An independent review of art and music therapy for people with disability. It examined whether these therapies met the standards required to fund therapy supports through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and what a reasonable price should be.  

The rapid review had input from more than 600 people in the disability community which included people who access art and music therapy supports as well as service providers. 

The review confirms art and music therapy can be effective and beneficial for some people in some situations. The independent review made 19 recommendations to improve how art and music therapy is delivered. This content is also available in Auslan video format.

Key recommendations

• Provide better support for participants to make more informed choices about therapies.
• Update the price limit for art and music therapy.
• Consider ways in which better information can be provided to participants to assist them make informed choices.
• Ensure all therapeutic support approved has a robust evidence base.
• Introduce an ongoing mechanism to review the verification requirements for recognition as an art or music therapist.
• Systematise the collection of data from providers about the effectiveness and outcomes of therapy interventions for participants.
• Expand capacity to monitor market dynamics to assess supply of and the demand for art and music therapy and therapists.
• Consider a different payment and funding approach.