Frequently Asked Questions
About Occupational Therapy (OT)
1. What does an occupational therapist actually do?
OTs help people succeed in their daily life activities. We focus on improving functional skills, routines, and overall wellbeing at home, work, or in the community.
2. How can OT help with psychosocial disability or mental health?
We help you build skills and strategies for daily life. This can include creating routines, managing emotions, participating in the community, and achieving personal goals.
3. What’s the difference between OT and psychology?
Psychologists often focus on mental health treatment, while OTs focus on the practical, daily impact of those challenges and help you build skills to improve your function.
4. Do you work with neurodivergent clients (e.g. autistic, ADHD)?
Yes, we provide affirming support for neurodivergent adults. Our focus is on improving function and wellbeing in a way that works for you, not on "fixing."
5. How is OT different for adults compared to children?
Adult OT is highly collaborative and focuses on independence and life roles. We work with you on managing daily life, from work and home responsibilities to community engagement.
Referring to Beam OT
1. Who can refer to Beam OT?
Support coordinators, GPs, allied health professionals, family members—or clients themselves.
2. Can clients refer themselves or their family members?
Yes. We welcome direct contact from clients or family members to check fit and availability.
3. Do I need an NDIS plan to work with you?
No. While most of our clients are NDIS participants, we also work with private clients and MAIB referrals.
4. Do you offer OT through MAIB or other funding bodies?
Yes. We currently accept MAIB referrals for rehabilitation OT in Hobart.
5. What happens if Beam isn’t the right fit for a referral?
We’ll be upfront—and if possible, suggest other services that may be better suited.
Becoming a Beam OT client
1. How long is the waitlist?
It varies by location and service, but we keep it short—typically a few weeks. We’ll confirm at enquiry.
2. Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. Many of our clients find telehealth more flexible and comfortable.
3. Will I work with the same OT each time?
Yes. Continuity is important to us—you’ll work with one dedicated OT unless something changes.
4. Can you do home visits or community-based sessions?
Yes, where appropriate. We also offer telehealth and office-based appointments.
5. What should I expect from my first session?
We’ll talk through your goals, needs, and history—and start mapping a plan that works for you
Reports & Documentation
1. Do you complete functional capacity assessments?
Yes. We offer detailed, evidence-based assessments that reflect the client’s real-world functioning.
2. Can you write reports for NDIS plan reviews?
Absolutely. We provide clear, goal-linked reports to support review and re-funding processes.
3. Will I get a copy of my report?
Yes. We provide reports to the client (or their nominee) and their support coordinator, unless otherwise requested.
4. How long does it take to complete an assessment?
This depends on complexity and scheduling, but typically 3–6 weeks from intake to final report.
5. What kind of information do you include in your reports?
We include background, observations, functional analysis, and clear recommendations aligned to NDIS or rehab goals.
Scope & Boundaries
1. What kinds of clients do you work best with?
Adults with psychosocial disability, neurological conditions, or complex functional needs. We also support people in recovery, rehab, or life transitions.
2. What services don’t you provide?
We don’t offer paediatrics, aged care, acute crisis response, or high-volume assessments outside our expertise.
3. Do you support people in crisis or acute care?
No. We’re not a crisis service. We recommend linking with mental health or emergency services for acute support.
4. Can you help with equipment prescription or home modifications?
Yes. Following a thorough assessment, we can prescribe equipment that aligns with your NDIS goals (and NDIS rules). We also handle simple home modifications, though complex projects are outside our scope
5. How do you make sure your work stays ethical and focused?
We only take on work we’re qualified and resourced to do. We don’t over-service, and we’re transparent about fit and expectations.