What does an occupational therapist do?
BLS says occupational therapists “evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence.”
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
BLS states: “They help clients meet goals to develop, recover, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living and working.” It lists these duties under “Occupational therapists typically do the following:”
- Evaluate clients' conditions by reviewing their medical history, interviewing them, and observing them perform various tasks
- Develop and implement treatment plans that have specific activities to help clients work toward their goals
- Help clients relearn and perform daily living tasks, such as teaching a person who has had a stroke how to get dressed
- Demonstrate exercises—for example, stretching the joints for arthritis relief—to help relieve clients’ pain
- Evaluate a client’s home, school, or workplace to identify potential accessibility improvements, such as labeling kitchen cabinets for an older person with poor memory
- Educate a client’s family about how to accommodate and care for them
- Recommend special equipment, such as mobility aids and eating aids, and instruct clients and families on how to use it
- Assess and record clients’ activities and progress for client evaluations, billing, and other purposes
Who they work with
BLS states: “Some occupational therapists work with children in inpatient, outpatient, or educational settings.” It also states: “Therapists who work with older adults help clients live independently and improve their quality of life.” And: “Occupational therapists also may work in mental health settings, where they help clients who have developmental disabilities or mental health conditions.”
On teams, BLS states that some occupational therapists, such as those employed in hospitals, work as part of a healthcare team with doctors, registered nurses, and other types of therapists, including physical therapists, and: “Occupational therapists also oversee the work of occupational therapy assistants and aides.”
Important qualities BLS lists
- Adaptability. “Occupational therapists must be accommodating when working with clients. They must be able to change treatment plans based on clients’ needs.”
- Communication skills. “Occupational therapists must listen closely to clients. They also must be able to explain treatment plans and goals to clients, clients’ families, and other members of the healthcare team.”
- Compassion. “Occupational therapists work with patients who may struggle with life’s daily activities. Because of this, they must be empathetic and sensitive to a client’s needs and concerns.”
- Interpersonal skills. “Occupational therapists spend much of their time interacting with clients and explaining treatment. They must be able to develop a rapport with clients.”
- Patience. “Occupational therapists work with clients who have problems with everyday activities. Therapists must remain calm in order to provide quality care.”
Quoted from the What They Do and How to Become One sections of the BLS Occupational Therapists handbook page, checked November 10, 2026. On that date, the page showed “Last modified date: August 27, 2026”. State and area data on that page are not copied here.