Get Listed

Occupational Therapy in Michigan | Counseling & Psychology

Table of Contents

Occupational Therapy in Michigan helps people do the daily tasks that matter most—like dressing, cooking, working, learning, and playing. If pain, weakness, stress, or an injury makes life feel harder, occupational therapy (OT) can help you get your skills back. Many patients feel frustrated when simple tasks take longer or cause discomfort. OT uses a step-by-step plan so you can feel more safe, steady, and confident at home, school, and work.

Signs You Might Benefit

Occupational therapy is for children, teens, adults, and older adults. You do not have to “wait until it’s really bad.” These are common signs that OT may help.

  • You have trouble with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking, cleaning, or driving.
  • Your hands hurt or feel weak when you grip, type, lift, or open jars.
  • You feel stiff after surgery or injury and daily movement feels limited.
  • You get tired fast and cannot keep up with work, school, or home needs.
  • You are recovering from a stroke or brain injury and need help with movement, thinking, or safety.
  • You have frequent falls or feel unsteady during transfers, walking, or using stairs.
  • Your child struggles with skills like handwriting, fine motor control, sensory processing, attention, or self-care routines.
  • Chronic pain or swelling limits what you can do (including arthritis or tendon problems).
  • Stress, anxiety, or health changes make it hard to manage routines, sleep, or coping skills.

OT benefits can include less pain, better hand function, improved balance and safety, more calm and focus, and more independence. The goal is not just to “exercise.” The goal is to help you do real-life activities more easily and with less fear.

Evidence-Based Approach

Our Occupational Therapy in Michigan is built on proven methods and clear clinical reasoning. Your therapist looks at the whole person: body skills (like strength and motion), thinking skills (like memory and planning), and the environment (like your home, tools, and routines). We then create a plan with goals that matter to you.

Common OT treatment areas

  • Upper extremity rehab: shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand pain; tendon injuries; arthritis; post-surgical rehab.
  • Neurologic rehab: stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, MS, and other conditions that affect coordination or daily tasks.
  • Pediatrics: fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory needs, feeding support, school routines, self-care skills.
  • Work and daily-life support: return-to-work planning, body mechanics, tool training, and pacing.
  • Home safety: fall prevention, transfer practice, and set-up changes for safer routines.

Modalities and tools we may use

Your OT plan may include a mix of these, based on your needs and your diagnosis:

  • Therapeutic exercise and functional training to build strength, range of motion, and control for daily activities.
  • Task-based practice (repetition of real tasks) to improve skill and confidence.
  • Fine motor and hand therapy for grip strength, pinch, dexterity, and coordination.
  • Sensory strategies to support regulation, focus, and comfort (especially in pediatrics).
  • Cognitive strategies for memory, attention, planning, and safety during routines.
  • Adaptive equipment training such as reachers, shower chairs, built-up handles, splints, or ergonomic tools.
  • Splinting or orthotics when appropriate to support joints, reduce pain, or protect healing tissues.
  • Education on pacing, joint protection, energy conservation, and safe movement patterns.

We follow evidence-based practice, meaning we combine research, clinical skill, and your preferences. National health sources describe occupational therapy as a service that helps people participate in “activities of daily living” and improve function after illness or injury (National Institutes of Health [NIH], MedlinePlus). Occupational therapy professional standards are also supported by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which outlines best practices for evaluation and treatment planning.

Michigan licensing and safety standards

In Michigan, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants must meet state licensing requirements and practice within their scope. Your care is guided by professional ethics, documentation standards, and patient safety rules. If you ever have questions about credentials, we can share therapist licensing and supervision information during intake.

What to Expect

OT should feel clear, supportive, and focused on your goals. Here is what most patients can expect.

Your first visit (evaluation)

  • Conversation about your story: what is hard right now, when it started, and what you want to do again.
  • Review of medical history: diagnosis, medications (as needed), surgeries, and precautions.
  • Assessment: range of motion, strength, swelling, sensation, coordination, pain levels, and functional tasks (like dressing or writing).
  • Goal setting: simple, measurable goals tied to daily life (example: “button a shirt with less pain” or “write a full paragraph in class”).
  • Plan of care: frequency of visits and a home program that fits your schedule.

Follow-up sessions

Each session may include practice of daily tasks, guided exercises, hands-on techniques when appropriate, and education. You will also get home strategies so progress continues between visits. We track your improvements over time and adjust your plan if your needs change.

How long will therapy take?

That depends on your goals, diagnosis, healing time, and how often you can attend. Some patients come for a few weeks; others need longer care for complex recovery. We will review progress often so you understand what is changing and why.

Insurance

Many OT services are covered by insurance when they are medically necessary and ordered or referred as required by your plan. Coverage details can vary, so we help you understand the basics before you start.

  • Copays: Some plans require a set amount each visit.
  • Deductibles: If your deductible is not met, you may pay more until it is met.
  • Coinsurance: Some plans pay a percent and you pay the rest (example: 80/20).
  • Visit limits or authorization: Some plans require approval after a certain number of visits.

Mental health and rehab benefits may also be affected by parity rules, which aim to make coverage for mental health and medical services more comparable. Still, each plan is different. Our team can verify benefits, explain expected costs, and discuss options if you are paying out of pocket.

FAQ

Do I need a referral for occupational therapy in Michigan?

It depends on your insurance plan and your medical needs. Some plans allow direct access, while others require a referral from a doctor or advanced practice provider. We can tell you what your plan requires and help you get the right paperwork.

What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?

Both therapies help you move and function better. Physical therapy often focuses more on big movements like walking, balance, and overall strength. Occupational therapy focuses more on daily life activities—like bathing, dressing, cooking, hand use, school tasks, work tasks, and home safety. Many patients benefit from both.

Will OT help with hand pain, carpal tunnel, or arthritis?

Yes, OT commonly helps with hand and wrist pain. Treatment may include activity changes, splinting when appropriate, strength and mobility work, swelling control, and joint protection education. The goal is to reduce pain and help you use your hands more comfortably in real life.

How do you measure progress?

We use simple functional goals and repeat checks over time, such as grip strength, range of motion, pain scores, and your ability to complete daily tasks. We also use standardized tests when appropriate. If something is not improving, we adjust the plan and communicate with your referring provider as needed.

References
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). MedlinePlus: Occupational therapy. https://medlineplus.gov/
American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.). Occupational therapy practice information. https://www.aota.org/