Occupational therapy is an independent healthcare profession that helps people carry out everyday activities as independently as possible. The word "occupation" in this context refers to all the meaningful activities that make up daily life — from self-care and work to leisure. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages whose ability to participate in daily life is affected by illness, injury, disability, or developmental delays.
In Austria, occupational therapy (Ergotherapie) is a regulated health profession. Occupational therapists complete a multi-year degree programme at a university of applied sciences and are licensed to practise independently.
Common Reasons People Seek Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is used in a wide range of situations. Some of the most common include:
Rehabilitation after injury or surgery — for example after fractures, hand injuries, or joint replacements, when everyday movements like gripping, writing, or dressing need to be relearned.
Neurological conditions — after a stroke, or with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or traumatic brain injury, occupational therapy helps regain lost abilities or maintain existing ones.
Developmental delays in children — when children have difficulties with fine motor skills, concentration, sensory processing, or everyday tasks like eating or dressing independently.
Mental health conditions — for depression, anxiety, burnout, or psychotic disorders, occupational therapy can help build daily structure and strengthen the ability to manage everyday life.
Age-related limitations — for dementia, reduced mobility, or after falls, occupational therapy supports older adults in maintaining independence for as long as possible.
What Does a Typical Session Look Like?
The process begins with a thorough assessment. Your therapist will ask about your current situation, your difficulties, and your personal goals — for example, "I want to be able to cook on my own again" or "I want my child to be able to write more easily at school." They will then evaluate relevant abilities such as fine motor skills, strength, coordination, perception, or cognitive function.
Based on this assessment, an individualised therapy plan is created. Treatment is practical and activity-focused: rather than isolated exercises, the emphasis is on practising real tasks. This can range from hand coordination exercises and cognitive training to adapting the home environment. With children, therapy often takes a playful approach.
How Does Occupational Therapy Differ From Physiotherapy?
Both professions work in rehabilitation, but with different emphases:
Physiotherapy focuses primarily on movement, physical function, and pain relief — the emphasis is on the body and its mobility.
Occupational therapy takes a broader view and asks: which everyday activities are limited, and how can they be restored? This includes cognitive, psychological, and social aspects alongside physical ones.
In practice, the two professions often complement each other. After a stroke, for instance, physiotherapy might work on walking ability, while occupational therapy focuses on independent dressing or cooking.
Finding an Occupational Therapist and Costs
In Austria, you need a doctor's referral to access occupational therapy. The cost depends on whether your therapist has a contract with a public health insurance fund. With contracted therapists, costs are covered by your insurance. With private practitioners, you pay upfront — typically between 60 and 120 euros per session — and can submit a claim to your insurance fund for partial reimbursement.
When choosing a therapist, consider their specialisation (e.g. hand therapy, paediatrics, neurology, psychiatry), location, and personal fit. On Therapeutensuche.at, you can find occupational therapists near you and filter by location and area of focus.
