What is group therapy?
Therapy can be provided on a one-to-one basis, or in a small group with at least two children. Group therapy sessions can be run by therapists and/or Allied Health Assistants (AHAs). Group members will be carefully selected, to make sure that they are all working at a similar skill level and towards similar goals. Groups can target a wide range of therapy goals, eg handwriting, literacy, social skills and self care skills.
Our hope is that by offering more group programs, we can work towards offering a higher volume of therapy services which support and balance the needs of our current clients and supporting the wider community.
What are the benefits to my child?
Research tells us that children benefit from peer-modelling, and that it can support the learning of new skills. Group programs also give your child the chance to make new friends, and feel supported by knowing other children are working on the same skills, or experience similar difficulties.
Group programs provide your child with a supported environment to practice, strengthen and consolidate skills. This practice is often required before expecting your child to be able to demonstrate these skills in their everyday life.
What are the benefits to me?
Where possible, our groups will offer a parent information session in the first and/or last week of each group. Some groups may also offer parent learning opportunities at the same time that your child attends the group. This gives you the chance to learn strategies and activities that you can use at home to help your child strengthen their skills. You will also get the chance to meet the caregivers of other group members, and build your network of parent support.
Cost of group therapy
The sessions will cost less than one-on-one therapy, and can be an effective way to help stretch out your child’s NDIS funding, or access more regular therapy blocks. The costs of groups will depend on mutliple factors (eg length of sessions, number of members), but the standard costs of groups sessions are:
Private (or Self-Managed) therapy group= $85 per session
NDIS plan-managed therapy group= $95 per session
Groups run by an Allied Health assistant = $70 per session
Please speak with your private health fund about whether they will provide rebates for group sessions. Medicare plans cannot be used for group sessions.
Would this impact my one-on-one sessions if I am a current Next Challenge client?
It is likely that your child’s therapist will recommend that your child reduces or takes a break from their one-on-one sessions while they attend a group.This could be for a few reasons.
Children can experience ‘therapy burnout’ when attending multiple sessions a week.
Allows you and your child to focus on their learning during the group program.
Enables your child’s therapist to offer a block of therapy to another child and their family.
What happens when a group ends
if I am a current Next Challenge client?
Your child’s therapist(s) will contact you to discuss continuing one-on-one therapy sessions, ongoing group therapy or a blend of both.
What happens when a group ends
if my child is on the Next Challenge waitlist or accesses services elsewhere?
Your child will remain on our waitlist to access individual therapy assessment and support.
If you access services elsewhere but would like to stay up to date with the groups were are offering, you can ask our Support Team to add you to our mailing list, or check our website and social media for new groups.
How often will groups be offered?
We will be offering clinic and school-based therapy groups throughout the year. Group programs will be regularly updated after child and family feedback, and may be repeated throughout the year.
How can I find out about group programs being offered?
Your child’s therapy team will let you know about any upcoming groups that they feel are a good match for your child.
You can also keep up to date with our group therapy schedule on social media (Facebook, Instagram).