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Services
Mel Altman is a professionally registered Art Therapist with ANZACATA, offering a range of supportive mental health services for children, teens and young adults across Shellharbour, Dapto, Wollongong and Kiama.
Services
Art Therapy
Counselling
Nature Therapy
Art therapy provides a safe and creative space to explore emotions, build self-awareness and support emotional wellbeing through the process of drawing, painting and sculpture. No artistic skill or experience needed — just a willingness to create
Art Therapists are trained counsellors and it's your choice whether or not art is used in session. Counselling provides a warm and supportive space to explore thoughts, feelings and challenges at a pace that feels right for you or your child
Sometimes it can feel too daunting to enter a therapy room. Walking and talking can feel less intimidating and help you uncover things in different ways. Art Gallery visits are also able to be organised.
Group Art Therapy
Group art therapy provides a supportive and creative space to explore emotions, build emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and social skills through creative expression in a safe and supportive environment.
Workshops
Art therapy workshops provide a fun and accessible creative space to explore emotions, build connection and experience the benefits of art therapy in a relaxed and supportive group setting. Workshops are often run in school holidays or can be requested for your workplace or school
NDIS Funding
Art psychotherapy and counselling services may be funded through the NDIS under the following support categories:
Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
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15_601_0128_1_3 – Assessment, recommendations, therapy or training provided by an Art Therapist
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15_043_0128_1_3 – Assessment, recommendations, therapy or training provided by a Counsellor
Early Childhood Supports (children under 9 years)
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15_005_0118_1_3 – Early Childhood Supports delivered by an Early Childhood Professional
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15_606_0118_1_3 – Early Childhood Supports delivered by a Counsellor
Plan Types Accepted
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✔ Self-managed plans
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✔ Plan-managed plans
Plan Types NOT Accepted
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✘ NDIA-managed plans (services cannot currently be claimed directly)
Please note: Access to funding under a particular line item depends on your individual NDIS plan and whether the service supports your stated goals. Your support coordinator or plan manager can assist in confirming the most appropriate item for your supports.
Fees
Private Funding
Art therapy services are available through private funding at a rate of $180 per hour. Private sessions offer flexibility for individuals, families, and carers seeking support outside of funded programs. An invoice will be issued following the completion of the session and is required to be paid within 7 days of the appointment.
Travel
There may be an additional fee for travel if the participant and/or participants family requests for sessions to be conducted in their home or a community centre, particularly if the location is outside of the Shellharbour LGA. The travel fee will be discussed during the first consult before sessions begin. If the participant is utilising NDIS funding, the travel fee will be calculated according to the NDIS pricing arrangements and limits.
How we work together
Altman Art Therapy comes to you — making support as accessible and comfortable as possible for your family.
Therapy Room
Face-to-face sessions available at Ribbonwood Centre, Dapto
In Home
Mobile sessions delivered in the comfort of your own home across Shellharbour, Wollongong, Dapto and the Shoalhaven region
Online / Telehealth
Virtual sessions available Australia-wide