Is Hunter Coast Therapy a registered NDIS provider?

Yes — Hunter Coast Therapy is a registered NDIS provider, approved to deliver Therapeutic Supports. You can use NDIS funding for eligible supports.

What services does Hunter Coast Therapy provide?

Hunter Coast Therapy provides Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Early Intervention.

Which areas does Hunter Coast Therapy cover?

Hunter Coast Therapy is based in Adamstown, NSW.

How do I connect with Hunter Coast Therapy?

You can call +61 2 4072 1403 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does Hunter Coast Therapy work with?

Hunter Coast Therapy works with children and young people under 20 years old, from early intervention through to school-aged children and adolescents.

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is needed to see one privately. You only need a GP referral if you want to access Medicare rebates or are going through certain funded pathways.

Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?

It can be, usually under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living, if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator.

At what age should we see a speech pathologist?

There's no "too early." If you have concerns about your child's talking or understanding at any age, an assessment can clarify whether support would help.

How long are sessions and how many will we need?

Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. The number depends on your child's goals; the pathologist will recommend a plan after the initial assessment.

Hunter Coast Therapy · Speech Therapy · Adamstown, NSW

Our approach

Hunter Coast Therapy delivers personalised, neurodiversity-affirming therapy focused on building confidence, independence and everyday life skills. Therapy sessions are tailored to each child's individual strengths, needs and interests, with therapists matched to families based on personality fit and approach. The team takes a relationship-based, collaborative approach, working alongside families to develop meaningful plans that align with their values. Sessions can be delivered in the clinic, at home, in schools, community settings or via telehealth depending on what works best for each child and family. The practice was founded on the belief that when therapists feel supported and valued, they deliver better outcomes for the people they help.

Working with families

Parents and carers are actively encouraged to participate in therapy sessions and planning to ensure strategies can be carried over into everyday routines at home, school and community. Therapy goals are developed collaboratively between therapists, families and the child, with progress regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure therapy remains relevant and effective. The team works with families at different stages of development, tailoring therapy to each individual's needs and goals. Families are invited to complete an intake form to share information about their child, which helps the team understand concerns and recommend the most appropriate therapy approach. Where appropriate, the team can also provide reports and documentation to support NDIS plan reviews and funding applications.

Meet the team

The team includes 18 therapists across Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Physiotherapy with varying levels of experience. Team members include Practice Director/OT Zander Smith, Clinical Director/OT Shannen Smith, and experienced clinicians such as Fran (20+ years in OT with certifications in Project ImPACT and Early Start Denver Model), Rachel Gardner (6 years paediatric experience with focus on early intervention), and Brianna Wade (Physiotherapist graduated 2016). Newer graduates like Hamish Macqueen (graduated 2024) and Grace Hamilton (graduated 2023) bring fresh perspectives, while Allied Health Assistant Allyciah Kerr is currently completing her Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. All therapists bring diverse expertise in areas including sensory processing, motor development, neurodiversity affirmation and evidence-based practice.

Your first visit

The first therapy session focuses on getting to know your child, understanding their strengths and challenges, and discussing goals with you as a parent or carer. Before this, you'll complete an intake form, after which the team reviews your information and matches you with the most suitable therapist based on experience, approach and availability. The therapist will then begin building a plan to guide ongoing therapy and support. Parents and carers are encouraged to be actively involved in sessions and planning to ensure strategies carry over into everyday routines at home, school and community settings.

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