Private occupational therapy FAQs
Straight answers to common questions about private occupational therapy, from referrals and assessments to reports, fees, funding and where appointments take place across Newcastle and the North East.
- Self-referral welcome
- Children, adults and older people
- Written quote before work starts
- Home, school, work and video
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Tell us a little about what you need and we will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
These are the questions families, adults and professional referrers tend to ask Private Occupational Therapy before deciding whether to go ahead. If yours is not covered, send us a few details and you will receive a reply by email.
Getting started with private OT
Do I need a GP referral for private occupational therapy?
No. Private Occupational Therapy accepts self-referrals from adults, parents and carers as well as referrals from professionals. If a GP, consultant or school already knows the person well, their letters are useful background, and with consent findings can be shared back with them.
How do I get started?
Use the quote form or email a short description of the main concerns, the person's age and where they live. An initial conversation checks that occupational therapy is the right fit, then you receive a written quote. The how it works page sets out each stage.
What does an occupational therapist actually do?
Occupational therapists help people manage the everyday activities that matter to them, such as dressing, eating, learning, working, cooking and getting about safely. They assess what is getting in the way, then recommend therapy, practical strategies, equipment or adaptations that make those activities easier and safer.
Questions about children's occupational therapy
What ages of children do you see?
Babies, children and young people up to 18 can be seen, and a diagnosis is not needed first. Many families get in touch because of worries about coordination, handwriting, sensory reactions or self-care, and an assessment helps clarify what is going on and what would help.
How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
Common signs include difficulty with dressing, cutlery or handwriting, frequent clumsiness, strong reactions to noise or textures, and struggling to cope with change at school. Our guide to the signs your child may benefit from occupational therapy covers this in more detail.
Can therapy take place at my child's school?
Yes, with your consent and the school's agreement. A school visit shows how your child copes in class, at lunch and in the playground, and gives staff strategies they can use every day. Observations can also feed into evidence for an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Questions about adult and older people's OT
Can you help after a stroke or brain injury?
Yes. Neurological rehabilitation focuses on the daily activities that have been affected, such as personal care, cooking, memory, fatigue and getting back into the community or work. Private therapy can sit alongside NHS input or continue once that input has ended.
Can I arrange an assessment for an elderly parent?
Yes, provided your parent is happy for the visit to go ahead, or a lawful decision-maker agrees where they lack capacity. Assessments often cover falls risk, bathing, stairs, memory and equipment, and relatives are welcome to attend and ask questions.
Do you sell equipment?
No. Recommendations are made independently of suppliers, so advice is based only on what suits the person, the task and the home. You will be told where recommended items can be obtained, including through local authority equipment services where someone is eligible.
Assessments and reports
What happens during an assessment?
The therapist talks with you about routines, difficulties and goals, then observes real tasks and may use standardised assessments. Most assessments happen at home, school or work. Afterwards you receive a written report with findings, recommendations and, where helpful, a proposed plan of therapy.
Will a private OT report be accepted for an EHCP?
Local authorities must consider relevant evidence, including independent reports, when assessing needs and drafting a plan. A report with specific, quantified recommendations is far more useful than general advice, and our EHCP and school assessments are written with that purpose in mind.
Can a report support a Disabled Facilities Grant?
Many councils will consider a private occupational therapy report as part of a Disabled Facilities Grant application, although processes differ, so it is worth checking with your council first. A home assessment report sets out which adaptations are needed and why.
Fees and funding questions
How much does private occupational therapy cost?
Costs depend on the type of assessment, the length of the report, travel and the number of therapy sessions. A written quote is provided before any work goes ahead, so you can decide with full information. The fees and funding page explains how quotes are worked out.
Will my health insurance cover occupational therapy?
Some private health insurance policies include occupational therapy, often with conditions such as a medical referral or pre-authorisation. Check your policy and ask your insurer what they need before booking, then mention the insurer when you enquire so the paperwork can be planned.
Can a claim or personal health budget pay for therapy?
Often, yes. Personal injury and clinical negligence claims commonly fund assessments and therapy through a solicitor or case manager. Personal health budgets and direct payments can sometimes be used where the funder agrees, and employers, schools and local authorities also commission work.
Questions from professional referrers
How do solicitors instruct a medico-legal report?
Email brief case details, the report type, the claimant's location and any court deadlines. Availability, a written quote and a realistic timescale are confirmed before a letter of instruction is sent. The medico-legal reports page covers care and needs reports in more detail.
Can employers commission a workplace assessment?
Yes. Employers, insurers and case managers can commission return to work assessments, workplace visits and reasonable adjustment reports, with the employee's consent. The report gives practical recommendations and, where needed, a graded return plan. See vocational rehabilitation for what is involved.
Do you take referrals from schools and councils?
Yes. Schools, SENCOs, local authorities and housing providers can commission assessments, reports and staff training. Scope, consent and who receives the report are agreed at the start. The for professionals page sets out each referral route and what you receive.
Practical questions
Where do appointments take place?
Most appointments happen at home, school, nursery or work across Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, Northumberland, County Durham and Teesside, with video sessions where they suit the goal. See areas we cover for towns visited and reports further afield.
Is this an emergency service?
No. Private Occupational Therapy is not an emergency or crisis service. If someone is in immediate danger, dial 999, and for urgent medical or mental health advice contact NHS 111. Mention any safety concerns in your enquiry so they can be considered when planning the first visit.
Still have a question?
Send a short message about what you need and you will receive a clear answer and, if you would like one, a quote.