Occupational Therapists
What occupational therapists do, how they are registered in the UK, how to check a registration, and NHS and private routes. General information only, not personal advice.
What Occupational Therapists Do
Occupational Therapists help people of all ages do the everyday things they want and need to do — what the profession calls “occupations”: looking after yourself, work, study, caring, getting out and about, hobbies and time with others. They look past a diagnosis to your hopes, consider your strengths and your surroundings, and agree a practical, personal plan with you. That might include new routines, pacing for fatigue or pain, sensory strategies, adaptations at home, or support to stay in or return to work or education. Sessions may happen at home, in clinic, at work or online, and often involve trying things out together rather than only talking, with progress measured by what you can do in daily life. Occupational Therapists work across physical and mental health, with children and adults, in the NHS, social care, schools, workplaces and independent practice.
Registration and Titles
Protected title: Occupational Therapist — must be on the Health and Care Professions Council register. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists is the professional body.
How to Check a Registration
Search the register for the person’s name and check the entry says Occupational Therapist, with no current conditions on practice.
Our guide on how to check a register explains what to look for. Every practitioner on Therapist Circle shows their register and number on their profile so you can check it yourself.
NHS and Other Routes
NHS occupational therapists work in hospitals, community and mental health teams, and child development services. Referral is usually through your GP, hospital team or community mental health team. For help with daily living or home adaptations, your local council’s adult or children’s social care team is often the route.
See finding NHS support and free and low-cost therapy for more routes.
Private Sessions and Fees
Private fees vary by area, experience, session length and setting, so ask each practitioner for their fee, cancellation terms and any reduced-fee places before booking. Our guide to fees, private practice and NHS routes explains what to ask.
Questions to Ask Before You Start
- Which register are you on, and what is your registration number?
- What experience do you have with the kind of difficulty I have?
- How long are sessions, how often, and what do they cost?
- Do you offer online, phone or in-person sessions?
Find Occupational Therapists
Other Professions
Informed by: Royal College of Occupational Therapists. Not affiliated with any professional body. If you need urgent help, call NHS 111, Samaritans free on 116 123, or 999 if life is at risk.