What is an occupational therapist?

An occupational therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who helps people of all ages participate in daily activities, or ‘occupations’, that are important to them. This can include tasks like getting dressed, going to school, working or enjoying hobbies.

OT's help people facing challenges due to injury, illness, disability or aging by developing personalised strategies to improve skills, adapt environments or use tools that make activities easier.

The goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to live as independently and fully as possible. OTs may work alongside other health professionals.

What training does an occupational therapist have?

In Australia, OTs must complete a university degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes 4 years. This education includes both classroom learning and hands-on experience through practice placements, where students work directly with clients under supervision. During their training, students learn how to assess and assist people facing challenges due to injury, illness or disability to help improve their ability to perform everyday tasks.

When would my baby need to see an occupational therapist?

Your baby may benefit from seeing an occupational therapist if they experience challenges in their development. This can include difficulties with feeding, delayed motor skills like rolling or grasping, having high sensitivity to inputs such as touch or sound, or trouble sleeping.

OTs work with babies to help them reach important developmental milestones.

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

When you take your baby to an OT, the appointment usually starts with questions about your baby's daily activities, development and any concerns you might have. They may also observe your baby during play to see how they move and interact. This helps the OT understand your baby's strengths and areas where they might need support. The goal is to create a plan to help your baby develop important skills for daily life.

What questions should I ask an occupational therapist?

When meeting with an OT, it's helpful to ask questions. Here are some suggestions, but you should ask any question you have:

• How can occupational therapy help me with my daily activities?
• What specific skills or areas will we focus on during therapy?
• How can I practise these skills at home to improve faster?
• How many sessions will my child need?

Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your occupational therapist.

How do I find an occupational therapist?

You can ask your doctor or early childhood nurse to recommend an OT in your area.

Do I need a referral to see an occupational therapist?

In Australia, you don't need a referral to see an OT in private practice. You can contact them directly to make an appointment.

You may need a referral from a healthcare professional for some public occupational therapy services. It's a good idea to check with the specific OT or service to understand their referral rules.

Is there a cost involved?

The cost of occupational therapy varies based on many factors, including if you see the therapist privately or through the public system. Because prices can differ, it's a good idea to talk to the therapist or clinic staff about costs before starting.

Many therapists also work with government programs like Medicare and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Ask your doctor if you need a referral from them for these services. If you have private health insurance, your insurer might cover some of the cost.

Resources and support

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

Developmental Occupational Therapy WA or DOT (WA) has a range of play and early learning fact sheets for children who need occupational therapy. Check out its information sheets on early skills for living and learning. These are written for parents and teachers to use with children in the early school years to support the development of functional skills.

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has a large range of fact sheets on many areas of child development, including information for parents and carers of young babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school children.

The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia has a search tool for accredited occupational therapists. It can tell you if an OT is licenced to practice.