What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people do daily activities such as dressing, cooking, writing, and working. They adapt tasks, teach skills, and recommend tools after an injury, illness, or disability.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find occupational therapists near you
When people see one
- An injury or stroke makes everyday tasks hard.
- Your child has trouble with handwriting, dressing, or sensory needs.
- You need help with a hand or arm after surgery.
How it differs
Physical therapist: A physical therapist works on strength, movement, and pain. An occupational therapist works on the tasks of daily life.
Speech-language pathologist: A speech-language pathologist works on speech, language, and swallowing. Some children see both.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Plan filings list referral rules only for specialists. Some plans need a doctor's order or prior approval for this care, so check the plan's summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Rehabilitative Occupational Therapy" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans; on the other 46, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $10 to $90 a visit on 32 of 58 plans; on the other 26, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $25 to $90 a visit on 12 of 30 plans; on the other 18, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 3,127 occupational therapists at 1,702 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 9,032 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.
- Denver County: 224 locations
- Arapahoe County: 218 locations
- El Paso County: 200 locations
- Larimer County: 194 locations
- Jefferson County: 172 locations
- Boulder County: 130 locations
Counties with the fewest: San Miguel (1), Saguache (1), Prowers (1), Mineral (1), Lincoln (1). 13 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name do you use?
- How many visits does my plan cover, and do I need a referral?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment?