What is an Occupational Therapist?

October 27, 2026
Clock Icon 5 min read

Occupational therapy helps people manage everyday activities when an illness, disability, injury, developmental difficulty or other condition makes these activities difficult. In this article, we’ll explain what occupational therapy involves, when an occupational therapist may be able to help, how referrals to an occupational therapist (OT) work and what to expect from an occupational therapy assessment.

Occupational therapist helping patient with gardening hobby

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a type of support that focuses on helping people take part in everyday activities, such as getting dressed, washing, eating, cooking, working, going to school, looking after children, socialising or taking part in hobbies.

An occupational therapist looks at the activities someone is struggling with and considers whether there are different ways they could be completed. This might involve developing new skills, practising activities, using equipment or making changes to the person’s surroundings.

How is Occupational Therapy Different from Physiotherapy?

Although occupational therapists and physiotherapists can work together, their roles are different:

  • Physiotherapy generally focuses on movement, physical function, strength, mobility and recovery from injury or illness.
  • Occupational therapy focuses on how a person’s health or disability affects their ability to manage everyday activities and participate in daily life. An OT may consider physical abilities as well as cognitive, sensory, emotional and environmental factors.

Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?

Occupational therapists work in a wide range of health, care and community settings. Depending on their role, they may work in:

  • Hospitals and NHS clinics.
  • Community health services.
  • Social care services.
  • Mental health services.
  • Schools and other educational settings.
  • Care homes.
  • Workplaces.
  • People’s own homes.

Who Do Occupational Therapists Help?

Occupational therapists can support people of all ages. The type of support offered will depend on the person’s individual needs and the activities they are finding difficult. This includes people who:

  • Have a physical disability or long-term health condition.
  • Are recovering from an illness, injury or operation.
  • Have a learning disability.
  • Have mental health difficulties.
  • Are experiencing difficulties associated with ageing.
  • Have developmental, sensory or other additional needs.

When Should an Occupational Therapist be Involved?

An OT may be able to help when a person’s health, disability or development is affecting their ability to manage everyday tasks or to remain independent. Some signs that an occupational therapy assessment could be helpful include:

  • Struggling with everyday activities, such as washing, dressing, eating or cooking.
  • Finding it difficult to move around the home safely.
  • Having difficulty returning to normal activities following an illness, injury or operation.
  • Needing help to manage activities at school or work.
  • Finding that changes to memory, concentration or thinking are affecting everyday life.
  • Having sensory or developmental difficulties that affect daily activities.
  • Needing equipment or adaptations to make everyday activities easier or safer.
  • Finding that a physical or mental health condition is affecting independence.
Patient re-learning how to tie shoes in occupational therapy

What Happens in Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is tailored to the individual, so the therapist will work with the person to understand what they want or need to be able to do, then identify practical ways of helping them achieve this. Depending on their needs, occupational therapy may involve:

  • Setting goals based on the activities that are important to the person.
  • Practising everyday activities and developing strategies to make them easier.
  • Recommending equipment or assistive technology.
  • Advising on how to use equipment safely.
  • Suggesting changes to the home, school or workplace.
  • Helping family members or carers understand how they can provide appropriate support.
  • Working with other health, care or education professionals.

Occupational therapy should focus on person-centred care, meaning that the person’s needs, preferences, circumstances and goals are always considered when planning their support. The person should also be involved in decisions about their care, rather than simply being given a standard treatment plan. For some people, occupational therapy may involve a short period of assessment and advice, while others may need ongoing support or several sessions.

Occupational Therapy Examples

Occupational therapy can look very different depending on a person’s age, circumstances and goals. For example:

  • For children – an OT may help a child who has difficulty with dressing, using cutlery, handwriting, playing or managing sensory experiences. They may suggest strategies, activities or equipment to support the child’s independence at home or school.
  • For working-age adults – an OT may support someone recovering from an injury or illness who is struggling to return to work or manage everyday activities. They may recommend changes to how tasks are completed or adaptations to the person’s environment.
  • For older adults – an OT may help someone who is finding it increasingly difficult to wash, dress, prepare meals or move safely around their home. They may recommend equipment or home adaptations to support independence and reduce risks.
  • For people with disabilities – an OT may assess whether equipment, assistive technology or adaptations could make everyday activities easier and help someone remain independent.
  • For people with mental health difficulties – an OT may support someone whose mental health is affecting their ability to manage daily routines, work, education, relationships or other meaningful activities.
Occupational therapist helping patient with bricklaying work after back injury

How to Get an Occupational Therapy Referral and What is an Occupational Therapy Assessment?

Occupational therapy can be provided through the NHS or social services, depending on the person’s circumstances and where they live. Some people also choose to access an occupational therapist privately.

If you choose private occupational therapy, make sure the therapist is appropriately qualified and registered. ‘Occupational therapist’ is a protected title in the UK and occupational therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to use the title.

How to Get an Occupational Therapy Referral

The route into occupational therapy depends on the person’s needs and local services. In some areas, you may be able to contact the local occupational therapy or social care service yourself rather than being referred by a GP. You may be able to ask for an occupational therapy referral through:

  • Your GP or another healthcare professional involved in your care.
  • A hospital consultant or other hospital team.
  • Your local authority’s adult or children’s social care service.
  • A social worker.
  • Your child’s school, nursery or college, including through the SENCO where appropriate.
  • Another health or care professional who is involved in your support.

What is an Occupational Therapy Assessment?

An occupational therapy assessment is an opportunity for the therapist to understand how a person’s condition, disability or other circumstances affect their everyday life. The assessment will usually focus on what the person needs and wants to be able to do, rather than simply their medical diagnosis. The OT may ask about:

  • Everyday activities that are difficult.
  • The person’s abilities, strengths and limitations.
  • Their home, school or workplace environment.
  • Their physical, cognitive or sensory needs.
  • Their routines and responsibilities.
  • Any equipment or support they already use.
  • What they would like to achieve through occupational therapy.

Depending on the person’s needs, the OT may observe them carrying out certain activities. An assessment may take place at home, in hospital, at school, in a clinic or in another appropriate setting.

The OT may then recommend practical strategies, therapy, equipment or adaptations. For example, an assessment could lead to advice about equipment for everyday activities or recommendations for changes to the home.

Occupational therapy can help people of all ages overcome difficulties with everyday activities and maintain as much independence as possible. An occupational therapy assessment can help identify the challenges a person faces and find ways to make daily activities safer, easier and more manageable.

Further Resources:

Tags:

Safeguarding Adults