Find an Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist will work with you to find different ways of carrying out activities to help you live life your way.

Help finding an occupational therapist

Please talk to your GP about contacting an occupational therapist. If you regularly see a social worker, nurse or other health care professional, they too can help you to contact an occupational therapist. If a referral from a professional is needed they will contact the occupational therapist for you, or you may be able to refer yourself. Be prepared to give information on the difficulties you are experiencing and how that is affecting your life. You may want to know how long it will be before you get an appointment, so remember to ask if there is a waiting list.

Find a private occupational therapist

You can find a private (or independent) occupational therapist by searching the online directory provided by the College of Occupational Therapists’ Specialist Section for Independent Practice. All occupational therapists listed on the directory are fully qualified and registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
To search the directory go to www.cotss-ip.org.uk

Home adaptations or equipment

If you think an adaptation to your home, or equipment, would help you, please contact your local Council's Social Service Department (England and Wales), Social Work department (Scotland) or Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland). There are various ways you can access adaptations depending on whether you are a home owner, or rent a property, and they will be able to advise you accordingly. Social Services do not require a referral from a professional just information from you, or someone acting on your behalf, such as a friend or relative.

Help returning to or staying in work

If you require an occupational therapist to help you remain in or return to existing employment, please speak to your employer about contacting an occupational therapist. If you are currently unemployed and seeking work, please speak to your GP in the first instance about contacting an occupational therapist.

Help with studies

If you are at college or university and are experiencing difficulties due to a disability, dyspraxia, or a specific learning difficulty, student services may be able to help you find an occupational therapist.

Help for children and young people at school

In the first instance, please discuss your concerns with the teacher, school head or special educational needs advisor. They will assist you in finding an occupational therapist who specialises in helping children and young people.

Check an occupational therapist is registered to practise

All occupational therapists are required to be registered with their regulatory body, the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), before they can practise. The HCPC is responsible for the conduct, performance and ethical behaviour of its registrants. You can check that an occupational therapist is registered with the Health Care Professions Council via their website at www.hcpc-uk.org