How to Find an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists work with patients who have physical limitations that keep them from doing their day-to-day activities. Therapists discuss your daily routine and decide what changes or assistive devices migth make these tasks easier. Talking to a therapist may be the difference in needing extra help or accomplishing certain tasks on your own. To find an occupational therapist, or OT, read the following suggestions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check with your doctors, nurses and other hospital staff for their recommendations if an occupational therapist is not already a part of your healthcare team there.
2. Ask other people who have visited therapists for their referrals. You will find online forums on web sites of professional organizations and non-profit associations that can help you connect with other patients.
3. Look up your state's Board for Occupational Therapy to see a listing of state-licensed therapists. This does not mean they have experience treating people with your particular condition; however, it does give you information on their qualifications.
4. Check with your insurance company to determine if occupational therapy services are covered. If so, the company may have a listing of preferred providers. Also flip through the yellow pages of your phone book under Occupational Therapists.

Tips & Warnings

• Decide before your appointment what you would like to discuss and work on with the therapist. What types of activities are causing the most difficulty throughout your day?
• Be cautious of anyone promising to cure your symptoms altogether. Though occupational therapy may help tremendously, these claims are usually frivolous.