Occupational therapy: what to know
What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.
What occupational therapy is
Occupational therapy is care from a licensed occupational therapist who helps people regain or build skills for daily living, such as dressing, writing or working. The therapist may also recommend tools or home changes.
Signs you need it
- Daily tasks such as dressing or cooking have become harder after an injury or illness
- A child has trouble with handwriting, play or self-care
- Recovery after surgery or a hospital stay
- A doctor suggested occupational therapy
- You want to stay independent at home as you age
What the pro does
- An evaluation of your abilities, home or work setting and goals
- A plan with practical goals
- Exercises and practice of daily tasks
- Recommendations for tools and home changes
- Progress checks and updates
What changes the price
Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.
- Child or adult
- Type of concern
- Clinic, home or school visits
- Session length and frequency
- Equipment recommended
- Insurance and referral rules
What a written quote should spell out
- Evaluation included or billed separately
- Session length and frequency
- Home visit details
- Cancellation terms
- Billing, insurance and referral details
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is your license and specialty?
- Do I need a referral?
- Will you visit my home?
- What tools might you recommend?
- How will we track progress?
- How can family help?
Red flags
- Promising a set result
- Skipping the evaluation
- Pushing equipment you do not need
- Cannot show a license
- Ignoring your goals
What you can do yourself
You can make small home changes such as clearing walkways and keeping often-used items within reach, but a therapist can tailor changes to your needs. Talk with your doctor about injuries, surgery or any health concern before starting new routines.
Licenses and permits
Occupational therapy is a licensed health profession. Ask for the license type and number and check it with your state licensing board.
Occupational therapy questions
Is occupational therapy only about work?
No. It covers daily living, school, play and work.
Do you visit homes?
Many occupational therapists offer home visits, which helps them see the real setup for bathing, cooking and getting around. Ask the practice.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your state and insurance.
Can children get it?
Yes. Many therapists work with children.
Pro reviewers
Pros who offer occupational therapy remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.
2. Pick the pros you want
See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.
3. They reach out
They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.
More health and wellness guides
- Therapy: what to know
- Counseling: what to know
- Couples counseling: what to know
- Marriage counseling: what to know
- Family counseling: what to know
- Premarital counseling: what to know
- Child therapy: what to know
- Teen counseling: what to know
- Anxiety therapy: what to know
- Depression therapy: what to know
- Grief counseling: what to know
- Substance abuse counseling: what to know
- Christian counseling: what to know
- Career coaching: what to know
- Life coaching: what to know
- Health coaching: what to know