What Do Occupational Therapists Do?

Occupational therapists help you live life on your own terms, no matter what kind of challenges you’re facing. Their job is to support people who have physical injuries, illnesses, or mental health struggles, anything that can mess with your daily routines. Whether it’s relearning to dress after an injury or finding new ways to manage anxiety, occupational therapists break big problems down into realistic steps so folks can build skills, routines, and confidence.

What really sets them apart is their focus on practical, action-oriented care. Instead of just talking through issues, occupational therapists work alongside you to make sure you can do what’s meaningful in your day-to-day life. Their work pays off across all ages and backgrounds, helping entire communities gain independence, safety, and a sense of purpose. To see how this looks in real life, you can check out Holistic Community Therapy, where mental health occupational therapy means flexible, whole-person support, right where people need it most.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy, or OT for short, is all about helping people do the things that matter most to them, what we call ‘meaningful activities’ or, simply, occupations. That doesn’t just mean paid jobs. In the OT world, an occupation is anything you need or want to do in your daily life, like cooking, brushing your teeth, heading to work, or just enjoying your favorite hobbies.

The big goal of OT is to make sure health challenges or life circumstances don’t get in the way of living fully. Therapists get to know clients individually, figure out what’s getting in the way, and create a step-by-step plan. This might involve physical strategies, tools for organizing the day, or even techniques for managing stress or sensory overload. Whether someone’s dealing with chronic pain, a recent injury, depression, or just feeling stuck, OT meets them where they’re at.

Occupational therapists often work from a holistic, client-centered perspective. That means they don’t just look at symptoms, but focus on the person’s environment, culture, routines, and values. Their services focus on real tasks and skill-building, not just talking, so people from all backgrounds can find what works for them.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational therapists start by getting to know you, your daily routines, goals, and what’s making life harder. They conduct thorough assessments to figure out how health conditions, injuries, or mental health issues affect your everyday life. Next, they develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs, whether that’s improving movement, learning new coping skills, or adapting your home setup.

What makes an OT’s job different is how hands-on and practical it is. They’ll practice skills with you in real-world settings, not just in a clinic. Maybe you’re tackling the grocery store after a concussion, or learning new strategies for keeping up with work deadlines despite ADHD. Your therapist will coach you, problem-solve together, and gradually increase your independence.

Education is a huge part of OT, too. Occupational therapists teach clients (and often their families or caregivers) about tools, routines, or devices that support daily living. This process isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about building confidence and making changes that stick. Want a breakdown of how this practical, action-based therapy looks in real life? Take a peek at Holistic Community Therapy’s step-by-step approach to insight, strategy, and sustainable progress, delivered in home, community, or virtual settings that fit your needs.

Conditions Treated by Occupational Therapy

• Physical injuries and chronic illnesses: Therapists work on regaining independence and managing daily tasks, and research shows that activity-oriented occupational therapy significantly improves day-to-day functioning for people recovering from stroke and other neurological conditions (Vásquez-Carrasco et al., 2025).
• Developmental and neurological disorders: Occupational therapists support individuals with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other developmental delays or neurodivergence.
• Mental health challenges: OT addresses conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma, focusing on skill-building and routine development for lasting wellness, and systematic reviews show that OT-led interventions can improve depressive symptoms and everyday functioning, particularly in return-to-work programs (Christie et al., 2021).
• Concussion and brain injury: Therapists create tailored strategies for memory, focus, and everyday habits during concussion or traumatic brain injury recovery.
• Attention and executive functioning issues: ADHD and cognitive challenges are managed with practical tools and personalized systems to promote organization and follow-through.

Support for Children, Adults, and Seniors

1. Children: Occupational therapy for kids often focuses on developmental milestones, school participation, and play. Therapists help children build fine motor skills, sensory processing, and routines for learning. In school settings, they might work on handwriting, attention, or using adaptive strategies so kids can fully join classroom activities.
2. Adults: For adults, OT tackles challenges at work, home, or in the community. That could mean managing mental health symptoms, navigating life transitions, or balancing the demands of caregiving and employment.
3. Seniors: Therapists address falls, memory, arthritis, and loss of abilities that affect everyday living, and systematic reviews show that occupational-therapy-led fall-prevention programs and home-safety interventions can reduce fall risk and support safer independence for community-dwelling older adults (Elliott & Leland, 2018).

Occupational therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all service, interventions are as unique as each person. Whether supporting diverse adults in Portland, or helping folks navigate big life transitions, OT adapts care to people’s values and cultures. From building baseline skills in childhood all the way to supporting independence in late life, OT’s flexibility ensures everyone gets a shot at lifelong wellbeing.

Developing Fine Motor, Gross Motor, and Self-Help Skills

• Fine Motor Skills: Occupational therapists help clients practice precise movements for tasks like writing, buttoning shirts, or using utensils. Exercises could include manipulating playdough or sorting small objects.
• Gross Motor Skills: Therapy might focus on big movements, balancing, walking, or climbing stairs, so clients can move around safely and confidently. Activities could include obstacle courses or guided stretching.
• Self-Help Skills: OTs teach step-by-step routines for daily activities like getting dressed, grooming, or brushing teeth. Structured repetition and hands-on guidance build both motor and independence skills.

Supporting Sensory Processing and Mental Health Challenges

For many people, the world can feel overwhelming, too loud, too bright, or just too much to handle. Occupational therapists understand sensory processing issues inside and out. They help clients who are either hypersensitive to sound or touch, or those who have trouble registering important sensory cues. Personalized strategies might include using calming sensory tools, adjusting lighting, or building routines that help regulate responses to everyday stimuli.

Mental health challenges like anxiety, trauma, or depression often show up in our routines, or lack of them. OTs step in with action-oriented interventions that focus on the here and now. They help clients break down overwhelming plans, develop sustainable routines, and practice grounding techniques in real-life situations. Trauma-informed care and affirming strategies are cornerstones of this approach, ensuring therapy is respectful and safe for everyone involved.

Self-regulation and executive functioning, things like planning ahead, managing time, and staying organized, can be tough for people with neurodivergence, ADHD, or sensory disorders. With occupational therapy, these challenges are tackled directly using real tools and individualized systems.

Therapeutic Techniques and Occupational Therapy Treatment

1. Task Analysis and Grading: OTs break down complex tasks, like making breakfast or commuting to work, into smaller steps. They help clients practice each part, gradually increasing difficulty as confidence grows.
2. Activity-Based Practice: Instead of just talking, therapists work alongside clients in real settings, at home, in the community, or virtually. This hands-on practice builds real-world skills, from managing a calendar to prepping meals.
3. Adaptive Equipment and Environmental Modifications: OTs teach people how to use tools that make tasks easier, such as reachers, timers, or voice-activated devices. They may suggest home changes to boost safety and accessibility, like grab bars or improved lighting.
4. Routine and Habit Building: Therapists coach clients to create manageable daily routines, breaking tasks into small wins. They revise these routines as needs or strengths change over time.
5. Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: Every intervention centers on helping clients feel confident about navigating challenges on their terms.

Work Environments for Occupational Therapists

• Hospitals: OTs help patients recover and plan for daily life after injury, illness, or surgery.
• Schools: Therapists support students with special needs to participate fully in classroom and social activities.
• Rehabilitation Centers: OTs focus on physical and cognitive recovery, developing hands-on skills for real-world independence.
• Mental Health Clinics and Community-Based Care: Some deliver therapy at home, in the community, or virtually, meeting clients where they are and fostering whole-person wellness.
• Home Health: Therapists travel to clients’ homes to create personalized solutions for aging safely and participating meaningfully in family life.

Specialized Areas in Occupational Therapy Practice

• School-Based Occupational Therapy: OTs focus on supporting students’ participation, learning, and social skills in educational settings.
• Neurological Rehabilitation: Specialized therapists help people recovering from brain injuries, strokes, or neurological diseases reclaim independence and rebuild function.
• Community Reintegration: Therapists help clients return confidently to home, work, or leisure roles, especially after big changes like injury or illness. Adaptive routines support successful community participation.
• Adult Functional Mental Health: Action-based OT helps adults develop coping skills, manage executive functioning, and build sustainable routines for whole-life wellness.

Occupational Therapy in Emotional Health and Mental Wellness

Occupational therapy is a game changer for emotional regulation and mental health. While other fields may talk things through, OTs focus on helping people build the routines and coping skills they need every day. This approach is increasingly backed by research: reviews of occupational therapy mental health interventions suggest they can support people with conditions like depression and anxiety to improve both symptoms and role functioning, especially around returning to work and daily roles (Long et al., 2024).

Therapists use practical strategies like structured routines, sensory regulation tools, and strengths-based coaching. This means teaching real-life techniques to manage triggers, stress, or low motivation, not just discussing emotions. The result is a set of personalized habits and action steps clients can return to even outside therapy sessions. Trauma-informed OT puts safety and affirmation first, welcoming diverse identities and relationship structures while building nervous system resilience.

For folks who find traditional talk therapy isn’t enough, occupational therapy bridges that gap. Hands-on skill building, daily planning, and supportive routines all combine for long-term mental health, especially when navigating big life changes, trauma, or overwhelming responsibilities.

Adapting Occupational Therapy to Culture and Individual Needs

No two people live the same life, so occupational therapists customize every step of care. This means recognizing a person’s culture, language, family values, and beliefs, and weaving them into therapy. For some folks, that might mean honoring certain rituals or integrating traditional healing practices; for others, adapting routines to fit family structure or community expectations.

A culturally competent OT listens first and sets goals in partnership with clients. Therapists take time to understand personal challenges and strengths, from systemic barriers to finding a sense of belonging and community connection. Addressing socioeconomic hurdles, like limited access to transportation, safe housing, or affordable adaptive equipment, is an important part of the job.

Therapists also advocate for clients, helping them find resources and overcome social or financial barriers to participation. Building social connections and authentic support networks is a core goal. Patient-centered services for LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities in Portland. Ultimately, inclusivity, respect, and empowerment drive better outcomes for everyone OT serves.

Occupational Therapy Education, Licensure, and Certification

1. Education: To become an occupational therapist in the United States, you’ll need a master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. Many students start with a bachelor’s degree in a related field (like health sciences or psychology) before applying to a master’s program. Some schools now offer combined or direct-entry degrees leading straight into OT.
2. Certification: After completing your degree, you must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Earning this certification is required to practice as an OT.
3. State Licensure: Every OT needs a state license, which you obtain after passing the NBCOT exam and meeting your local board’s requirements. Most states also have background checks and ongoing education standards.
4. Continuing Education: Occupational therapists are expected to keep learning throughout their careers. Conferences, workshops, and specialty certifications help keep skills sharp and practice up-to-date.
5. Interested in OT? Follow accredited educational pathways, stay current on professional standards, and check state regulations to prepare for this rewarding, in-demand career.

Occupational Therapist Skills and Career Outlook

• Empathy and Cultural Awareness: OTs need real sensitivity, especially when working with people from diverse backgrounds or facing tough life changes.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Every client is different, so creative thinking is a must.
• Communication: Explaining options, educating families, and working with communities are daily tasks.
• Strong Job Prospects: With an aging population and growing need for mental health support, the demand for occupational therapists continues to rise.
• Wide-Reaching Benefits: OTs enjoy a meaningful, impactful career, improving individuals’ lives while making communities stronger.

Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on practical skills and routines for daily living, from getting dressed to managing stress at work. OTs help people participate fully in home, community, or school life.
• Physical Therapy (PT): Aims to improve physical strength, mobility, and movement after injuries or illness using exercise and rehabilitation techniques.
• Main Differences: While PT might get you walking after surgery, OT teaches you how to climb the bus steps and get groceries with confidence. Both support independence, but OT zeros in on real-life tasks and routines.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy Across Populations

1. Boosted Independence: Occupational therapy empowers people to manage everyday tasks, from self-care to work, regardless of age or ability.
2. Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: OTs help clients build routines, regulate emotions, and cope with stress or trauma, fostering whole-person wellness.
3. Improved Safety and Accessibility: Therapists recommend adaptive equipment and environmental tweaks to reduce fall risks and make homes or workspaces easier to use.
4. Stronger Self-Advocacy: OT teaches people to speak up for what they need, navigate complex systems, and discover resources in their community.
5. Lifelong Transformation: By focusing on personalized, action-oriented goals, OT supports clients in building a sustainable and meaningful life, regardless of the challenges they face.

Conclusion

Occupational therapy offers real hope and practical solutions for anyone facing daily challenges, whether from health conditions, injuries, or life transitions. By breaking complicated problems into manageable steps, OTs help people build confidence, routines, and independence rooted in their values. The field stands out for its holistic, personalized care and its focus on meaningful action, impacting lives across ages, backgrounds, and abilities. If you want support that goes beyond talk and gets you moving toward your goals, occupational therapy is a smart first step toward real and lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on helping people carry out everyday tasks and routines, like dressing, cooking, or managing stress, while physical therapy centers on regaining strength, mobility, and movement. They may work together, but OT emphasizes practical life skills and adapting activities for independence in all aspects of daily life.

Can occupational therapy help with mental health concerns?

Absolutely. OT is uniquely qualified to support mental health by helping clients build coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, and sustainable routines. Therapists use sensory tools and real-life activities to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and executive functioning challenges. This action-oriented approach is especially valuable for those who need more than traditional talk therapy.

Who can benefit from occupational therapy?

People of all ages benefit from OT, whether they have physical injuries, chronic illness, neurodivergence, mental health challenges, or simply want to adjust to major life changes. Occupational therapists customize care to work with children, adults, and seniors, always adapting strategies to individual backgrounds, cultures, and daily needs for lifelong wellbeing.

How do I know if I need occupational therapy?

If your health, mind, or environment is making it harder to do things you need or love to do, like work, self-care, or social activities, you might benefit from OT. A therapist evaluates your strengths and barriers, then develops personalized strategies to help you regain function, participation, and meaning in daily life.

What qualifications do occupational therapists have?

In the US, OTs earn a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program and must pass the national NBCOT certification exam. They also need state licensure and pursue ongoing education throughout their careers to maintain skills and offer up-to-date, effective care to a wide range of clients.

References

• Vásquez-Carrasco, E., Jamett-Oliva, P., Hernandez-Martinez, J., Riquelme-Hernández, C., Villagrán-Silva, F., & Branco, B. H. M. (2025). Effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions on activities of daily living, cognitive function, and physical function in middle-aged and older people with chronic stroke: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(7), 2197.
• Christie, L., Inman, J., Davys, D., & Cook, P. A. (2021). A systematic review into the effectiveness of occupational therapy for improving function and participation in activities of everyday life in adults with a diagnosis of depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 282, 962–973.
• Long, B. Z. S., Balakrishnar, K., Drobenko, M., Dolatyar, K., Awada, B., Jodoin, K., McDougall, A., & Nowrouzi-Kia, B. (2024). Effectiveness of occupational therapy mental health interventions in a return-to-work context: A scoping review. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health.
• Elliott, S., & Leland, N. E. (2018). Occupational therapy fall prevention interventions for community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(4).