In recent years, telehealth has gone from being a new, niche service to an important part of healthcare. This is especially true in occupational therapy (OT). Telehealth uses digital technology to provide healthcare remotely, which helps therapists reach more clients, improve outcomes, and expand access to care. In OT, telehealth allows therapists to assess, educate, treat, and support clients virtually, no matter where they live (Feldhacker et al., 2022).
What Is Telehealth in Occupational Therapy?
Telehealth in OT means delivering therapy services using technology. This can include:
- Live video appointments (synchronous)
- Sending exercises and assignments digitally (asynchronous)
- Remote monitoring of progress
- Coaching caregivers
- Online education
The goal is to help clients do meaningful daily activities—like self-care, school or work tasks, play, and community activities—without needing to visit a clinic in person (Molitor et al., 2025).
The Growth of Telehealth OT
The COVID-19 pandemic made telehealth more common across healthcare, including OT. Temporary rules allowed therapists to provide care online, showing that telehealth is possible and effective (Baker et al., 2025). Even though some of these temporary rules may end, advocates are working to make telehealth a permanent option in OT (Proffitt et al., 2021).
Research shows that telehealth OT works well. It has strong support for helping clients with neurological issues and pain, and moderate evidence for educational and rehabilitation
outcomes (Feldhacker et al., 2022; Ding et al., 2023). In many cases, online OT is just as effective as in-person care (Carrington & Islam, 2023).
Benefits of Telehealth Occupational Therapy
Telehealth OT has many benefits for both clients and therapists:
1. More Access to Care
People living in rural or underserved areas often have trouble reaching clinics. Telehealth removes these barriers, allowing clients with transportation or mobility challenges to get regular care from home (Ding et al., 2023).
2. Convenience and Flexibility
Virtual appointments fit more easily into daily routines. Clients and caregivers save time and money by not having to travel, and therapy can be scheduled around work, school, or family life (Breeden et al., 2023).
3. Real-World Observation
Therapists can see clients in their home environment. This helps them create personalized therapy plans that match a client’s daily life, like adjusting a kitchen layout or improving home accessibility (Carrington & Islam, 2023).
4. Family and Caregiver Involvement
Remote sessions let family members join in more often. This support helps clients practice exercises at home and follow therapy plans, improving overall results—especially for kids and older adults (Baker et al., 2025).
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Telehealth can reduce costs for both clients and clinics. Clients save on travel, while clinics save on space and overhead. Over time, this can make therapy more affordable for more people (Molitor et al., 2025).
What Research Shows
Studies show that telehealth OT works for many conditions, including chronic illnesses, developmental and neurological disorders, and issues caused by social isolation (Feldhacker et al., 2022; Ding et al., 2023).
Home assessments via telehealth have been shown to be effective, efficient, and well-received by both clients and therapists. They can produce similar outcomes to in-person assessments, especially for safety planning and environmental adjustments (Carrington & Islam, 2023).
Pediatric occupational therapists continue to use telehealth even after the pandemic. While working with young children online can be challenging, therapists report good satisfaction and moderate success with virtual care (Baker et al., 2025).
Challenges of Telehealth OT
Telehealth OT has some limitations:
- Limited Hands-On Interaction: Some therapy techniques need physical guidance, which is hard to do online (Breeden et al., 2023).
- Technology Needs: Clients need internet access, devices, and basic tech skills. Poor connectivity or lack of experience can make therapy harder (Ding et al., 2023).
- Insurance and Rules: Coverage for telehealth OT varies by provider and region. These differences can affect how widely telehealth is adopted (Proffitt et al., 2021).
The Future of Telehealth OT
As technology improves, telehealth OT will continue to grow. Tools like virtual reality, wearable sensors, and interactive home exercises can make remote therapy even more engaging and effective (Molitor et al., 2025).
Research shows telehealth is effective, and advocacy for better coverage continues. Telehealth helps clients get care, increases access, and allows therapists to provide personalized, flexible services. It is shaping a future where OT is more inclusive, efficient, and impactful (Feldhacker et al., 2022; Carrington & Islam, 2023).
References
Baker, A. R., Barents, E. R., Cole, A. G., Klaver, A. L., Van Kampen, K., Webb, L. M., & Wolfer, K. A. (2025). Use and perceptions of telehealth by pediatric occupational therapists post COVID‑19 pandemic. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 16(2), e6655. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2024.6655
Breeden, L. E., Tyger, H. T., Reckers, A. M., Johnson, M., Morales, A. M., Ober, L., & Williams, M. A. (2023). An examination of occupational therapy telehealth service delivery among novice users during the COVID‑19 pandemic. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 15(1), e6544. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2023.6544
Carrington, M., & Islam, M. S. (2023). The use of telehealth to perform occupational therapy home assessments: An integrative literature review. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 37(4), 648–663. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2022.2056779
Ding, J., Yang, Y., Wu, X., Xiao, B., Ma, L., & Xu, Y. (2023). The telehealth program of occupational therapy among older people: An up‑to‑date scoping review. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 35(1), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520‑022‑02291‑w
Feldhacker, D. R., Jewell, V. D., LeSage, S. J., Collins, H., Lohman, H., & Russell, M. (2022). Telehealth interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(6), Article 7606205090. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049417
Molitor, W. L., Feldhacker, D. R., Li, Z., Kuhl, N., & Jewell, V. D. (2025). Occupational therapy telehealth interventions across populations from 2019 to 2022: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(4), Article 7904205160. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050939
Proffitt, R., Cason, J., Little, L., & Pickett, K. A. (2021). Stimulating research to advance evidence‑based applications of telehealth in occupational therapy. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 41(3), 153–162. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492211011433
Sleight, A. G., Klein, C. M., Feldman, A. E., & Stein Duker, L. I. (2023). Telehealth utilization among occupational therapists in oncology: Results from a national survey. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 43(3), 523–530. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492221148985
