Occupational Therapy Ottawa & Ontario

Individualized occupational therapy may support children and youth with participation in everyday activities, routines, self-care, play, learning, sensory needs, motor development and functional independence. When an occupational therapy assignment is accepted, assessment, intervention and professional recommendations are provided by an occupational therapist registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.

Families may submit occupational therapy inquiries from Ottawa and other Ontario communities. Service location, delivery format and availability are confirmed according to professional suitability, qualified staffing, scheduling and location.

Occupational therapy is an eligible Ontario Autism Program core clinical service category. Eligibility and reimbursement are not guaranteed and depend on the individual’s funding pathway, the service delivered, professional qualifications, required documentation and applicable program or insurance rules.

Submit an OT Service Inquiry
Child receiving occupational therapy at HolistiCare clinic

Ontario-Regulated OT Services

OAP Core Clinical Category

Private Insurance May Apply

Ontario Service Inquiries

What Is Occupational Therapy?

At HolistiCare, families may inquire about occupational therapy services designed to support participation in meaningful everyday activities. Depending on the individual’s assessed needs, these activities may include self-care, play, learning, household routines, community participation and other tasks connected to health, development, independence and quality of life.

When an occupational therapy assignment is accepted, assessment, intervention and professional recommendations are provided by an occupational therapist registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.

The occupational therapist considers the interaction between the individual, the activity and the environment. Assessment may include discussion, observation, appropriate assessment tools and review of relevant information to identify strengths, barriers and support needs.

Based on the occupational therapist’s assessment and professional judgment, services may involve skill development, environmental changes, activity adaptations, routines, caregiver strategies, assistive tools or authorized collaboration with other professionals.

Possible areas of support include:

  • Participation in daily routines
  • Dressing, feeding and other self-care activities
  • Fine-motor and visual-motor development
  • Play, learning and school participation
  • Sensory needs affecting everyday activities
  • Planning, organization and task completion
  • Functional independence at home and in the community
  • Environmental adaptations and caregiver strategies

Occupational therapy is individualized healthcare. Service recommendations depend on assessment, informed consent, professional judgment and the individual’s priorities. Availability and specific outcomes are not guaranteed.

Who We Serve

HolistiCare accepts occupational therapy inquiries for children and youth whose participation in everyday activities may be affected by developmental, physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional or environmental factors.

An inquiry may be appropriate for:

  • Autistic and neurodivergent children and youth
  • Individuals with developmental differences or delays
  • Children experiencing difficulty with self-care or daily routines
  • Individuals whose sensory needs affect participation in everyday activities
  • Children needing support with fine-motor, visual-motor or functional skills
  • Students experiencing barriers to participation in learning activities
  • Families seeking strategies, adaptations or environmental recommendations
  • Individuals working toward greater independence at home or in the community

A diagnosis is not automatically required to submit a private-service inquiry. Certain funding programs, insurers or service pathways may require a diagnosis, referral, prescription, assessment or other supporting documentation.

An occupational therapist must review the available information and determine whether occupational therapy is appropriate, whether further assessment is needed and whether HolistiCare has suitable professional capacity for the requested service. Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee acceptance or a particular recommendation.

Child working on motor skills during occupational therapy at HolistiCare

Occupational Therapy Service Options

Occupational Therapy Assessment

An occupational therapist may gather information through discussion, observation, review of relevant records and appropriate assessment tools. The purpose is to understand the individual’s strengths, priorities and barriers to participating in meaningful everyday activities. The therapist determines the appropriate assessment process based on the referral question and professional judgment.

Individual Occupational Therapy

When recommended and accepted, individual sessions may address functional goals related to self-care, routines, motor skills, sensory needs, learning participation, play, community activities or independence. The methods, frequency and location are determined by the occupational therapist and documented in the service plan.

Caregiver Consultation & Strategies

With appropriate consent, an occupational therapist may work with parents or caregivers to understand daily challenges, identify practical strategies and recommend activity or environmental adaptations. Consultation may support consistent implementation across relevant routines and settings.

School, Community & Professional Collaboration

With appropriate authorization and agreement from the setting, the occupational therapist may collaborate with educators, caregivers and other professionals. Collaboration is limited to information and activities relevant to the occupational therapy plan and does not replace services or responsibilities provided by a school board or another organization.

Funding Information

Funding & Payment Options

Different funding and payment pathways may apply to occupational therapy. Eligibility and reimbursement requirements must be confirmed before services are purchased.

Eligible Category

Ontario Autism Program

Occupational therapy is included as an eligible service category under the Ontario Autism Program’s core clinical services and supports guidelines.

Families with an applicable OAP funding allocation may be able to use that funding for eligible occupational therapy services provided by a qualified professional.

Eligibility depends on the family’s funding pathway, the service delivered, professional qualifications and required documentation. Families should confirm expenses with AccessOAP or their care coordinator.

Coverage May Apply

Private Health Insurance

Some extended health insurance plans provide coverage for occupational therapy delivered by an occupational therapist registered in Ontario.

Coverage limits, referral or prescription requirements, eligible service types and documentation requirements vary by policy. Families are responsible for confirming coverage directly with their insurer.

HolistiCare cannot guarantee that an insurer will approve or reimburse an invoice.

Private Payment

Private Pay

Families may purchase accepted occupational therapy services privately when funding or insurance is unavailable or does not cover the full cost.

Fees, payment terms, cancellation requirements and included services are confirmed before services begin and documented in the applicable service agreement.

Clinical OT Not Eligible

SSAH Funding

Assessment and hands-on occupational therapy are not eligible expenses under Ontario’s Special Services at Home program because SSAH does not fund clinical therapies supported through other government programs.

Other non-clinical supports recommended separately may have different eligibility rules. Families must confirm those expenses directly with their SSAH representative before making a purchase.

Our Occupational Therapy Approach

Ontario-Registered Professionals

Occupational therapy assessment, intervention and professional recommendations are provided by an occupational therapist registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.

Meaningful Functional Goals

Service plans focus on participation in everyday activities that are relevant to the individual and family.

Individualized Assessment

The occupational therapist selects an assessment process based on the referral question, available information and the individual’s needs and priorities.

Informed Consent

Services are provided with appropriate informed consent and involve the individual in decisions according to their capacity, age and circumstances.

Progress Review & Documentation

Goals, recommendations and progress are documented and reviewed according to professional standards and the accepted service plan.

Authorized Collaboration

With appropriate consent, the occupational therapist may collaborate with caregivers, educators and other professionals when relevant to the occupational therapy plan.