Find a private occupational therapist in the UK
Book an HCPC-registered occupational therapist for daily-living support, rehabilitation or your child's needs. Compare profiles and prices upfront, and start without a referral or a waiting list.
Find an occupational therapistWhat is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy helps people of all ages do the everyday activities that matter to them, from getting dressed and cooking to working, studying and playing. Therapists call these activities "occupations", which is where the name comes from. An occupational therapist looks at how your health, your environment and your daily routines interact, then works with you on practical strategies, equipment or adaptations that make everyday life easier. In the UK, occupational therapists complete an approved degree-level qualification and must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise. You can read more about the profession at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Who occupational therapy helps
People see an occupational therapist for many different reasons, at every stage of life. Independent occupational therapists on Therapyway list the areas they cover on their profiles, which often include:
- Recovery and rehabilitation after a stroke, brain injury or surgery
- Support for children with sensory processing differences, autism or ADHD, at home and at school
- Hand and upper-limb rehabilitation after injury
- Housing adaptations, equipment recommendations and independence-at-home assessments
- Fatigue and energy management for long-term conditions such as multiple sclerosis or long COVID
- Falls prevention and staying independent in later life
- Building daily structure and routines while living with a mental-health condition
Every profile shows the therapist's specialisms, so you can search for someone with experience in exactly what you need.
What to expect from your first session
Your first appointment is usually an assessment. The therapist will ask about your day-to-day life, what you're finding difficult and what you want to achieve. That could be returning to work, managing at home or supporting your child at school. Depending on the specialism, sessions can take place online by video, in your home, at school or in the community. After the assessment, your therapist will agree goals with you and set out a plan. That might include practical strategies to try between sessions, equipment or adaptation recommendations, or a written report if you need one for school, an employer or a housing application.
How Therapyway works
Therapyway is a UK-wide marketplace for independent therapists, not a clinic. You search occupational therapists by specialism, compare full profiles covering experience, specialisms, prices and availability, and book directly with the therapist you choose. Every occupational therapist is checked against the HCPC register before their profile goes live. You don't need a GP referral, and there's no waiting list: you see real availability and pick a time that works for you.
What private sessions cost
Every occupational therapist on Therapyway sets their own price, shown upfront on their profile before you book. A 50-minute session typically costs £60 to £120, and you pay per session with no subscription and no sign-up fee. Many therapists also offer a free introductory consultation, so you can check they're the right fit before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a private occupational therapist?
No. You can book a private occupational therapist directly on Therapyway without a GP referral. If your therapist thinks another professional should be involved in your care, they will tell you.
How much does a private occupational therapist cost in the UK?
Each therapist sets their own price, shown upfront on their profile. A 50-minute session typically costs between £60 and £120, and you pay per session with no subscription or sign-up fee. Many therapists offer a free introductory consultation.
Are the occupational therapists on Therapyway HCPC-registered?
Yes. Every occupational therapist on Therapyway is checked against the Health and Care Professions Council register before their profile goes live.
Can occupational therapy be done online?
Many occupational therapists offer video sessions, and assessment or coaching-style work can often be done online. Some needs are better in person, such as home-environment assessments or hands-on rehabilitation. Each profile shows whether the therapist works online, in person or both.
What is the difference between NHS and private occupational therapy?
NHS occupational therapy is free at the point of use but usually needs a referral and can involve a wait. 1,214,252+ people were on NHS England community waiting lists for occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and physiotherapy as of March 2026. Booking privately lets you choose your own therapist and start sooner, and many people use private sessions alongside or while waiting for NHS care.
Related reading
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