Find an Occupational Therapist

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

Occupational therapists focus on daily activities that make life meaningful—sleep, school, work, social roles—they can help you translate insight into tangible routines. If you want practical, action-oriented strategies for anxiety, depression, trauma, or serious mental illness, an OT can be a powerful ally. This article will help you understand if working with an occupational therapist is right for you.

  • McKaylla O'Rourke, Occupational Therapist

    McKaylla O'Rourke

    Occupational Therapist

    342 N Water St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

    McKaylla O'Rourke is a Occupational Therapist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They treat Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

    View profile
  • Christine Reed, Occupational Therapist

    Christine Reed

    Occupational Therapist

    6319 Fairview Avenue, Westmont, Illinois 60559

    Christine Reed is a Occupational Therapist in Westmont, Illinois. They treat Depression, Alcohol Use, Abuse.

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

    View profile
  • Adrian Cardenas, Occupational Therapist

    Adrian Cardenas

    Occupational Therapist

    1142 N Main St, Algonquin, Illinois 60102

    Adrian Cardenas is a Occupational Therapist in Algonquin, Illinois. They treat Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Abuse.

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

    View profile
  • Amy Owens, Occupational Therapist

    Amy Owens

    Occupational Therapist

    21901 Victory Road, Spring Hill, Kansas 66083

    Amy Owens is a Occupational Therapist in Spring Hill, Kansas and has been in practice for 33 years. They treat Disability.

    “Occupation” is more than just a job. Occupations are the things you do that bring meaning and purpose to your life.

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  • Alexis Santiago, Occupational Therapist

    Alexis Santiago

    Occupational Therapist

    1202 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois 60607

    Alexis Santiago is a Occupational Therapist in Chicago, Illinois. They treat Anxiety, Self-Harm, Trauma.

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

    View profile
  • Erin Richards, Occupational Therapist

    Erin Richards

    Occupational Therapist

    1202 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois 60607

    Erin Richards is a Occupational Therapist in Chicago, Illinois. They treat Self-Esteem, Anger Issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

    View profile

What do Occupational Therapists do?

Occupational therapy services for behavioral health include:

  • Functional assessments of self-care, cognition, and sensory processing
  • Skills training for stress management, emotional regulation, and executive function
  • Activity-based group therapy and community reintegration
  • Environmental modifications to make home, school, or work more supportive
  • Care-coordination with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) guidelines recognize OTs as qualified mental-health professionals, case managers, and group facilitators across the lifespan.


Education, certification, and state licensure

Step National standard Why it matters to you
Accredited degree Master’s or doctoral program accredited by ACOTE Guarantees evidence-based coursework in mental health and research
NBCOT exam Pass the OTR (therapist) or COTA (assistant) exam and maintain good standing Confirms competence and continuing-education every three years
State license All 50 states plus D.C. require licensure and background checks Lets you verify status through an online board lookup

Some practitioners pursue Board Certification in Mental Health (BCMH)—a voluntary credential requiring three years’ experience and 3,000 mental-health hours. Seeing “OTR/L, BCMH” on a profile signals advanced expertise.


Geographic Differences & the OT Compact

Licensure rules come from state law, so practice parameters—such as referral rights or supervision ratios—vary. To simplify cross-state care, 29 states have enacted the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. The Compact Commission will begin issuing multi-state privileges later in 2025; until then, your therapist must hold a license where you sit for each session.


In-person, virtual, and telehealth occupational therapy

Demand for virtual occupational therapist visits exploded during the pandemic. Congress and CMS responded by adding OTs to the list of practitioners who can bill Medicare telehealth through December 31 2025, with a proposed permanent rule under review. Commercial insurers typically follow Medicare’s lead, but policies differ by state. cms.gov/mocs.govota.gov

Telehealth occupational therapist sessions can cover:

  • Live video coaching on sensory-modulation, mindfulness, or ADL routines
  • Guided home or workplace ergonomics walk-throughs
  • Digital cognitive-behavioral activity journals
  • Caregiver training for youth or older-adult clients

If you prefer on-screen support, search directories filtering for online occupational therapist or telehealth occupational therapist to see who is licensed in your state.


Paying for occupational therapy services in mental health

Payer Mental-health coverage for OT Key actions
Commercial / Marketplace plans Subject to Mental Health Parity; check copay vs. medical copay, session caps, and telehealth rate Call member services or use portal before booking
Medicaid All states reimburse OT, but mental-health billing codes and rates differ; some states require prior auth for community behavioral-health sites Ask the clinic whether they accept your plan
Medicare OTs can furnish outpatient and telehealth services under Part B; the 2025 rule streamlines certification and extends telehealth flexibilities Verify the therapist is enrolled as a Medicare provider
Private pay / sliding scale Typical rates run $90–$180 for 50-minute sessions; many OTs reserve reduced-fee slots Request a Good-Faith Estimate up front

Tip: If every in-network OT has a wait list longer than 10 business days, ask your insurer for a network-adequacy override so you can see an out-of-network clinician at in-network rates.


What does a first occupational therapy session look like?

  • Intake & occupational profile. You’ll describe daily routines, challenges, and goals.
  • Assessment. Standardized tools may measure executive function, mood impact on ADLs, or sensory processing.
  • Collaborative plan. Expect concrete, measurable objectives tied to meaningful activities (“prepare dinner three nights a week,” “attend two social events a month”).
  • Home program. Many OTs use secure apps for between-session assignments—perfect when working with a virtual occupational therapist across state lines.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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