Therapy Services NZ

Therapy Services New Zealand

Connecting with Therapeutic Support

This directory guides you to therapy services across Aotearoa New Zealand that can support development, independence, communication, and wellbeing. Therapy can help people of all ages achieve their goals, participate in daily activities, and navigate life's challenges.

Here you will find information on different types of therapy, how to access them, and pathways to connect with qualified professionals.

Accessing Funded Therapy Support

NASC Organisations – Gateway to Disability-Focused Therapy

For many disabled adults, the primary pathway to accessing funded therapy services (like Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, or Speech-Language Therapy for daily living needs) is through your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) organisation. NASCs assess an individual's needs and can allocate funding for therapy that is related to their disability support goals.

How it Works: If you need therapy to support your independence, communication, or participation at home or in the community (e.g., an assessment for equipment or home modifications, developing daily routines), your NASC can include this in your support plan. They can help you find approved providers who work with Whāikaha funding.

Find Your Local NASC: Whāikaha's "Find a NASC" Directory

Types of Therapy & Providers

Occupational Therapy (OT)
Supporting Daily Life & Participation

Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with people of all ages to overcome barriers that prevent them from doing the everyday activities (or "occupations") that are important to them. This can include self-care, work, education, and leisure.

Common Focus Areas for Disability Support:

  • Daily Living Skills: Strategies and techniques for dressing, cooking, and personal care.

  • Equipment & Adaptations: Assessing for and recommending equipment (like kitchen aids or seating) and home modifications.

  • Sensory Processing: Developing strategies to manage sensory sensitivities.

  • Work & Education Support: Modifying tasks or environments to enable participation.

Finding an OT: OTs work in hospitals, schools, private practices, and for community organisations. Your NASC, GP, or Occupational Therapy New Zealand - Whakaora Ngangahau (OTNZ) can provide referrals.

Professional Body: Occupational Therapy New Zealand

Speech-Language Therapy
Supporting Communication & Swallowing

Speech-Language Therapists (SLTs) work with people of all ages who have challenges with communication, speech, language, social skills, or swallowing (dysphagia). Their goal is to help individuals express themselves, understand others, and participate safely in eating and drinking.

Common Focus Areas for Disability Support:

  • Communication Development & Support: Building speech, language, and social communication skills. This includes supporting the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems like communication boards or speech-generating devices.

  • Swallowing & Feeding Safety: Assessing and managing difficulties with swallowing to ensure safe nutrition and hydration.

  • Social Communication: Helping individuals understand social cues and interact with peers and whānau.

  • Literacy Support: Assisting with reading and writing development where needed.

Finding an SLT: SLTs work in hospitals, schools, early intervention services, community clinics, and private practice. A referral can come from a GP, paediatrician, NASC, or through the Ministry of Education's learning support network.

Professional Body: New Zealand Speech-language Therapists' Association (NZSTA)

Physiotherapy
Enhancing Movement, Function & Pain Management

Physiotherapists work with people of all ages to improve movement, manage pain, and enhance physical function. For disabled people, physiotherapy can be key to increasing independence, preventing secondary complications, and safely participating in daily activities and community life.

Common Focus Areas for Disability Support:

  • Movement & Mobility: Assessing and improving strength, balance, coordination, and walking. This includes gait training and recommendations for mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.

  • Pain & Spasticity Management: Using techniques like exercise, manual therapy, and advice to manage chronic pain or muscle stiffness.

  • Respiratory Care: Providing chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises for those with conditions that affect the lungs.

  • Postural Support & Equipment: Advising on seating systems, standing frames, and other equipment to support good posture and function.

Finding a Physiotherapist: Physiotherapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practices, and community health services. A referral can come from a GP, specialist, NASC, or you can contact a private practitioner directly. Some ACC or Whāikaha funding may cover physiotherapy services.

Professional Body: Physiotherapy New Zealand

Psychology & Counselling
Supporting Mental Wellbeing & Behaviour

Psychologists and counsellors provide support for mental health, emotional challenges, and behaviour. For disabled people and their whānau, this can include support for coping with life changes, managing anxiety or stress, understanding behaviour, and building resilience and positive relationships.

Common Focus Areas for Disability Support:

  • Mental Wellbeing: Support for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or adjustment related to disability.

  • Positive Behaviour Support: Working with individuals and their support teams to understand the reasons for behaviours of concern and develop proactive, respectful strategies.

  • Cognitive Assessment: Conducting assessments that can help in understanding learning profiles, strengths, and needs.

  • Family & Whānau Support: Providing a space for families and carers to discuss challenges, access resources, and develop coping strategies.

Key Differences:

  • Psychologists are registered health practitioners who can provide assessment, diagnosis, and a range of therapeutic interventions. Their services may be funded through the public health system, Whāikaha, or ACC for eligible clients.

  • Counsellors provide talk therapy and support. While some may be registered, the title itself is not protected by law, so it's important to check their qualifications and membership in a professional body.

Finding a Provider: Referrals can come from a GP, NASC, or school. You can also search the registers of professional bodies.

Professional Bodies & Directories:

Therapy for Children & in Schools

Accessing therapy for children and young people in Aotearoa often involves several different government agencies, depending on the child's age, needs, and whether the support is required for learning or for health and disability reasons. Understanding these pathways can help you seek the right support.

Primary Pathways:

  1. Ministry of Education – Learning Support

    • Focus: Supporting a child's learning, participation, and inclusion at school or early childhood education.

    • Therapies: May include Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology for educational purposes.

    • Access: Discuss concerns with your child's teacher or the school's SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator). The school can request an assessment or support from the Ministry's Learning Support team.

  2. Ministry of Health / Te Whatu Ora – Child Development Services

    • Focus: Early intervention and assessment for pre-school children with significant developmental concerns, delays, or disabilities.

    • Therapies: Can include Paediatric Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Therapy, and family guidance.

    • Access: A referral is typically made by a GP, Plunket nurse, or other health professional to your local Child Development Service.

  3. Whāikaha – Ministry of Disabled People

    • Focus: Funding longer-term, disability-related supports that are not primarily educational, which may continue from childhood into adulthood.

    • Therapies: Can include funding for therapies that support daily living, communication, and community participation.

    • Access: For eligible children, a referral is made to the local NASC organisation, which completes an assessment and support plan.

Getting Started: If you are unsure which pathway is right for your child, talking to your GP, Plunket nurse, or your child's teacher is a good first step.

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