At Hunter Coast Therapy (HCT), we recognise that traditional clinic-based approaches do not not suit everyone. From the moment you and your child or young person enter our facility, you are embraced as part of the HCT community. We prioritise understanding your unique story, as you know you are the expert in your child or young person. We believe establishing meaningful connections is fundamental to success. Therefore, we carefully match participants with therapists based on personality, interests, training and suitability. Together, we will set achievable goals that align with your values and vision for your child or young persons development. Our collaborative whole-team approach guarantees that you will always have a committed group of professionals advocating for your child, young person and family. At HCT, we are more than just a service provider; we are your partners in fostering a brighter future and walk along side you.

No. A referral from a GP or Specialist is not required to engage with any of our therapists (Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology or Physiotherapy). You may choose to speak to your GP or Specialist to discuss your individual eligibility to receive an Allied Health Medicare Referral for one or multiple of our services. Such referrals may enable you to receive the set Services Australia rebate amount which is processed back to you after full payment of the consult fee. Please be advised it is the GP or Specialist that will determine your eligibility and the number of referred sessions. A copy of this referral is required to be received by Hunter Coast Therapy to allow lodgement of any Medicare claims. To self refer, please visit our website and click on the 'Referral' button. After completing the form, our therapists will review your submission to determine suitability. If a therapist accepts the referral, our administrative team will contact you via phone or email to arrange the initial appointment.

*NDIS - Hunter Coast Therapy is a registered provider with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Our Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Physiotherapy services and group programs can be accessed through the use of NDIS Plan funds. Hunter Coast Therapy will invoice you or your nominated payee for service fees on the day of service. *Private - Hunter Coast Therapy provide assessment and ongoing therapies for private participants outside of any insurance scheme funds. Hunter Coast Therapy will seek full payment from you for services provided on the day of service. **Medicare - Your child or young person may be eligible for rebated therapy sessions under Medicare. Please consult with your GP to ascertain whether your child or young person is eligible for this support. If eligible, your GP will determine the plan, referred therapy type, number of sessions and forward a copy of your referral to Hunter Coast Therapy. **Private Health Insurance - If you have private health insurance, you may be able to claim a portion of the therapy cost. We recommend contacting your provider to confirm the availability of this benefit as this is will depend on your individual health fund.

We provide a range of appointment types, including Face-to-Face and Telehealth. Hunter Coast Therapy has two physical locations in Adamstown NSW, our HCT Hub which is our main office and our HCT Gym. Both sites are located on the same street approximately 150m from one another. Community appointments are also available at schools, early learning centres, homes, or public venues (e.g., shopping centres, parks etc). Please be advised community sessions are dependant on individual Therapist capacity and suitability to the individual therapy goals. Whilst HCT regularly conduct community sessions, access to individual sites is dependant on the specific school and/or education facilities access approvals. Travel charges are applicable for sessions conducted outside our offices sites in the community however, we endeavour to minimise costs by grouping nearby appointments together where possible.

Our initial appointment process is designed to help us best understand both you and your child/young person, ensuring that we can provide tailored support moving forward. This process comprises two key phases: *Phase 1: Parent-Only Initial Session - In this session, which may be conducted in person or via Telehealth, your therapist will gather essential background information regarding your child/young persons medical, social, and developmental history. You will have the opportunity to share your insight about your child/young persons strengths, challenges and/or any concerns you may have. This session also provides a safe and supportive environment for you to express your thoughts and ask questions about the therapy process. *Phase 2: Child/Young Person Initial Session - In the second session, your therapist will meet with both you and your child/young person at one of our Adamstown locations. Through engaging, play based activities, the therapist will interact with your child in a fun and non-threatening manner, fostering comfort, while building rapport. This approach not only enhances your child's engagement but also lays the groundwork for achieving positive therapy outcomes. Dependant on the individual referral, your therapist may commence appropriate assessments at this phase.

Allied Health Assistants (AHA) are professionals who work under the supervision and direction of our registered therapists. To be an AHA you must have a Certification III or IV in Allied Health Assistance or currently be studying a Bachelor degree within the allied health profession (e.g. Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy). An AHA program may be recommended to support the therapy process. Once goals are set, the qualified therapist creates a 'Therapy Plan' to be implemented by the AHA. Throughout the program, the therapist and AHA work closely to ensure all participant needs are consistently tracked and met. HCT Therapists provide the AHA regular supervision and guidance one how to best support their participants. Utilisation of an AHA (where it is deemed appropriate for a child or young person), can be a cost effective alternative for private and NDIS participants due to the reduced service rate. *The Role of an AHA in therapy - - Creates and maintains therapeutic relationships with families and participants - Delivers and implement effective therapy 1:1 with the participant - Follows the provided therapy plan created by the registered Therapist *The Role of a Registered Therapist in AHA therapy - - Provides families with advise and/or recommendations - Creates Therapy Plans for AHA - Conducts regular supervision with AHA - Conducts regular check ins with the participant and families - Makes amendments to therapy plans, where appropriate - Conducts assessments with Participants, when appropriate - Completes requested reports/letters To find our more about our AHA program, please contact our office on 02 4072 1403 or email us help@hctherapy.com.au