When should you see an occupational therapist?

What an occupational therapist actually does

An occupational therapist helps you do the everyday activities that matter to you when illness, injury, disability or a mental-health condition gets in the way. Washing, dressing, cooking, working, studying, playing: if it's part of your day and it has become hard, it's OT territory. Rather than treating a condition in isolation, an OT looks at the whole picture: your abilities, your home or work environment, and your routines. The NHS overview of occupational therapy is a good starting point, and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists explains the profession in more depth.

Signs an OT could help you as an adult

Consider an occupational therapy assessment if:

• Everyday tasks like washing, dressing, cooking or shopping have become difficult after an illness, operation or injury
• You're recovering from a stroke or brain injury and want to rebuild independence
• Fatigue from a long-term condition (such as multiple sclerosis or long COVID) is forcing you to choose between activities
• You've fallen, or worry about falling, and want to stay independent at home
• Your home no longer works for you and you need advice on equipment or adaptations
• A mental-health condition is making it hard to keep routines, work or study going
• Pain or stiffness in your hands or arms is limiting what you can do after an injury

Signs an OT could help your child

Paediatric occupational therapists support children's development and participation at home and school. An assessment may help if your child:

• Struggles with fine-motor skills such as handwriting, cutlery, buttons or scissors
• Is unusually sensitive (or under-sensitive) to noise, touch, textures or movement
• Finds self-care skills such as dressing or toileting much harder than peers
• Has difficulty sitting still, organising themselves or coping with transitions at school
• Is autistic or has ADHD and needs practical strategies for daily routines

Nursery or school staff are often the first to raise these observations. Their input can be a helpful part of the assessment conversation.

Getting an assessment: NHS or private

In the NHS, occupational therapy is usually reached through a GP referral, a hospital team, or your local council's adult or children's social care service. For home adaptations, councils must assess under the Care Act; see the NHS guidance on getting an OT assessment. Waits vary by area and service. Privately, you can refer yourself. No GP letter is needed. You choose a therapist whose specialism matches your situation and book directly. Some people use private OT while waiting for NHS input; the two can work alongside each other. For context on current NHS community waiting lists, see our guide to NHS therapy waiting times.

What happens at a first assessment

A first occupational therapy appointment is a structured conversation plus observation. The OT asks what a normal day looks like, what's hard, and what you want to change. They may watch how you do a task, or assess your child through play. You'll finish with agreed goals and a plan: practical strategies, equipment or adaptation recommendations, therapy sessions, or a written report for school, an employer or a housing application. If cost matters to you (it does to most people), read our guide to private therapy costs in the UK.

Common questions