Compare 75 occupational therapists in Avenal, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
An initial evaluation lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The OT will assess your ability to perform daily activities, test strength and range of motion (especially upper body and hands), and evaluate sensory processing, cognition, and home or work environment as relevant. For children, evaluation often includes play-based assessment and parent interview. Treatment sessions are 30 to 60 minutes, typically one to three times per week. OTs use purposeful activities, exercises, adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications to help you reach your goals.
For children: see an OT if your child struggles with handwriting, avoids textures or certain foods (sensory processing), has difficulty with self-care tasks (dressing, feeding) compared to peers, or has fine motor delays identified by a pediatrician or teacher. For adults: see an OT after a stroke, hand or arm injury, joint replacement, traumatic brain injury, or when a chronic condition (arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's) makes daily tasks difficult. OTs also help with workplace ergonomics and injury prevention.
Evaluation: $150-400 · Therapy session copay: $20-60 with insurance · Self-pay session: $100-200 · Hand therapy session: $100-250 · School-based OT: free through IEP
Occupational therapists specialize in hand therapy after injuries, surgeries, and conditions like carpal tunnel. They use splinting, exercises, and activity modification to restore function.
After a stroke, occupational therapists help you relearn everyday activities like dressing, bathing, and cooking. They adapt tasks and environments to maximize your independence.
Occupational therapists help children who struggle with fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care tasks, and handwriting. Therapy is play-based and tailored to each child development level.
Occupational therapists teach joint protection techniques, recommend adaptive equipment, and design exercise programs that keep you active while protecting inflamed joints.
Repetitive strain injuries from desk work, manual labor, or any repetitive task respond well to ergonomic modifications and therapeutic exercises. Occupational therapists assess your work setup and design practical solutions.
Most insurance plans cover occupational therapy with a prescription. Visit limits of 20 to 60 sessions per year are common. Medicare covers outpatient OT without a hard visit cap. Medicaid covers OT for children under EPSDT. For hand therapy (a specialized OT certification), verify your plan covers the certified hand therapist (CHT) designation. Adaptive equipment recommended by an OT (shower chairs, dressing aids) may be covered under durable medical equipment benefits.