Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Occupational 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.
Occupational Therapist
342 N Water St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
McKaylla Ziegel is a Occupational Therapist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They treat Depression, Alcohol Use, Body Image.
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Occupational Therapist
6319 Fairview Avenue, Westmont, Illinois 60559
Christine Reed is a Occupational Therapist in Westmont, Illinois. They treat Drug Use, Grief and Loss, Panic.
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Occupational Therapist
1142 N Main St, Algonquin, Illinois 60102
Adrian Cardenas is a Occupational Therapist in Algonquin, Illinois. They treat Self-Esteem, Drug Use, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
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 34 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.
Occupational Therapist
1202 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois 60607
Alexis Santiago is a Occupational Therapist in Chicago, Illinois. They treat Self-Harm, Substance Use, Alcohol Use.
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Occupational Therapist
1202 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois 60607
Erin Richards is a Occupational Therapist in Chicago, Illinois. They treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Use, Self-Esteem.
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
MiResource cut my wait time dramatically, from the expected four weeks down to just four days.
— Lucia
Occupational therapy services for behavioral health include:
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) guidelines recognize OTs as qualified mental-health professionals, case managers, and group facilitators across the lifespan.
| 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.
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.
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:
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.
| 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.
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.
