What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy can help you take part in the activities that you find meaningful. These can be:

• self-care tasks — such as getting dressed or cooking
• working, studying or volunteering
• leisure activities — such as hobbies and social events

What does an occupational therapist do?

An occupational therapist (or OT) works with people of any age, including children and older people.

OTs are experts in finding the relationship between:

• what you want or need to do
• your physical and mental health and abilities
• your environment

They work with you to help make everyday living easier. An OT can work with you to keep, regain or improve your independence.

Where do occupational therapists work?

Occupational therapists work in:

• community health centres
• schools
• hospitals
• private practices
• rehabilitation centres
• aged care facilities
• government organisations

What qualifications do occupational therapists have?

In Australia, OTs must have a degree in occupational therapy from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists approved program. They must also be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA).

When might I see an occupational therapist?

OTs are helpful to people at many different ages. They can help you:

• develop skills to improve your quality of life
• get better after an illness or injury
• find and use equipment to maintain your independence
• deal with stress and emotions
• with home modifications
• with vehicle modifications
• use your hands, such as developing handwriting skills or using your hands after an injury

Occupational therapists can also help you to manage fatigue (tiredness) and live with chronic (long-term) health conditions like:

• arthritis
• cancer
• diabetes
• neurological (nerve) conditions

Your doctor or another allied health professional can help you decide if occupational therapy might be suitable for your needs. They can give you a referral to an OT.

What should I expect during an appointment with an occupational therapist?

An OT will work with you during your appointment to find your strengths and difficulties. They may ask:

• what activities you can do
• what activities you can't do or struggle with
• what activities you want to do and goals you want to reach

Your OT can then give you advice and techniques for achieving your goals safely and easily.

They can help you to manage any ongoing symptoms by:

• building your knowledge and skills
• finding new ways of doing tasks
• changing your surroundings to suit your needs

Your OT may suggest new equipment to help you achieve your goals.

How much does occupational therapy cost?

The cost for seeing an occupational therapist varies. You should call and ask about the cost before making an appointment.

Many OTs work under government funding schemes, such as:

• Medicare
• the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)

These schemes may be able to help you with some of the costs.

If you have private health insurance, your insurer might cover some of the cost. It's a good idea to check with your private health insurer before your appointment.

How do I find an occupational therapist?

Your doctor can refer you to a specific occupational therapist. You can also ask your family and friends for occupational therapists that they would recommend.

Occupational Therapy Australia has a Find an OT service.

You can also search for occupational therapists online through the healthdirect Service Finder.

Do I need a referral to see an occupational therapist?

A referral is not needed to see an occupational therapist. However, you will need a referral from your doctor if you plan to claim your costs through a government funding scheme.

Resources and Support

Visit Occupational Therapy Australia to find out more about occupational therapy and if it can help you.

The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia allows you to search for an accredited occupational therapist. It can also tell you if an OT has been suspended or is facing disciplinary procedures.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.