Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy aims to improve your ability to do everyday tasks if you're having difficulties.

How to get occupational therapy

You can get occupational therapy free through the NHS or social services, depending on your situation.

You can:

• speak to your GP practice about a referral
• search for your local council to ask if you can get occupational therapy

You can also pay for it yourself. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists lists qualified and registered occupational therapists.

Find an occupational therapist

You can check an occupational therapist is qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) using their online register.

How occupational therapy can help you

Occupational therapy can help you with practical tasks if you:

• are physically disabled
• are recovering from an illness or operation
• have learning disabilities
• have mental health problems
• are getting older

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and can look at all aspects of daily life in your home, school or workplace.

They look at activities you find difficult and see if there's another way you can do it.

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has more information about what occupational therapy is.