FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions from Ottawa parents about paediatric occupational therapy. Have a question that is not here? Email support@ottawaot.com.

Do I need a referral to book occupational therapy?

No. You do not need a referral from a doctor or school to book OT with us. Parents can contact us directly. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note before they will pay a claim, so check your policy first. If your plan needs one, ask your family doctor or paediatrician before your first appointment.

Is private occupational therapy covered by OHIP?

No. OHIP does not cover private occupational therapy. Some publicly funded OT is available in Ontario through school and community programs, but these often have wait lists and set criteria. Many families pay for private OT through extended health benefits. Others combine benefits with funding programs. See our funding page for more information.

Will my insurance cover OT, and do you give receipts?

Many extended health plans include occupational therapy, but coverage varies. Check how much your plan covers each year and whether it needs a doctor's note. We give you a receipt for each payment so you can submit a claim to your insurer. We do not bill insurers directly.

Can I claim OT costs on my taxes?

OT costs may qualify as a medical expense on your income tax return. The rules depend on your situation and can change. Please check current CRA guidance on the medical expense tax credit, or speak with a tax professional. Keep your receipts in a safe place in case you need them.

How do I pay for sessions?

We accept payment by e-transfer only. We do not take cash, cheques or credit cards. After each payment, you receive a receipt you can use for insurance claims. We will explain how and when to send payment during your free 15-minute call, so there are no surprises.

What happens at the initial OT assessment?

The assessment helps us understand your child's strengths and challenges. Your OT may use standardized tests, observation and play-based tasks. We will also ask you about your child's history, routines and your main concerns. With your consent, we may ask for input from a teacher. Afterward, we review the findings and set goals with you.

What is a 10-session block, and why do you only offer blocks?

After the assessment, therapy is planned in blocks of 10 sessions. We do not book single sessions. Skills grow with regular, steady practice. A block lets your OT plan each session as a step toward your child's goals. It also gives your family a clear schedule from the start. At the end, we review progress together.

How long is each session?

Each session includes 45 minutes of hands-on therapy plus 15 minutes for planning and notes. The initial assessment may take longer. Your OT will confirm timing before your first visit so you can plan your day. For school visits, we work around the class timetable where we can.

What is your cancellation policy?

If your child is sick or something comes up, please let your therapist know as early as you can. Contact us at support@ottawaot.com. We will do our best to find another time that works. We will go over the full policy with you before your block begins, so you know what to expect.

What ages do you work with?

We work with children and youth, from preschoolers to teens. Goals change with age. For a preschooler, we might focus on play and school readiness. For a teen, it might be organization or handwriting speed. Ask us if you are unsure.

What areas of Ottawa do you serve?

We see families across Ottawa. This includes Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orléans, Gloucester, Stittsville, Manotick, Greely and Vanier. We also serve Westboro, Manor Park, Sandy Hill, New Edinburgh and Rockcliffe Park. Online sessions are available too. If you are not sure we come to your area, ask during your free call.

Should my child have OT at home, at school or online?

It depends on your child's goals. Home visits suit skills like dressing, mealtimes and routines. School visits suit printing, classroom focus and recess skills. Online sessions can work well for handwriting practice, organization and parent coaching. Your OT will help you choose the setting that fits your child and your schedule.

Do I need the school's permission for school-based OT?

Yes. Schools set their own rules for outside health providers. We need the school's agreement before we visit, and your written consent. Some schools ask parents to make the first request to the principal. We can help you with that step. Your OT will work with the school to choose times and a suitable space.

What do parents do during sessions?

For home and online sessions, we ask that a parent or caregiver stay nearby. You are welcome to join in. Watching how activities are set up makes practice easier between visits. For school sessions, parents are usually not present. That is one reason we send a written debrief after every session.

What is in the written debrief after each session?

After every session, you receive a written debrief. It covers what your child worked on, what your OT noticed and what to try before the next visit. It keeps you informed, even if you were not in the room. Many parents keep the debriefs together to see how things change over the block.

What are Bingo Books?

Bingo Books are custom OT activity guides inspired by bingo. Each one is made for your child's goals. Your child picks activities from the card and works across it between sessions. It is a simple, playful way to keep practice going at home. Bingo Books are part of our care during a block.

Can you write reports for school or insurance?

Yes. We provide written OT reports for insurance and school. A report can explain your child's assessment results, goals and recommendations. Schools may use it when planning classroom supports. Insurers may ask for one to support a claim. We only send a report to others with your written consent.

Do you offer OT in French?

French is available with some of our therapists. If you would like sessions in French, tell us when you first reach out. We will let you know who is available in your area. This can help families whose children attend French-language schools or who speak French at home.

Does my child need a diagnosis to start OT?

No. Your child does not need a diagnosis to start OT. We focus on what your child needs and wants to do each day, not on a label. We do see many children with autism, ADHD or developmental coordination disorder. We also see many children with no diagnosis at all.

How do I know if my child needs OT?

Consider OT if your child struggles with everyday tasks more than you expect. Examples include printing, scissors, buttons, getting dressed, balance or ball skills. Others are strong reactions to noise or textures, big feelings, or trouble staying organized. A teacher may also raise a concern. A free 15-minute call can help you decide.

How long is the wait to start?

Wait times change with demand and therapist schedules in each area. We will tell you our current wait time during your free call. The wait may differ for home, school and online sessions, or for French-speaking therapists. Contact us at support@ottawaot.com for an update. We will be clear with you about timing before you book anything.

What is the difference between OT, physiotherapy and speech therapy?

Occupational therapy helps children take part in daily activities like play, learning, self-care and printing. Physiotherapy focuses on movement, strength and physical function, such as walking or recovering from injury. Speech-language pathology supports speech, language, communication and some feeding concerns. Some children see more than one. These services can work well together.

How do you protect my child's information?

We follow Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and COTO standards for records. We collect only the information we need to provide care. We do not share your child's information with schools, insurers or others without your consent, except where the law requires it. You can ask to see your child's record.

How do I get started?

Book a free 15-minute call. Email support@ottawaot.com or use our contact form. On the call, you tell us about your child and what you are noticing. We explain how assessments and 10-session blocks work and answer your questions. There is no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, we will book the assessment.

Are you hiring occupational therapists?

Yes. We are hiring occupational therapists registered with COTO. Our therapists work with children and youth at home, at school and online across Ottawa. Pay ranges and details about the role are posted on our Careers page. Please visit the Careers page to learn more and apply.