FAQs
What age groups do you support at Hunter Coast Therapy?
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Hunter Coast Therapy supports children and young people across Newcastle and the Hunter region. Our team works with families at different stages of development, from early intervention through to school-aged children and adolescents, with therapy tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
Can my child see multiple therapists (OT, Speech and Physio)?
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Yes. We offer a multidisciplinary approach, allowing children to access Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Physiotherapy within the one team. This helps ensure consistent support across all areas of development and better outcomes for children and families across Newcastle and the Hunter region.
How do you match my child with the right therapist?
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After you complete the intake form, our team reviews your child’s needs, goals and availability to match you with the most suitable therapist. We consider experience, therapy approach and scheduling to ensure the best possible fit for families across Newcastle and the Hunter region.
Do you offer therapy for autism and neurodivergent children?
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Yes. Hunter Coast Therapy provides neurodiversity-affirming therapy for children across Newcastle and the Hunter region. Our team supports children with autism and other neurodivergent profiles through personalised therapy focused on communication, participation, independence and everyday life skills.
Can therapy help with school readiness and transitions?
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Yes. Therapy can support children preparing for school by building skills such as communication, attention, motor development, independence and social participation. We work with families across Newcastle and the Hunter region to help children feel confident and supported when transitioning into school.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment and who needs one?
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A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a detailed assessment completed by an allied health professional, such as an Occupational Therapist, to understand how someone functions in everyday life. In Newcastle and the Hunter region, FCAs are commonly used for NDIS access, plan reviews and to guide recommendations for supports and services.
How long does it take to get started after submitting an intake form?
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Once you submit your intake form, our team will review your details and contact you to discuss next steps. Timeframes can vary depending on availability and service demand, but we aim to respond as promptly as possible to families across Newcastle and the Hunter region.
Do you offer therapy services in schools or childcare settings?
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Yes. Where appropriate, therapy can be delivered in schools, childcare centres and other community settings across Newcastle and the Hunter region. This helps ensure therapy strategies are practical, relevant and easily applied in everyday environments.
Can therapy be delivered at home in the Newcastle and Hunter region?
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Yes. Hunter Coast Therapy offers home-based therapy services where suitable. Working in the home environment allows therapists to support real-life routines, making therapy more practical and meaningful for children and families across Newcastle and the Hunter region.
Do you offer support for families in rural or remote areas?
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Yes. In addition to in-person services across Newcastle and the Hunter region, we offer Telehealth therapy for families across Australia. This ensures children and families in rural and remote areas can still access high-quality Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Physiotherapy.
What happens during the first therapy session?
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The first session typically involves getting to know your child, understanding their strengths and challenges, and discussing goals with you as a parent or carer. From there, the therapist will begin building a plan to guide ongoing therapy and support.
How do therapy goals get set and tracked over time?
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Therapy goals are developed collaboratively between therapists, families and, where appropriate, the child. Progress is regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure therapy remains relevant and effective, supporting meaningful outcomes over time.
Do you provide reports for NDIS plan reviews and funding applications?
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Yes. Hunter Coast Therapy can provide reports and documentation to support NDIS plan reviews, goal tracking and funding applications. These reports outline progress, functional needs and recommendations for ongoing therapy and supports.
Can parents and carers be involved in therapy sessions and planning?
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Yes. We encourage parents and carers to be actively involved in therapy sessions and planning. This helps ensure strategies can be carried over into everyday routines at home, school and in the community across Newcastle and the Hunter region.
What if I’m not sure which therapy service my child needs?
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That’s completely okay. Many families are unsure which service is the best fit. Our team can guide you through the process, understand your concerns and recommend the most appropriate therapy approach based on your child’s needs.