Occupational therapy

2-minute read

Occupational therapy provides support to people whose health or disability makes it hard for them to do the things they would like to do. An occupational therapist can identify your strengths and difficulties, help with solutions, and help you to take part in everyday life.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is used when someone is having difficulty with everyday tasks. An occupational therapist can identify your strengths and difficulties, such as dressing or getting to the shops, and will help you work out practical solutions. They are often called OTs.

An OT can help you maintain, regain or improve your independence by using different techniques, changing your environment and using new equipment.

OTs work with people of any age, including children and older people, to help them do things that ‘occupy’ their time. These can include:

looking after yourself
work or school
social activities
being part of your community

OTs must have a degree in occupational therapy and be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA). You can check if an OT is registered or make a complaint on the AHPRA website.

What does an occupational therapist do?

OTs do many things. They might:

help you, or someone you know, after an accident or illness, or who has a disability or mental illness
work with children such as those with learning difficulties
develop strategies to help with a disability or mental health issues
help improve your confidence in social situations

Will occupational therapy benefit me?

OTs are helpful to many different people, old and young. Your doctor, nurse or other health or social care professional can help decide if it might be suitable for your needs.

Am I eligible for occupational therapy

Your doctor can help you decide whether an OT might help you, and can provide a referral.

Search for occupational therapists online through the healthdirect service finder.

Cost of occupational therapy

The fees charged by OTs vary. Check before you start.

Medicare covers fees in certain circumstances, but only if your doctors refers you.

If you have private health insurance, check whether or not OT is covered, and to what extent.

More information

Occupational Therapy Australia has more information.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: March 2018

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Occupational therapist | Raising Children Network

If your child needs to see an occupational therapist, it helps to know what to expect. Read our guide to occupational therapists working with children.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapy in palliative care aims to enable the individuals participation in valued and essential everyday activities (occupations), while acknowledging progressive deterioration and pending death. The focus of interventions varies according to where a person enters the health system. However, what remains a core factor is the identification of a persons occupational priorities and working with them and their carers to meet or adjust these priorities as needed.