Funding Schemes 

The professional body of ANZACATA is recognised by several funding schemes in Australia and New Zealand. ANZACATA members are eligible to register to provide services under these four schemes. The ‘Find a Therapist’ directory will allow you to search for therapists who are registered under these schemes.

To find a therapist who is a registered provider for NDIS, ACC, WINZ Disability Counselling, or the I AM HOPE programme, go to advanced search and select the checkbox next to the scheme’s name.

Australia - NDIS

ANZACATA, creative arts therapies and the NDIS

What is Creative Arts Therapy?

Registered Creative Arts Therapists are university trained in both creative methods and also in psychological and psychotherapeutic methods to help clients better express themselves and to improve their wellbeing. Creative Arts Therapists are mental health professionals who use art, media and the creative process (drawing, writing, sculpting, drama, clay, sand, dance and movement) to facilitate the exploration of feelings, improve self-awareness and reduce anxiety for clients.

Registered with ANZACATA (Australian, New Zealand and Asia Creative Arts Therapy Association)

In Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Certified and Registered Creative Arts Therapists have a specific Master's degree in Arts Therapy and over 750 hours of supervised clinical placement. They must undergo regular supervision, abide by a Code of Ethics and update their practice every year with professional development training.

Does Creative Arts Therapy Help?

A recent report from The World Health Organisation (Health Evidence Network synthesis report 67, 2019) investigated arts based therapies from over 3000 studies and found "a major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan". The WHO report found:

1. The overall evidence base shows a robust impact of the arts on both mental and physical health
2. It is useful in the expression and exploration of difficult or complex problems.
3. It is cost effective, engages minority or marginalised groups, complements other therapies or medical interventions.

Can Creative Arts Therapy be Funded under NDIS?

Yes! Creative Arts Therapy is funded under the NDIS. It must be undertaken by a Creative Arts Therapist, registered with ANZACATA. The participant must have funding allocated for Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills and it must be deemed 'reasonable and necessary'. The Therapist will work with the participant to make a plan, conduct sessions in accordance with the goals of the participant and report to the NDIA on progress with the participant in reaching their goals.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has produced the NDIS Practice Standards Verification Module on September 2021. Art Therapy is described on p9.

New Zealand - ACC

Providing creative arts therapy for ACC's Sensitive Claims

New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) recognises ANZACATA as a professional body. Professional level members are eligible to join their integrated service for sensitive claims (ISSC) contract to provide therapy to clients that have experienced sexual violence. ANZACATA has a representative that sits on the ACC Sensitive Claims Advisory Group.

If you are a professional level member and want to offer funded therapy to ACC clients who have experienced sexual trauma, you'll need to apply to become a named 'provider' on an ISSC 'supplier's' contract.

To find out more about this, you can email ANZACATA member Tania Blomfield who has an ISSC supplier's contract.

New Zealand - WINZ

Providing creative arts therapy through the WINZ Disability Allowance Scheme

New Zealand's Ministry of Social Development recognises ANZACATA as a professional body. Professional level members are eligible to receive payment through the Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) Disability Allowance Scheme which is a weekly payment for people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a disability, such as counselling. Clients do not have to be on a benefit to receive the allowance, but they do need a referral form filled in by their GP stating the nature of the disability which can be related to mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

Your local GPs or WINZ case workers can advise you of the process if you want to make this funding available to your lower income clients. To find out more visit WINZ.

Click here to register as a Work and Income Supplier - Work and Income.

New Zealand - I AM HOPE

A community of counsellors, therapists and health professionals providing kiwi kids with the mental health support and guidance

I AM HOPE is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust, started by Mike King. Key To Life promotes positive attitudinal societal change in schools and communities up and down the country, and funding private care and counselling for young people stuck on waiting lists.

Sign up as a creative arts therapist to be part of the I AM HOPE community
ANZACATA Professional members are eligible to join up to this community of counsellors, therapists and health professionals – please click here.