When you hear the term “occupational therapist,” you may think of someone who helps people with physical therapy or rehabilitation. But occupational therapists do much more than that! These healthcare professionals help patients of all ages develop, recover, and maintain the skills they need for daily living and working.
If you or someone close to you is in need of occupational therapy services, you probably have many questions. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of questions you may want to ask your occupational therapist.
51 Questions you can ask an occupational therapist:
- What is your experience working with patients who have my diagnosis?
- What treatment approach do you use?
- What are your thoughts on my current treatment plan?
- How often will I need to see you?
- How long will each session be?
- What can I expect to achieve in therapy?
- What are some at-home exercises or activities I can do to help me reach my goals?
- What are some resources or referrals you can give me?
- How will we know if therapy is working?
- How will my progress be tracked?
- Are there any risks associated with the treatments you’re recommending?
- What are the costs of services?
- Do you take my insurance?
- Do you offer sliding-scale fees?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- How do I schedule appointments?
- What are your office hours?
- Is there someone I can contact after hours in case of an emergency?
- How do I reach you if I have a question or concern between sessions?
- Do you have any current promotions or discounts available?
- What is occupational therapy?
- What do occupational therapists do?
- How can occupational therapy help me/my child?
- What are some common conditions that OT can help with?
- How will I/my child be involved in therapy?
- What are some of the things I/my child will learn or do in therapy?
- How long will it take to see results?
- Are there things I/we can do at home to help improve the condition?
- Does my insurance cover this type of therapy? If not, how much will it cost out of pocket?
- How do I know if I/my child is ready for discharge from therapy?
- Do you have any recommendations for other resources or service providers who may be able to help me/us?
- Can you provide me/us with any printed materials or websites that would be helpful?
- Who should I contact if I have any questions or concerns between appointments?
- What should I do if my child refuses to participate in therapy sessions?
- My child has been receiving OT services at school, can you tell me more about what they’re doing in school and how it relates to what we’re doing here?
- Are there any community resources or support groups you can refer me to?
- Would it be beneficial for me/us to meet with another member of your team, such as a speech therapist, mental health counselor, etc.?
- Do you have any blog posts or articles that you would recommend I read?
- How can I stay up-to-date on the latest news and research in the field of occupational therapy?
- How can I benefit from occupational therapy?
- What will happen during my first visit?
- How long will each session last?
- What does an occupational therapist need to know about me before starting treatment?
- Where will my sessions take place?
- What are some common treatments methods used by occupational therapists?
- What are the side effects associated with these treatments?
- What are some possible outcomes of occupational therapy?
- What happens if I don’t stick with treatment?
- Are there any follow-up services available after treatment is complete?
- How do I know if I’m making progress in therapy?
- What should I do if I experience a setback?
Frequently Asked Questions
What do occupational therapists do?
Occupational therapists work with people who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to help them live as independently as possible. They may help their clients learn new skills, regain lost skills, or adjust to changes in their lives caused by their disability. Some occupational therapists also work with people recovering from injuries or illnesses.
What qualities and skills do you need to possess to be a good occupational therapist?
To be a good occupational therapist, you need to have qualities such as patience, compassion, and strong communication skills. You must also be able to think and adapt quickly to new situations. The profession requires a lot of hands-on work, so you need to be physically fit and have the ability to stay organized.
Conclusion
An occupational therapist can be a valuable asset on the road to recovery from an illness, injury, mental health condition, or learning disability. Use this list of questions as a starting point when you first meet with an OT to make sure you get the most out of your appointment and find the right therapist for your needs.
