Frequently asked questions

Questions families ask us most.

If you can't find what you're after here, just get in touch directly — we're always happy to talk it through.

Getting started

The basics before you reach out.

Do I need a referral or diagnosis to book?

No — you don't need a referral or an existing diagnosis to get in touch or book your first appointment with us. If you're hoping to claim a Medicare rebate specifically, that pathway does require a referral from a GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist (the exact requirement depends on which Medicare pathway applies) — but this isn't needed just to start working with us.

What ages do you see?

Our OT works exclusively with children, with a particular focus on autism and sensory processing.

Our physio, Sam, works with kids here at Three Therapy, and also sees people of all ages — including adults and older clients — through his broader physiotherapy work. So if it's physio you're after for yourself or another family member outside our paediatric focus here, he's likely able to help there too — just ask us and we'll point you in the right direction.

What's the difference between OT and physio, and do we need both?

Physiotherapy tends to focus on movement itself — gross motor skills, coordination, strength. Occupational therapy tends to focus on function — sensory processing, fine motor skills, and managing everyday tasks and routines. Plenty of children benefit from both, but you don't need to work out which one you need before reaching out — tell us what you're noticing and we'll help you figure out the right starting point.

Do you work with families outside the NDIS?

Yes. NDIS is our core funding pathway today, but we also work with Medicare, private health insurance, and private (self-funded) families. See our Fees page for full detail on all funding options.

Your first visit

What actually happens once you're booked in.

What happens at the first appointment?

Your first visit is mostly a conversation — getting to know your child, and you telling us what daily life actually looks like right now. There's nothing you need to prepare beforehand. If you've completed our intake form in advance, that helps us make good use of the time, but it's not essential before we meet.

Where do sessions happen?

Wherever makes sense for your family — usually your home, but we also see kids at school or in other community settings. That's the whole point of a mobile practice: no waiting rooms, no unfamiliar clinics, no travel for you.

How long are sessions, and how far in advance do I need to book?

Sessions typically run 45–60 minutes, depending on what's been arranged. Get in touch and we'll find a time that works — as a small practice, availability varies, so it's worth reaching out sooner rather than later if you have a particular timeframe in mind.

Do I need to be there for the whole session?

Yes — we ask that a parent or carer is present or nearby for every visit. This isn't just a formality: it protects your child, and it means you're always across what we're working on and why, rather than hearing about it secondhand.

Can siblings be around during a session?

Since sessions happen in your own home or community, this is naturally a bit more relaxed than a clinic setting — siblings being around isn't usually an issue. If you're concerned it might be distracting for a particular session, mention it beforehand and we can plan around it.

Ongoing sessions

Once you're a regular part of our caseload.

How often will we see you?

This depends entirely on your child's goals and what's realistic for your family — we'll talk through a recommended frequency after the first visit, and it's always open to revisit as things progress.

Will you provide reports?

Yes, when needed — for NDIS plan reviews, school, or other providers. Report writing is itemised separately from session time at our standard hourly rate, and we'll always let you know in advance if one's being prepared and roughly what's involved.

What's your cancellation policy?

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule without charge. Less notice than that, or a missed appointment, incurs the full session fee. We're always reasonable about genuine emergencies and illness — this policy exists to protect everyone's time, not to catch families out. Full detail is in your Service Agreement.

Funding & fees

The practical money questions.

I'm not sure how sessions will be funded — can you help?

Completely fine, and very common. Tell us a bit about your situation and we'll help you work out what applies — NDIS, Medicare, private health insurance, or private pay. Full detail on each is on our Fees page.

What if I'm not eligible for the NDIS?

You've still got real options. Medicare has a couple of different pathways depending on your child's situation, and private health insurance or private pay are always available too. We've written more about this in this article if you want the fuller picture.

Are your fees the same regardless of how sessions are funded?

Yes — one rate, aligned with the NDIS Pricing Schedule, whether you're NDIS-funded, privately insured, or paying privately. We think that's the fairest way to do it.

Privacy & communication

How we handle your information, and staying in touch.

How do you handle our family's information?

In line with the Australian Privacy Principles. Your information is kept securely and only shared with other people or services with your consent, except where we're required by law to act otherwise.

Will you talk to my child's school, GP, or other providers?

Only with your written consent — but yes, we're glad to. Good collaboration between everyone involved in your child's care tends to lead to better outcomes, and we'll always check with you first before reaching out to anyone else.

How do we get in touch with questions between sessions?

Email or phone, any time — we'll get back to you within a business day. Contact details are on our homepage.

Still have a question?

We're happy to talk it through.

Not every situation fits neatly into an FAQ — get in touch and we'll answer whatever's actually on your mind.