Occupational Therapy Telehealth (Online OT) – Perth

Telehealth occupational therapy is a convenient way to access OT support via secure video consults—ideal when getting to the clinic isn’t possible, when you want support in your home environment, or when you need flexible appointments. 

Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health offers telehealth OT for a range of clients, including private, DVA, Medicare and NDIS participants (as applicable).

What is telehealth occupational therapy?

Telehealth OT is an occupational therapy appointment delivered by video call. Your OT can assess your needs, observe function in real-life contexts (home routines, work setup, school tasks), and help you build practical strategies and goal-focused plans you can implement straight away.

Telehealth OT can be used:

• as a first appointment (for suitable goals)

• for follow-ups and program progression

• for parent/carer coaching and education

• for routine planning, environmental setup and skill-building

• when travel, fatigue, health, distance or time make in-person appointments difficult
  
  

What we can help with via telehealth OT

Telehealth OT is often well-suited to goals that can be assessed and progressed through observation, discussion, coaching and home-based strategies, including:

Daily living and independence

• self-care routines (dressing, hygiene, mealtimes)

• household routines and organisation

• time management, planning and task initiation

• fatigue and energy conservation strategies

Sensory regulation and participation

• understanding sensory preferences and triggers

• practical regulation strategies for home/school/work

• routines and environmental modifications to support participation

Function at home, school or work

• home set-up and daily routines

• school participation strategies and home learning routines

• workstation/ergonomic setup and work participation strategies

Carer, family and support coaching

• parent/carer coaching to support carry-over

• visual supports, routines, cueing strategies and goal tracking

If telehealth isn’t appropriate for your needs, we’ll recommend the next best pathway.

What telehealth OT sessions can include

Depending on your goals, telehealth OT may include:

• functional interview and goal setting

• observation of tasks (real-time or via guided demonstration)

• personalised strategies and environmental modifications

• skill-building home programs (simple, achievable steps)

• education for carers/supports to help carry over strategies

• check-ins to refine routines and troubleshoot barriers

• recommendations and planning for next steps
  
  

When an in-person OT appointment may be better

Some goals require hands-on assessment, specialised equipment trials, or in-person observation. Telehealth may not be ideal when:

• a physical assessment is essential

• complex equipment trials are required

• safety risks mean in-person support is more appropriate

• the environment/technology setup makes video assessment unreliable

If you’re unsure, start with telehealth and we’ll guide you.

What to expect in your first telehealth OT appointment

Before the appointment

Choose a space with good light and room to move the camera if needed. Have any relevant reports available (optional but helpful).

During the appointment

Your OT will:

1. Understand your goals, routines and challenges

2. Observe function (as relevant) and identify practical barriers

3. Co-design strategies and a plan you can implement

4. Provide clear next steps and follow-up options
   
   

After the appointment

You’ll leave with:

• a practical plan (strategies + routines + supports)

• optional home activities to build skills

• clear recommendations for progression
  
  

What you’ll need (quick checklist)

• phone/tablet/laptop with camera + microphone

• stable internet connection

• a quiet space (where possible)

• any helpful items (e.g., school/work materials, examples of routines, equipment you already use)
  
  

Telehealth OT for NDIS, Medicare, DVA and private clients

Telehealth OT may be available through different funding pathways depending on eligibility and plan requirements. Palms offers telehealth for a wide range of clients including private, DVA, Medicare and NDIS participants (as applicable).

Privacy and consent

Telehealth sessions are delivered via secure video consult. Your OT will explain privacy considerations and obtain consent before commencing.

FAQ

Do I need a referral?
Not for private telehealth OT. Some funding pathways may require a referral—our team can advise.

Can telehealth OT work for children?
Yes—telehealth can be useful for parent coaching, routines, visual supports, regulation strategies and goal planning.

What if I’m not sure telehealth is right?
Book a telehealth session and we’ll advise whether online support is suitable or whether in-person care is recommended.

Book telehealth occupational therapy

If you’d like OT support from home, we can help you get started with a practical, goal-focused plan.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.