Allied Health Assistant
An allied health assistant delivers a program designed by an occupational therapist or other allied health professional, working under that therapist’s direction and ongoing oversight. It is a practical way to get more regular support from the same funding.
Our level 2 allied health assistant, Laura, supports people with physical and psychosocial disabilities, from school-aged children through to adults. She delivers therapist-designed programs in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs or via telehealth. Anastasija also supports clients working towards goals set by the treating therapist.
What an allied health assistant can help with
- building and maintaining daily routines and habits
- daily living skills such as cooking, shopping and household tasks
- job seeking and preparing for work or study
- social skills and community participation
- basic physical activity as part of an OT or physiotherapy program
- practising strategies set by the treating therapist between OT appointments
Laura supports occupational therapy and physiotherapy programs across the NDIS and aged care sectors and is developing her experience in paediatrics.
How it fits with occupational therapy
The occupational therapist assesses, sets goals and designs the program. The allied health assistant delivers it week to week and feeds progress back to the therapist, who reviews and adjusts the plan. Because the assistant is billed at a lower rate, this arrangement supports continuity while managing the overall cost of therapy. In the mental health space, an allied health assistant can be engaged where the skill development required is not extensive.
Funding
Allied health assistant time is billed at the relevant scheme rate, which is lower than the occupational therapy rate. We accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. See our funding and fees page for details, or read more about our NDIS services.
Common questions
What is an allied health assistant?
An allied health assistant delivers a program designed by an occupational therapist or other allied health professional, working under that therapist’s direction and ongoing oversight. The therapist sets the goals and reviews progress; the assistant does the regular hands-on work.
Why use an allied health assistant instead of an OT?
Cost and frequency. An allied health assistant is billed at a lower rate than an occupational therapist, so the same funding stretches to more sessions. For goals that need regular practice rather than clinical assessment, that usually produces a better result for the money.
What ages do you support?
Our allied health assistant service supports school-aged children through to adults. Our occupational therapy services are for people aged 16 and over.
Where do sessions happen?
In Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in person, or via telehealth. Sessions run at home, in the community, or wherever the goal is being worked on.