At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we proudly offer school-based Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy services across Perth. Whether your child needs support with communication, emotional regulation, or classroom participation — we come to them, making therapy more accessible, consistent, and effective.

We are fully certified and registered to provide in-school therapy sessions for:

NDIS participants (self-, plan- or agency-managed)

Medicare-referred clients

Private paying or health fund clients

Our therapists are experienced in working within the education system, collaborating with teachers and education assistants to ensure therapy aligns with school goals and supports your child’s daily routine.

🧒 Who Is School-Based Therapy For?

We support students from Kindy to Year 12 who may experience:

• Speech delays or unclear speech

• Language comprehension difficulties

• Literacy or narrative development issues

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD

• Sensory processing challenges

• Fine motor delays (e.g. pencil grip, handwriting)

• Emotional regulation or behavioural difficulties

• Social skill difficulties

• Developmental delays or learning difficulties

Whether your child has a diagnosis or you're just seeking help, we tailor support to their unique needs.

✅ Why Choose Therapy at School?

🕒 Convenient & time-saving – No extra travel, no missed school time
🤝 Collaboration with teachers & EAs – We work as part of your child’s support team
🏫 Real-world therapy – Skills are learned in the same environment they’re used in
📅 Consistency – Easier scheduling, especially for busy families or multiple appointments

Our therapists are trained to work respectfully within school settings, ensuring minimal disruption and clear communication with parents and staff.

🗣️ Speech Therapy at School

Our mobile speech pathologists support:

• Speech clarity & sound production

• Understanding and using language

• Social communication & conversation skills

• Stuttering and fluency

• Early literacy and phonological awareness

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

We use a combination of games, visuals, and structured tasks to make sessions fun, functional, and goal-focused.

✋ Occupational Therapy at School

Our mobile OTs help children with:

• Sensory regulation and emotional control

• Fine motor skills for writing, cutting, and dressing

• Classroom participation and focus

• Organisation and routine skills

• Play and social interaction

• Postural control and gross motor skills

We also provide sensory profiles, equipment recommendations, and NDIS functional capacity assessments if needed.

💰 Fees & Rebates

• Session Fee: $194 per hour (includes therapist time, session, travel, and reporting under that hourly rate)

• Funding Options:
  ✅ NDIS (agency, plan or self-managed)
  ✅ Medicare rebates with a valid GP referral (e.g. Chronic Disease Management Plan)
  ✅ Private health rebates (check with your insurer)

We keep documentation and communication clear, and can provide written updates or reports as required for school, NDIS, or medical teams.

📍 Where We Work

We provide school-based speech and OT services across:

• Malaga, Noranda, Ellenbrook, Bayswater, Ballajura, Morley, and surrounding suburbs

• Select areas beyond (just ask!)

If your school or support coordinator would like an info pack or service agreement — we’re happy to help.

📞 Ready to Organise School Therapy?

Let us take the stress out of juggling appointments and give your child the consistent support they need — right where they need it most.

📧 Email: admin@palmsphysio.au
📞 Call: (08) 6285 6185 (Malaga) | (08) 9376 1443 (Noranda)
💻 Book Online: www.palmsphysio.au

Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health – Trusted school-based speech and OT therapy for Perth families.

FAQ: How to Access Medicare-Funded Allied Health Sessions through a TCA or GPMP

1. What is a Team Care Arrangement (TCA) or GP Management Plan (GPMP)?
A Team Care Arrangement (TCA) and GP Management Plan (GPMP) are programs under Medicare that allow patients with chronic medical conditions to access a range of allied health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and exercise physiology. These plans are created by your GP to coordinate care between your general practitioner and other healthcare providers.

2. Am I eligible for a TCA or GPMP?
To qualify for a TCA or GPMP, you must have a chronic medical condition that has been present for six months or longer. This may include conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or musculoskeletal disorders. It’s important to note that eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is at the discretion of your GP. Your GP will evaluate your medical history and determine whether you qualify for these plans.

3. How do I get a TCA or GPMP?

To get a TCA or GPMP, you need to book an appointment with your GP. During your visit, discuss your chronic condition and how allied health services might support your treatment plan. If your GP agrees, they will create a GP Management Plan (GPMP) and/or a Team Care Arrangement (TCA). They will refer you for up to five allied health sessions per year, depending on your condition and healthcare needs.

4. What allied health services can I access under a TCA or GPMP?

With a TCA or GPMP, you may be eligible to access allied health services such as:

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Exercise physiology

The number of sessions allowed is typically up to five per year, but this may vary depending on your needs and the advice of your GP.

5. Is the cost of allied health services covered under Medicare with a TCA or GPMP?

Medicare may cover the cost of your allied health sessions, but this will depend on the clinic’s billing policy. Some clinics bulk bill for these services, while others may charge a gap fee. It is important to confirm the payment structure when booking your appointment.

6. Can I see any allied health professional for my TCA or GPMP?

While your GP will refer you to allied health professionals as part of the plan, you can choose from a range of qualified providers. Be sure to confirm with the clinic whether they are Medicare-registered and accept TCA or GPMP referrals.

7. Can I request a longer session if I need more time with the therapist?

If you require more time with your therapist, you can choose to pay a gap fee for longer sessions. Under Medicare, your sessions for TCA or GPMP are usually limited to a shorter duration (e.g., 20 minutes). If you would like additional time to fully address your chronic condition, speak to the clinic staff about arranging an extended session for an additional cost.

8. How often can I access Medicare-funded allied health services under a TCA or GPMP?

You can access up to five sessions per year for each chronic condition that is covered under your TCA or GPMP. However, these sessions are reviewed annually by your GP. If your condition improves or worsens, your GP may adjust the plan accordingly.

9. What should I do if my GP doesn't think I am eligible for a TCA or GPMP?

If your GP determines that you are not eligible for a TCA or GPMP, you can discuss alternative options for managing your chronic condition. Many clinics offer private appointments or can direct you to other forms of support and care that may be more suitable for your needs.

Occupational Therapy in Perth for Adults & Children

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps individuals across the lifespan to engage in meaningful activities (occupations) that are essential for their daily lives. Whether it’s children needing assistance with developmental delays or adults recovering from injury or managing disability, our qualified occupational therapists at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health provide customized care to improve mobility, strength, coordination, and independence.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational therapy can support individuals in several ways, including:

• Enhancing fine motor skills and coordination

• Supporting sensory processing challenges, including Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

• Assisting with daily living activities like dressing, grooming, and feeding

• Rehabilitation following stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or surgery

• Helping children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and ADHD

Our Occupational Therapy Services

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer comprehensive OT services:

• Paediatric Occupational Therapy
  Our paediatric OT services focus on children with developmental delays, sensory issues, and disabilities. We provide early intervention, school readiness programs, and therapy in our fully equipped kids therapy gym with sensory integration.

• Adult Occupational Therapy
  We assist adults recovering from injuries, managing disabilities, or experiencing changes due to ageing or neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease (PD), and Stroke.

• NDIS Support
  As an provider for NDIS participants, we help individuals with tailored occupational therapy programs to meet their specific goals under the NDIS framework. Whether it’s building independence or improving life skills, our OTs are experienced in working with NDIS clients.

Sensory Room and Kids Therapy Gym
Our state-of-the-art sensory room and kids therapy gym are designed to provide sensory integration therapy and gross motor development in a fun and safe environment. These spaces are equipped with a trampoline, climbing frames, swings, and other tools to help children and adults with sensory processing challenges or developmental delays.

Why Choose Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health for Occupational Therapy?

• Qualified and experienced occupational therapists with a passion for helping people

• State-of-the-art facilities, including sensory rooms and rehabilitation gyms

• Tailored therapy plans for all ages and abilities

• NDIS provider offering individual and group sessions (plan and self managed participants)

• Multidisciplinary team working alongside physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and speech therapists

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Occupational Therapy

Q: What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps individuals develop, recover, or improve the skills needed for daily living and working. This includes fine motor skills, sensory processing, and activities like dressing, bathing, or working.

Q: How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
If your child shows signs of developmental delays, struggles with fine motor skills, has trouble with daily tasks like dressing, or experiences sensory processing issues, it may be beneficial to see an occupational therapist. Our team at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health specialises in paediatric occupational therapy to support these needs.

Q: What conditions can occupational therapy treat?
Occupational therapy can assist with a variety of conditions, including:

• Developmental delays

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

• Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Q: Is occupational therapy covered by NDIS?
Yes, occupational therapy is covered under the NDIS. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health is are not registered NDIS provider as yet, so we can see plan and self-managed participants, and we offer tailored therapy plans to suit your individual goals.

Q: Can occupational therapy help with sensory processing issues?
Yes, occupational therapy can help individuals who experience sensory processing difficulties. We use tools like our sensory room to provide a safe environment for sensory integration therapy.

Q: Do you offer group therapy sessions?
Yes, we offer both individual and group therapy sessions, depending on the needs of our clients. Group therapy can be a great way for children to develop social skills and learn from peers. For Adults learn more here. For Children learn more here.

Conditions and Disabilities Occupational Therapists Can Assist With

Head to this page to see the different conditions that we can help with, and get you the best life and function you deserve!!

Useful Links

NDIS

NDIS

NDIS Guidelines

Aged Care

My Aged Care

Department of Veterans Affairs

Chronic Disease

GP Management Plans

Type 2 Diabetes Plans

Referral Form for Medicare Care Plans

Referral Form for Type 2 Diabetes Care Plans