to therapists can attract and retain top talent in the NDIS, ultimately leading to more successful early intervention outcomes. By ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to a diverse range of high-quality therapy services, we can help them build the necessary skills to eventually exit the scheme.

Budget Implications and the Path Forward:

The NDIS is currently one of the most significant sources of pressure on the federal budget, with its costs growing at a faster rate than any other area of spending outside interest on national debt. By addressing the need for greater access to therapists and successful early interventions, we can work towards a more sustainable and efficient NDIS that benefits both participants and the broader Australian community.

Conclusion:

Investing in high-quality therapists and early intervention services is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of the NDIS. By focusing on these critical areas, we can help ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive and eventually exit the scheme, reducing the pressure on the federal budget and creating a brighter future for all Australians.

Tags :
Share This :

The post The NDIS Conundrum: How Greater Access to Therapists Can Drive Successful Early Interventions and Sustainable Outcomes appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]> Breaking the Barrier: Helping Young People Access Essential Therapy Services through NDIS with Evidence-Based Practices https://therapynow.au/breaking-the-barrier-helping-young-people-access-essential-therapy-services-through-ndis-with-evidence-based-practices-2/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 14:09:04 +0000 https://therapynow.au/?p=1277 The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was established to support people with disabilities in achieving a better quality of life. However, there remains an issue of inadequate access to essential therapy services, particularly for young individuals, especially in regional and remote areas. This limited access may lead to the use of less effective therapies and ultimately impact their overall well-being. At TherapyNow, we are determined to address this issue by offering fair rewards and flexibility for therapists participating in the NDIS while promoting the adoption of evidence-based practices in speech pathology and occupational therapy.

The post Breaking the Barrier: Helping Young People Access Essential Therapy Services through NDIS with Evidence-Based Practices appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]>
Future of therapy

Breaking the Barrier: Helping Young People Access Essential Therapy Services through NDIS with Evidence-Based Practices

Thursday, April 20, 2023

blonde female therapist smiling

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was established to support people with disabilities in achieving a better quality of life. However, there remains an issue of inadequate access to essential therapy services, particularly for young individuals, especially in regional and remote areas. This limited access may lead to the use of less effective therapies and ultimately impact their overall well-being. At TherapyNow, we are determined to address this issue by offering fair rewards and flexibility for therapists participating in the NDIS while promoting the adoption of evidence-based practices in speech pathology and occupational therapy.

Evidence-based practices play a crucial role in ensuring that therapy services are effective, safe, and tailored to the specific needs of clients. In our fields, new evidence highlights the importance of sensory integration techniques and the value of new technologies for communication disorders. Without a committed and engaged therapist community, young people with a disability may miss out on essential therapies and access to emerging developments in the field.

TherapyNow aims to break this barrier by attracting and retaining talented therapists through competitive payment rates and flexible working conditions. We offer an entry rate of $145 per hour of work completed, along with comprehensive administrative support, including billing, onboarding customers, and quality assurance. Additionally, we provide access to our communities of practice, fostering enriching connections among practitioners.

We are also committed to supporting the adoption of evidence-based practices in both speech pathology and occupational therapy. Our platform ensures that therapists have access to the latest research, training, and resources to stay informed about cutting-edge interventions and techniques that can make a significant difference in the lives of their clients.

Our flexible approach enables therapists to choose their caseloads and working hours, which empowers them to focus on their areas of expertise and passion. This ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to high-quality therapy services tailored to their specific needs, goals, and abilities.
By valuing the work of therapists, providing a supportive work environment, and promoting evidence-based practices, TherapyNow strives to increase the availability of therapy services for young people with disabilities. Expanding access to essential therapy services can significantly improve the quality of life for these individuals, enabling them to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Join us in breaking the barrier and help young people access essential therapy services through NDIS, while advancing the use of evidence-based practices in speech pathology and occupational therapy. Together, we can create a better future for those who need it most and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

Tags :
Share This :

The post Breaking the Barrier: Helping Young People Access Essential Therapy Services through NDIS with Evidence-Based Practices appeared first on TherapyNow.

]]>