What Happens in an Occupational Therapy Assessment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cost is one of the first practical questions people ask about private occupational therapy, and it's a completely reasonable one - unlike NHS provision, private OT is fee-based, and it helps to know roughly what to expect before you book. This guide sets out what a typical private assessment actually involves, and how pricing generally works.

What "private OT assessment" actually means

A private occupational therapy assessment is simply a home visit (or occasionally a visit elsewhere, such as a workplace) carried out by an independent, HCPC-registered occupational therapist, booked and paid for directly rather than provided through the NHS or local authority. The clinical standards are identical - the difference is how it's arranged, how quickly it happens, and who you pay.

What happens during the assessment

A typical first assessment follows a similar shape regardless of the specific reason for the visit:

• A conversation first. Understanding your priorities, what has changed, and what a good outcome looks like from your point of view.
• A walk-through of relevant areas. Often the bathroom, stairs, kitchen and bedroom - wherever daily tasks actually happen.
• Observing a task or two. Rather than relying purely on description, an OT will often ask to see a task carried out at your own pace, such as getting up from a chair or moving to the bathroom.
• Discussing options. This might cover equipment, adaptations, or simply changes to routine.

Our guide to what happens on a home visit covers this in more detail, step by step.

How long does it take?

Most first assessments take between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on the complexity of what's being looked at. A focused equipment assessment for a single task may be shorter; a full home assessment ahead of a possible adaptation, or a neurological assessment covering several areas of function, tends to take longer.

What it costs

Each occupational therapist sets their own fees, and a good one confirms your total, including any travel, before anything is booked. Our guide to private OT assessment costs shows the real fees of the occupational therapists on our site, side by side, so you can see exactly who charges what. A detailed written report, for example for a Disabled Facilities Grant application or a solicitor, is usually priced separately, because reports vary a lot in size.

Is it worth it?

This is a genuinely personal judgement, but most people who book a private assessment do so because they value speed (no NHS waiting list), a directly booked relationship with the person actually visiting them, and the ability to choose someone whose experience matches their specific situation. See our guide to choosing a private occupational therapist for a fuller checklist on making that decision well.

Frequently asked questions

Is private OT more expensive than NHS occupational therapy?

NHS occupational therapy is funded through taxation and free at the point of use where it's available, whereas private OT is fee-based. What private OT typically offers in return is faster access, more flexible scheduling, and a more direct relationship with the therapist. Neither route is automatically "better" - it depends on your circumstances and how urgently you need support.

Will I be told the cost before the visit happens?

Yes - a trustworthy private occupational therapist will confirm their fee before you book, not after the visit has taken place. Be cautious of any pricing that stays vague until the visit is already under way.

Does the fee include any equipment I might need?

Usually not - the fee covers the assessment and advice, while any recommended equipment is typically purchased separately, from a supplier of your choosing. Your OT should explain clearly what they're recommending and why, rather than pushing a particular product or supplier.

Next steps

If you'd like to arrange an assessment, our guide to booking a private OT assessment lists every area we cover, with your local occupational therapist and their fees.