Finding an occupational therapist by video when you live in the country
There was no occupational therapist anywhere near us. Here's how I found a good one for Mum in two hours, and why video sessions worked.
Last checked 22/10/2026 against the official sources listed at the end. For clients and families. About 4 minutes to read.
The short answer
If there's no occupational therapist near you, look further afield and ask for video sessions. Allied health under Support at Home can be delivered by telehealth, and it's a clinical support, so there's no contribution to pay. Posting a short job ad with your needs, rather than ringing around, can get you several replies within hours.
When Mum needed an occupational therapist, the first problem was simple: there wasn’t one anywhere near us. Mallacoota is a long way from most things, and allied health is no exception.
Thinking wider than the town
The turning point was realising an OT didn’t have to be in the room for most of what Mum needed. A lot of OT work is watching how someone moves around their home, talking through what’s hard, and recommending changes or equipment. A good OT can do much of that over a video call, with a family member holding the phone.
Once we stopped looking locally, the options opened up. Melbourne had nine OTs listed who might suit.
Posting a job instead of ringing around
Rather than calling nine practices one at a time, I posted a job on Mable with our specific requirements, including that the OT would be happy to work by video.
Five OTs replied within two hours.
One stood out, with the right experience and expertise and a warm manner that felt like a good fit for Mum. That matters more than people think, because Mum had to be comfortable with this person, even through a screen. The OT was also happy to work by video, which settled our worry about having nobody local.
What I’d tell anyone in the same spot
- Don’t stop at your town’s borders. Ask about video sessions first, then search a capital city or regional centre.
- Describe the job, and let people come to you. A short, specific ad gets better replies than ringing around.
- Have a helper on the call. Someone needs to hold the phone, show the bathroom step and point the camera at the rail.
- Use the OT for equipment too. Many items under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme need a professional’s recommendation, and the OT can write it.
How this works under Support at Home
This happened in 2023, under Home Care Packages. It’s easier now. Under Support at Home, allied health such as occupational therapy can be delivered in person or by telehealth, and it counts as a clinical support, so there’s no contribution to pay. Ask your provider to add it to your care plan, and if you self-manage, you can choose the OT yourself.
If you’d like help finding someone, Colin is happy to help. Ask whether your provider can fund this help.
Common questions
Can an occupational therapist work by video?
Yes. Under Support at Home, allied health services can be delivered in person or by telehealth, where that's safe and suitable.
Do you pay a contribution for an OT under Support at Home?
No. Allied health such as occupational therapy is a clinical support, and participants don't pay a contribution for clinical supports.
Why does an OT matter for equipment?
Many items under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme need a prescription or written recommendation from a professional such as an occupational therapist.