How do I find an OT taking new clients?

Finding a paediatric occupational therapist (OT) in Australia involves several practical steps. Start with a direct phone approach: identify 5–10 clinics near you using Google Maps, your local council website, or state health directories, then call and ask if they're accepting new paediatric clients. Many clinics maintain waiting lists but will tell you timeframes upfront—typically 2–8 weeks depending on your area and the OT's caseload.

Verify credentials through the AHPRA register (ahpra.gov.au), which lists all registered occupational therapists in Australia. This ensures the practitioner is qualified and accountable.

Funding options affect availability. If your child has an NDIS plan, many OTs accept NDIS funding; the 2025–26 NDIS Pricing Arrangements set paediatric OT rates at $79–$99 per hour depending on experience and location. If you're using Medicare, ask clinics if they bulk-bill or offer rebates under the Better Access scheme (typically $76–$152 per session with a GP referral). Private out-of-pocket costs range from $80–$200+ per hour.

State-specific resources: each state has occupational therapy associations (e.g., OT Australia Victoria, NSW OT Association) with practitioner directories. Your GP or paediatrician can also provide referrals to clinics they work with regularly.

When you call, have ready: your child's age, the reason for referral (e.g., fine motor skills, sensory processing), your preferred location, and your funding method. Ask about initial assessment costs, session length, and whether they offer telehealth if distance is an issue.

If local clinics have long waiting lists, consider: expanding your search radius, exploring telehealth options, or asking your GP whether a psychologist or speech pathologist might address your concern first. For diagnostic questions about your child's development, consult your GP or paediatrician—OTs assess functional skills, not diagnose conditions.