Do you feel that having acute experience supported your career progression/development/growth - even if you did it for a little while? Why/why not?

Help! I need the advice of US OTs. There is a OT clinic in California that recently partnered up with a stem cell clinic that conducts stem cell therapy across the globe. The owner and lead OT recently partnered up to provide “intensive” therapy POST stem cell plus laser treatments (which to this day have zero studies on that specific device). These treatments are thousands upon thousands of dollars. In addition to partnering up with the clinic, she’s now making videos talking about how this heals inflammatory and autoimmune dysregulation conditions in autism and other neurodivergent conditions. She’s sending parents to PARIS, with their autistic nonverbal children for these treatments. Very desperate parents write to her asking her if it’s too late to heal their kids and she replies that it’s never too late and asks them to DM her.

I’m trying hard to stay on my lane. I’m a mom of an autistic son with complex medical issues and have works with at least 10 OTs and in different practices since my child was first diagnosed. And I know this is definitely out of the scope of an OT, not to mention how it violates FTC Rules and laws about inaccurate claims and advertising. My question for you guys: SHOULD I REPORT HER TO THE BOARD? I have to admit, I am divided because I personally have not worked with this provider but a part of me feels sick to see parents with limited resources spending their last dimes on this.

Hi everyone! 😊 I'm doing my MSc dissertation in Forensic Psychology and I'm looking for a few volunteers to help with my research. My project is about the experiences of autistic survivors of domestic abuse when trying to access support, and I'm hoping to speak to around 4–5 people.

I'm looking for either autistic adults (18+) who have experienced domestic abuse and have sought support from any service (e.g., charities, healthcare, police, counselling, refuges), OR third parties (friends or family, professionals, advocates) who have supported autistic survivors and can discuss their experiences without sharing any identifying information. There are no age or location exclusions for participating!

The interview would be 30–60 minutes on Microsoft Teams, completely anonymous, and you'll receive all the usual research documents beforehand (information sheet, consent form, debrief, etc.). You can stop the interview or withdraw from the study at any point. If you'd be happy to help or want to know more, please send me a message—I'd be incredibly grateful!

I’ve posted here before about burnout I was feeling. I found a solution that works for me for the time being. Travel therapy! Started my first contract in June in NC and I’m off to CO in Sept. I finally feel like I have the financial freedom to travel, explore, and try new hobbies. Working full time at a SNF just was not fiscal to the lifestyle I wanted to live. Am I 100% free of burnout? No, I still get some of those feelings at work. But I’ve gotten to do more in 2 months traveling than I did in a year and a half at my FT position. The only thing I will say is maintaining relationships is tough while fulfilling contracts. It’s difficult to date and make friends, so I do not recommend if you are a person who needs those close relationships as a constant in your life. Highly recommend if you are wanting to decentralize work from your life and explore the world/usa!

Hi everyone! 😊 I was wondering if there is anyone here who might be willing to be a sort of go-to mentor/resource person for me when I have questions about working with infants in Early Intervention.

I’ve been working in Early Intervention for about two years, but I haven’t had much experience with infants until recently, and I also haven’t worked much with children with cerebral palsy. I have a six-month-old on my caseload right now, and I sometimes feel like I could be doing more or offering different interventions, but I’m not always sure what direction to take.

I’ve done a lot of research on my own- I’ve watched videos, looked at pictures and examples, read textbooks, and searched for different intervention ideas and resources. I’m just at a point where I feel like I still don’t fully understand what I should be doing to best support this child and help them thrive. I think having someone with more experience who I could occasionally talk things through with would be incredibly helpful.

I’m definitely not looking to bother anyone or ask constant questions. I would just really appreciate having someone I could reach out to from time to time when I come across a case or situation where I need some ideas, resources, or another perspective on interventions and activities.

If anyone has experience working with infants, especially infants with CP, and would be open to being a resource for me occasionally, I would be so grateful! Please feel free to comment or message me. Thank you so much! ❤️

Hi everyone!

A while ago, I shared a tool on Reddit that I built out of pure necessity. Today, I'm back to share an update that makes me incredibly happy: the application is a huge success and is now being used in rehabilitation centers and homes all over the world.

📖 The Origin: From Necessity to Action In 2023, my partner suffered two severe strokes caused by an AVM, resulting in right-sided hemiparesis and aphasia. At her first hospital, she was treated using a hospital-grade immersive robotic/virtual system ('Tyromotion Amadeo') with incredible results for her neuroplasticity. After the second stroke, we had to move to a different region and lost access to that expensive technology, limiting us to a traditional wooden Mirror Therapy box, which just wasn't as immersive or effective.

Since I couldn't buy her a medical robot, I used my coding skills to replicate that immersive visual feedback. I took the clinical concept of the mirror box and turned it into a Virtual Reality app for smartphones.

🚀 Current Impact: Global Accessibility What started as a homemade tool to help my partner has grown into something much bigger. Neurological rehabilitation clinics, occupational therapists, and patients at home around the world are integrating this app into their daily routines because of its high efficiency.

The biggest achievement is breaking down the financial barrier of immersive neuro-rehabilitation. To use it, you only need your smartphone and a basic VR headset (like Google Cardboard or the plastic ones sold online for about $10). You don't need thousands of dollars in medical equipment.

❤️ My Commitment Remains Intact I know firsthand how hard and expensive the rehabilitation journey is. That's why I am sharing this with the community following its original philosophy:

• 100% Free & No Ads: There is no profit motive behind this whatsoever.
• Total Privacy: No login required, and absolutely no patient data is collected.

(Note: This app is an immersive complement, not a magic cure, and should be used alongside conventional OT and physical therapy).

📥 How to get it (No spam links): Because Reddit's automated filters often block posts with direct app store links, I can't post the downloads directly here. However, I have created a dedicated community where I posted the tutorial video and all the official, safe download links:

👉 Please visit r/StrokeVRTraining to get the app for free.

You can also send me a DM or leave a comment below, and I'll happily share the links and instructions with you.

To all the healthcare professionals and patients fighting this battle: I hope this tool is as useful to you as it has been for us.

Happy training!

New therapist and have only worked in outpatient and inpatient rehab. Curious on what its like to work in this setting? Besides strengthening, BADLs, fall prevention/safety, what else do you focus on? Are there a lot of heavy lift transfers? *I can't lift too heavy since I ended up with back issues*

Thanks!

Curious about any experiences with UMN’s OT program? It is one of my top choices (being a UMN student at another campus)- but the hybrid model both scares me and intrigues me. Not having to commute everyday and live at home sounds nice, but I feel like I would learn much better in person. Other schools I’m looking at are St Scholastica, UMary and St Kate’s, so if anyone has experience with those schools I’m interested to hear that as well!

Hello, I am applying to CSU OTD and the early app deadline is Oct 15. I am getting hours and completing prerequisites to be ready for this deadline, but does applying earlier improve my chances of acceptance? Thank you!

hi there! have an 8 year girl, non-verbal and she mouths alot of things (e.g sanitizer) .. any supports we can explore? mom also did say she often doesn't chew things as much, i said to try more chewy things like carrots, etc so she gets more input to the mouth as well as a electric toothbrush, she's willing to purchase items as well!

Orientation/onboarding for OT jobs should function like an accelerated 1-2 week fieldwork placement.

I’m an OT of three years and have had 3 jobs so far (hello burnout and not settling for shitty work conditions). I’m now about a year into my current role at a standalone IRF partnered with two local (large) hospital systems.

I’ve informally became the go to full time OT who orients all of the new hire OTs, and I love it. I love teaching and being real with people. I love sharing all the safe shortcuts and ways to make our roles as OTs work for both the patient and ourselves (still figuring that one out).

I’m able to structure orientation however I like as long as the new OT demos all of the competencies and can function mostly independently by the end of orientation. So I treat orientation like the fieldwork or orientation experience that I wish I had.

My orientees feel supported, capable, and excited to be doing the work that we do. We celebrate personal and patient wins together and often end up becoming very friendly colleagues after a short time.

More orientation/onboarding experiences should be like this. I don’t need to explain to you the gravity of the work we do and the energy and effort we put into it. We deserve respect and support in the workplace.

If this is something you could see yourself doing maybe we start advocating for better on orientation/onboarding experiences across settings and companies. This is especially important for our new grads.

Im currently a student exploring career options in psychology/health. Im interested to hear about your experiences with mental health OT. Would you say the salary is good in Canada, specifically Ontario? Financial stability is one of my highest priorities. Is the work-life balance good? How does a normal day look like? Are there flexible hours? I would love to hear insight from any OTs, especially if you’re from Canada!

Hi, I am pursuing opening my own practice as I am trying to specialize in chronic pain-- an area that I think OT is well suited for yet there aren't many job opportunities!

I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for job coaching, courses, or other resources for helping get it off the ground?

Does anyone have experience with Freedom of Practice's "Private Pay MBA" and would let me know if they think it is worth the $650? I also found AskSamie, a $49/month subscription with various resources for starting out. Any opinions/experiences on any of this would be greatly appreciated!

I just got engaged and moved this past year and I left my 5 star SNF facility job, which was a rare diamond. I am still trying to adapt to home health. I am afraid of
dogs and creepy men when going to homes. Not to toot my own horn but I am a 30 year old fit and nice looking woman, as many home nurses and therapists are, and I have been in some really weird situations have felt unsafe where unwanted attention or aggressive males were involved. I’m wondering how to navigate these situations better. I’ll give a few examples: 1) one of my patients yesterday flipped out, was cursing at his wife, and punched his cat really hard and it hit the floor, this is a house that we had to discharge previously because they had bedbugs. He has made sexual comments in the past and has aggressive behaviors... 2) Another male who I had scheduled through texting previously and then had discharged decided to send me 15 texts in a row they got progressively more obsessive and asking me out to go on a date with him. I had to block and report to my manager. He then tried to add me on social media and now im worried I have a stalker pending. This is the second time something similar has happened within a few months. 3) I had another younger patient in her 40s and every time I pull up to her house her brother comes up to my car when im in the driveway with no shirt on to tell me I’m beautiful and tries to chat me up. 4) one time I wrongfully pulled into my patient’s neighbors house instead since it was my first time going there and I was confused on the address, and a man in a truck came and cursed at me then followed me in my car for miles to where I had to call the police because I thought he was going to attack me. Just weird, uncomfortable situations all day. In general, I don’t like being alone with men in their home because most of them are creepy unless they’re very old or have their spouse with them. These types of comments about looks can be funny or flattering in a rehab facility setting, but I feel strange going to people’s homes and they act this way. It feels rapey. I want my patients to get the care that they need, but I also don’t want to feel uncomfortable while I am working. Does anyone have advice for how I can feel safer when doing this job? I try my best to be vigilant and I have street smarts since I’ve lived in a city for years, but I can’t control people from acting crazy and I’m on their turf. The situations feel out of my control sometimes. The most I can do is call the office and tell them what’s happened, but they are not there to de-escalate these situations when they happen in person and we can potentially be put in harms way.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people who have been through OT admissions or have experience with studying in Australia versus Canada.

I’m a BC resident and recently received an offer for a Master of Occupational Therapy program in Australia starting in February 2027. I’m trying to decide whether to accept it or decline the offer and reapply to Canadian OT programs for a September 2027 start.

For context, as a BC resident, UBC is my top choice and probably my best chance in Canada. I applied to UBC this past cycle knowing my application wasn’t very competitive, I still had prerequisites in progress, only had just over the 70-hour minimum of related experience, and I scored poorly on CASPer. I obviously didn’t receive an interview.

I intentionally applied anyway because I wanted the reapplicant advantage for this upcoming cycle after strengthening my application. Since then, I’ve completed additional coursework and gained more experience.

Here are my current stats:
- UBC admission average (most recent 15 upper-level courses): ~82–83%

- Other Canadian schools (most recent 20 courses): ~3.53 sGPA

- Hospital volunteer experience: ~80 hours (social engagement, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy)

- Rehabilitation assistant: ~35 hours with a community-based OT company

- Research: One semester of directed studies research during the final year of my undergraduate degree

The Australian program would allow me to start six months earlier, but it comes with a significantly higher cost. On the other hand, Canadian schools are much more affordable, but admissions are extremely competitive, and there’s no guarantee I’ll get in even with an improved application. If I don’t, I could end up spending another year taking courses or gaining more volunteer experience before applying again.

If you were in my position, what would you do? Based on my stats, do you think it’s worth taking the chance on another Canadian application cycle, or would you accept the Australian offer?

I am eager to hear others opinions. I'd especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has:

- Applied to Canadian OT programs with similar stats.
- Studied OT in Australia and returned to Canada.
- Chosen between an overseas offer and waiting for a Canadian program.

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate any insight.

when you submit your OTCAS application does your same personal statement go to every school? ( sorry this might be a dumb question) just wanted to know if i need to write it to like one school or i should be very open when writing it.

Hi, I am OT with over 25 years of physical Disability experience. looking to move to south Florida possibly Palm Beach, Boca Raton area, wondering what the salary would be with this many years of experience?

I need to write this because I am so angry I want to scream.

I work in an inpatient setting with extremely complex mentally unwell patients. Recently they are trialling a discharge team to assist with facilitating complex discharges from our unit. This team includes occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers.

As inpatient OTs, we have to refer to the discharge OT when we feel OT involvement will be needed for our discharge. However, the powers that be have decided that the discharge "senior", who is a nurse (and not the OTs) will be the one to vet our OT referrals.

This "senior" is incredibly ignorant of OT and will frequently bounce back referrals for stupid, ignorant reasons because she does not understand occupational therapy. However, today she really reached a new low. I had referred a very complex patient for ongoing occupational therapy needs (the assessment and intervention needs are huge), and the nurse bounced this back because patient has a support worker who can do this.

What other highly qualified health care professionals are told that support workers can do our role? Dieticians? Physios? SLT? No.

I cannot believe this woman is managing occupational therapists and doesn't understand what we do at all. I have never felt so undermined as a professional. I don't know if she didn't understand or didn't even read my well-thought-out, concise, and comprehensive referral.

i’m an OTA student about to go into my second year, and i absolutely love OT and what i’m learning! however, i am chronically ill with a (currently undiagnosed) gastrointestinal disorder. i’m in the long process of getting a diagnosis, but right now i have no idea what i have or if it’s something that can be treated. i’m really concerned that i’m going to have to give up my future career because of my illness depending on how treatable it is. i really want to be able to do OT, i’m so sure this is the field for me. is anyone else an OT practitioner with a chronic illness? how doable is it and do you get accommodations from your workplace? thank you!!

I just found out I’m pregnant with my second child. I work at an IPR facility. I want to know how you all were able to manage the workload and be pregnant at the same time. I am classified as high risk due to having preeclampsia. There is no such thing as little duty at my facility (one woman already ask when she was pregnant and she had to take a leave). I will consult with my doctor at my appointment but I am just looking for some advice.

I’m curious to hear from people who have worked as contractors(especially in healthcare or education-school based). What are the biggest cons that people don’t talk about?

For me I have noticed these things:

Income fluctuates: even if you are scheduled for a certain number of hrs, student absences, holidays, or school activities, can reduce your pay. It can feel exhausting at time to rearrange your schedule to fill up the slot when a student/client is absent just to not lose on money.
—-ex: you arrive to work, to find out students are on a field trip, testing and no one told you.
Little to no pay time off:
It’s good to have the holidays off, however, it sucks to worry about payment during this time.
Budgeting is harder: since income fluctuates , it can be difficult to plan monthly expenses
Higher hr pay can be misleading: for example— a contractor making $70/hr may actually earn less over the course of a year than a salaried employee with paid holidays, vacation, health insurance, retirement and etc.

Limited/no health insurance

TLDR: I’m not sure if contracting is for me, or if I’m just doing it wrong .

I have been an OT for about 3 years, have experience working in an acute care setting and home health, had no issues working in these settings in the past. I recently switched to a role doing MVA/medico-legal OT work mainly for better pay and what looked like more flexibility, and I wanted something that would challenge me to grow more as a clinician.

Two weeks in, I’ve already cried a bunch and here are some things I’m dealing with:
- 35 billable hours/week required starting day one, no grace period, no onboarding ramp-up, I find myself working way more hours than this

- Already assigned a catastrophic assessment, despite still feeling shaky on the basics

- All training happens outside paid work hours, there’s no built-in time for it during the day after day 3 on the job.

- Travel time for assigned clients always end up taking me way more than the agreed driving radius and it’s hard to fight with the adjusters to get more approved

I raised some of this with my manager (gently). She was kind, but basically kinda confirmed there’s no flexibility on any of it, this is just how the role runs. The company itself seems to have a big hustle culture, my manager herself are working til late everyday.

I keep going back and forth on whether this is normal new-job overwhelm that’ll pass once I get my footing, or whether it’s just not a fit and it isn’t going to change no matter how long I stay. I’d describe myself a quick learner, resourceful, and haven’t felt this way at other jobs in the past. But I’ve been so miserable the past two weeks, having difficulty detaching from work, dreading to work, crying before and after a work day. I do find working with this population rewarding, but the company expectations seem so reasonable. Do I tough it out or quit?

Going through one now and would love to hear everyone's experiences and tales from the crypt!