Think There’s a 2-Year Wait for OT or Speech Therapy? Not Anymore.

Wait list open

You’ve probably heard it before—maybe even from your GP, child’s teacher, or another parent at school:

“There’s a two-year wait for speech or occupational therapy.”

While long waitlists are a real challenge in many parts of Australia, we’re here to let families across Shoalhaven and Illawarra know:

That’s not the case at South Coast Therapy & Support Group.

Thanks to the growth of our team and the expansion to three clinic locations, we now have increased capacity to welcome new clients—including children, teens, and adults needing assessments and ongoing support.

Why Do People Think There’s a 2-Year Wait?

The idea of a two-year wait for therapy often comes from:

• Public health system waitlists (e.g. hospitals or community centres)

• Paediatric referrals through overloaded services

• Limited private providers in rural or regional areas

• High demand and low workforce numbers, especially post-COVID

But not all services are the same. At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we’ve made it a priority to reduce barriers to access—because we know early support makes a lasting difference.

How We’ve Grown to Meet the Need

Over the past few years, we’ve invested in growing our team and expanding our reach. Here’s how we’re making therapy more accessible:

1. Three Clinic Locations

We now operate from:

• Shoalhaven OT (Nowra)

• Shoalhaven Allied Health

• Shellharbour OT (Illawarra)

Each clinic is purpose-designed and staffed with a team of qualified, passionate therapists ready to support clients of all ages.

2. More Therapists = Shorter Wait Times

We’ve welcomed new occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and allied health assistants to our team—each bringing fresh skills, energy, and availability.

This means faster access to:

• Initial assessments

• NDIS reports

• Ongoing therapy

• Groups and holiday intensives

3. Flexible Appointment Options

We offer therapy in the clinic, home, school, and via telehealth, depending on what works best for the client and family. This flexibility allows us to offer more appointment slots across a wider area.

Who Can We Help Right Now?

Our current availability includes support for:

• Paediatric clients: developmental delays, sensory challenges, school readiness, social skills

• NDIS participants: assessments, functional reports, ongoing therapy

• Adults and seniors: AT assessments, mobility, falls prevention, home modifications

• Communication concerns: speech clarity, expressive/receptive language, stuttering

• Behaviour and emotional regulation: including Sensory Profiles and therapy planning

If you’ve been told there’s no one available, we encourage you to reach out—we may be able to see you much sooner than expected.

The Importance of Early Access

Early access to therapy means:

• Better developmental outcomes

• Less frustration for families and carers

• More time to build skills before school transitions or plan reviews

• Support when it’s needed—not after a crisis

We don’t want anyone to delay therapy because they’ve been misinformed. Let’s change the story.

How to Book an Appointment

Getting started is easy. You can:

• Call or email our friendly admin team

• Submit an enquiry via our website

• Ask your GP or support coordinator to send a referral

We’ll guide you through the intake process and match you with a therapist who suits your goals, location, and needs.

Let’s Break the Waitlist Myth—Together

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we’re committed to accessible, timely therapy that makes a real difference. With three clinics, a growing team, and flexible service delivery, we’re proud to be part of the solution—not the waitlist.

Contact us today to book your first appointment or find out how quickly we can support you or your loved one.