Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
Looking for an occupational therapist (OT) for your child? You can start your search by talking with your pediatrician and health insurance plan. Consider the pros and cons of school vs. private occupational therapy, as well as virtual vs. in-person services.
Key takeaways
Your pediatrician, health plan, or local college are all good places to start your search for a pediatric occupational therapist.
Occupational therapists can work in a school or private practice. However, not every child qualifies for school-based OT.
It’s important to look at the OT’s experience, reviews, scheduling availability, and what insurance they accept.
OT can be offered online or in-person, and there are pros and cons for each. In-person can be best for children with certain physical needs, while virtual offers more flexibility, parent involvement, and a comfortable home environment.
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Get startedWhere to look for an occupational therapist for your child
Occupational therapists help kids develop in many key areas of childhood. From fine motor and self-care skills, to sensory processing, emotional regulation, and more, OTs help children build the skills they need to grow and gain independence in their everyday life.
Finding an OT for your child doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Here are four of the best places to start your search:
1 Ask your doctor or pediatrician
Talk with your healthcare provider or pediatrician. They often have recommendations and can refer you to a local occupational therapist near where you live.
2 Check with your insurance company
If you have health insurance, call the number on the back of your card to ask about coverage for occupational therapy. They may also suggest OTs who are in your network.
3 Contact Expressable
Expressable offers virtual occupational therapy to children all over the U.S. We'll match you with a therapist based on your needs and availability (including after school, evenings, and weekends). We’re in network with many insurance plans, and you can check your coverage and get a cost estimate online.
4 Look into college programs
Contact your local college to find out if they have an occupational therapy program. If so, you can receive a diagnosis and treatment from a student under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. While this can be an affordable option, note that you may work with several different students.
Occupational therapy for kids helps build the skills they need to play, learn, and grow. Learn how OTs support kids’ independence and confidence.
Private vs. school-based occupational therapy
There are two main settings where children receive occupational therapy: in their school or through a private practice. Each location has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at school-based vs. private occupational therapy so you can make the best decision for your family.
School-based occupational therapy
Occupational therapy in school is often the least expensive option. School occupational therapists can work closely with a child’s teachers, which is another benefit. But some schools are short on staff or resources. This could mean long wait times and inconsistent schedules.
Keep in mind that an OT can only work with a child in school if the child’s therapy needs are “educationally relevant,” or directly related to school. The OT can only address needs that support school-based tasks, such as fine motor skills for handwriting, or sensory processing needs in the classroom.
Most importantly, your child may not receive one-on-one occupational therapy. Because so many students receive OT at school, therapists often hold group sessions with several children, all with different needs. Parents and caregivers may not be kept updated on what their child is learning in therapy and how to help them at home.
If you’re not sure about school-based occupational therapy, it’s worth exploring private practice options. Many kids who go to school-based therapy also attend private OT sessions.
Fine motor skills are the small hand and finger movements we use for everyday tasks. Learn examples, activities, and how to support your child’s development at home.
Private occupational therapy
There are many advantages to private occupational therapy. Isayda Bell, M.S., OTR/L, an occupational therapist with Expressable, explains, “Nothing beats having an OT who knows your child’s strengths and differences so closely. Your child will get personalized attention and support. Plus, your OT will be able to motivate your child in a way that’s fun for them and keeps them learning.”
Nothing beats having an OT who knows your child’s strengths and differences. Your child will get personalized attention and support.
Private occupational therapy also allows parents to develop a strong relationship with their child’s therapist. This makes it easier to stay informed on your child’s progress. Your OT should give you strategies to use with your child at home, which can help them improve faster. Plus, if your child is receiving virtual OT, you can attend and learn right alongside them.
Note that occupational therapy services at a private clinic may cost more than at school. But if you have insurance, your coverage could lower these costs.
Problems with sensory processing and emotional regulation are often related in children. Here’s how occupational therapy can help.
5 tips to find the right occupational therapist for your child
There are many incredible occupational therapists out there. The key is to find one who’s right for your family. At the end of the day, you should feel confident that your OT has the skills to help your child grow.
These tips will help you evaluate and choose the best OT for your child.
1 Know your child’s occupational therapy needs
OTs treat many areas of childhood development. That’s why it’s important to find a therapist with the right skills and experience for your child’s needs. While many OTs can work with a variety of needs, find out if they have experience treating the issue your child is struggling with.
Common conditions that occupational therapists support include:
Global developmental delays
You’ll also want to consider your child’s age and any coexisting conditions. Some OTs specialize in the needs of infants and toddlers. Others focus on helping school-aged kids, teenagers, or adults. If your child has other conditions like autism, ADHD, or a brain injury, it’s important to find an OT with experience in those needs.
2 Check the OT’s reviews
Check online reviews for any occupational therapist you’re considering. Reviews from other parents and clients can tell you how the therapist works and communicates.
Reviews also highlight the occupational therapist's success with children like yours. This can help you feel more confident in your decision.
3 Look for an occupational therapist who will partner and work closely with you
You'll want to find an OT with whom you can build a trusting relationship. Occupational therapy works best when caregivers join in.
Think about it: Your child will only see their OT for an hour or two each week. In contrast, they probably see you every day. The best OTs recognize this and encourage parental involvement.
Your occupational therapist should show you simple ways to work practice into mealtime, playtime, or bedtime routines. For example, Expressable OTs assign home practice activities after every session. Every Expressable client receives access to our online client portal, packed with tips, videos, and activities. You can also text with your therapist throughout the week to ask questions and get support. With the right home practice strategies, you and your OT can work together to help your child build their skills faster!
Discover how Expressable’s portal makes it easy to practice speech and occupational therapy at home, with expert tools, tips, videos, and lessons.
4 Consider insurance and occupational therapy cost
Occupational therapy is often covered by insurance, but coverage varies widely by plan. Be sure to ask potential OTs if they accept your insurance, whether it's a commercial plan or Medicaid.
What if you don’t have insurance, or the OT doesn’t accept your plan? Ask about out-of-pocket costs for occupational therapy and whether payment plans are offered. Understanding costs upfront will allow you to make an informed decision about your child’s care.
5 Look for an occupational therapist who fits your schedule
Consistency is important in OT. To make it easier to attend, look for a therapist who has flexible hours, such as after school, evening, and weekend appointments. These options are perfect for busy families.
If it’s hard to make it to an office, consider virtual occupational therapy. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your home, and it’s easier to schedule sessions at a time when you can be there alongside your child.
Looking for an occupational therapist?
Teletherapy makes it easy. We serve families with a range of needs across the U.S. Get started today!
Find an OTOnline vs in-person occupational therapy
Telehealth allows us to choose how we receive many health care services, including occupational therapy. So how do you decide whether in-person or online occupational therapy is best? Here are some points to consider so you can make the right choice for your family.
In-person occupational therapy
Many occupational therapists see clients in person at a local office. While this works well for some families, others might find it challenging to fit in a weekly in-person appointment.
In-person OT may be a good choice for people with:
High needs: Some children need more intensive therapy that requires a hands-on approach, such as kids who need specialized equipment like splinting or therapy swings.
Multidisciplinary therapy: If a child is also receivingspeech therapy or physical therapy, it can be convenient to have all their sessions in the same building.
That said, there are some downsides to in-person occupational therapy:
Getting there: If you choose in-office OT, you have to spend time and money on transportation. Bad weather, traffic, or busy schedules can add extra stress.
Finding time: You have to go when the occupational therapist’s office is open. It might be hard to fit sessions around your job, school, after-school activities, and family life.
Lack of caregiver involvement: If you’re short on time, it can be tough to join your child’s in-person appointments. That means you’ll miss the chance to get involved with your child’s care and learn strategies for at-home practice. As we discussed earlier, this can delay your child’s progress.
Can occupational therapy be done online? Learn how virtual OT works, what the research says, and how OT helps kids build everyday skills at home.
Virtual occupational therapy
Online occupational therapy can work just as well as traditional in-person care. The only difference is that you use video conferencing software. You can learn more about the research supporting virtual OT here.
Online occupational therapy also offers these benefits:
Better access: Virtual OT means you’re not limited to occupational therapists in your area. In many cases, your town may not have many OT clinics, or there may be long waitlists.
Convenience: No commute time needed! Simply turn on the computer or tablet, and your therapy session can begin.
Flexible scheduling: Online occupational therapy is often available in the evening or on weekends. That means you won’t have to miss work, skip after-school activities, or rearrange your schedule to get your child to their OT appointment.
Home environment: Children are often more comfortable at home, where their favorite toys and activities can be used during sessions.
Easy caregiver involvement: It's easy for parents and caregivers to attend online OT with their child. You can form a relationship with the therapist, track your child's progress, and learn how to help them at home. When you practice the techniques your child is learning between sessions, it leads to faster progress!
As Bell says, “There are so many benefits to online occupational therapy. We get to see the child in their natural environment, and we have the parent right there to tell us how the child is doing throughout the week. We can also use the child’s own toys and items to help them learn new skills. This allows them to practice and improve at home, leading to better results.”
Some downsides to consider include:
Technology needs: For online occupational therapy, you need to have a reliable internet connection.
Camera positioning for best view: Because the OT needs to see what your child is doing, you may need to adjust camera positioning now and again.
Specific physical needs: If a child needs care while using a splint, or from having limited movement of their joints for medical reasons, they may need more hands-on support.
If you choose virtual occupational therapy, make sure you find an OT who’s experienced with teletherapy. Online occupational therapists need to know how to keep children engaged in a virtual setting. They should also know how to involve parents and coach them on therapy techniques, as described above.
Get matched with an occupational therapist
When you find the right occupational therapist, you’re one step closer to getting your child the support they need to grow and thrive—at home, at school, and in everyday life. Consider the therapist's credentials, insurance options, and scheduling flexibility to make an informed decision. Don’t forget to trust your instincts and ask questions throughout the process, too.
Ready to get started with Expressable? Get matched with the right occupational therapist for your child’s unique needs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children build the skills they need to grow and gain independence in their everyday life, whether through playing, learning, eating, getting dressed, or interacting with others. Occupational therapists work with children of all ages to support skills like fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, feeding, emotional regulation, and social participation.
Some signs that a child needs occupational therapy may include:
Struggling with tasks like writing, cutting, or using utensils
Avoiding activities like coloring, dressing, or doing puzzles
Appearing sensitive to sounds, textures, or movement
Having trouble feeding themselves or trying new foods
Needing help becoming more independent in daily routines
Kids with ADHD often benefit from occupational therapy. It helps them regulate their body, manage emotions, and stay organized. OT helps children with ADHD learn how to manage their attention differences to better participate in school, social settings, and more.
While there may appear to be some overlap, OT and PT are different. Occupational therapy focuses on improving independence in everyday life. OT supports children in tasks that are important for daily functioning, such as self-care, feeding, handwriting, and emotional regulation.
Physical therapy, or PT, focuses on supporting or restoring movement, strength, and physical function of the body. A physical therapist might help a baby gain strength to sit independently, or help a toddler learn to walk.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech and occupational therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication, feeding, and developmental skills, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 4,500 5-star reviews from our clients (4.83/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech and occupational therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
