Occupational Therapist

Overview

Occupational therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling condition. Occupational therapists use treatments to develop, recover or maintain the daily living and work skills of their patients. The therapist helps clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. The goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

Source: MedlinePlus and Bureau of Labor Statistics

Note: This definition was prepared to help consumers find reliable health resources on the web. This site is not responsible for the information on other sites. The information here — and on all websites — is not intended to be a substitute for care given to you by a health professional.

Recommended Reading

American Occupational Therapy Association

This site includes information about who needs an occupational therapist and how therapy works.

Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado

This site includes basic information on occupational therapy as well as information for professionals in the field.