Shining a Light on Working in Occupational Therapy Private Practice

Occupational therapists are the quiet achievers of our health system—dedicated, skilled and passionate about helping people live fuller more independent lives. Whether you’re early in your career or looking for the next chapter, there’s a world of opportunity in private practice that’s worth exploring.

OTs who step into the private sector often say the shift is transformative. It’s not just a change of scenery—it’s a change in how you work, how you grow and how you connect with the people you support.

Image: Members of the OT Plus team sharing a moment together.

A Career with Room to Breathe

Private practice offers the kind of flexibility that many clinicians only dream about. You can tailor your workweek to fit your life—whether that’s starting early and finishing early, working part-time or adjusting hours around family or study.

Beyond flexibility, you have autonomy. You can shape your day, set your pace and manage your own caseload in a way that feels sustainable and satisfying. There’s room to think, reflect and do your best work without the feeling of being rushed from one task to the next.

Real Life. Real Flexibility.

We’re proud to have several OTs on our team who’ve made the leap from traditional roles into private practice—and many of them say the same thing: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

The flexibility on offer makes a real difference in day-to-day life. Some of our team members time their schedules so they can be at the office when their kids get off the school bus at 3.30pm, then head home and finish admin or reports later in the evening. Others take a midday break to go to the gym when it suits them, without the stress of clock-watching.

One of our OTs has a partner who works in hospitality, so she occasionally swaps a weekday for a weekend shift, giving her a Monday off to spend quality time together.

It’s these kinds of arrangements—simple, thoughtful and supportive—that help create a work-life rhythm that truly works.

Meaningful Connections with Clients

One of the standout aspects of private practice is the opportunity to form deeper relationships with clients. You often see them in their own environments—at home or in the community—which gives you a richer understanding of their goals and how to support them.

It’s about quality over quantity. There’s time to truly listen, plan collaboratively and celebrate progress no matter how small. These are the moments that remind us why we became OTs in the first place.

A Supportive and Collaborative Team Environment

Private practice doesn’t mean working in isolation. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Many practices foster a strong sense of team culture through regular check-ins, clinical supervision and plenty of peer support.

Mentorship and career development are often front and centre. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise or step into a leadership role, private practice can provide that personalised support. It’s a place where your voice is heard, your contributions are recognised and your wellbeing matters.

Diverse and Rewarding Caseloads

No two days are the same in private practice. You might be helping someone navigate home modifications or equipment prescription, reviewing manual handling procedures or conducting functional assessments that shape someone’s future care plan.

This variety not only keeps things interesting—it also allows you to hone your skills across different areas. If you have a passion for assistive technology, mental health or working with older adults, you can pursue those interests and build a career that feels truly aligned with your strengths.

Ready for a Change?

Break free from bureaucracy! If you’ve ever wondered what life could look like outside of traditional settings, private practice might be your next great opportunity. It's a chance to rediscover the joy in your work, regain control over your schedule and be part of a team that supports your growth every step of the way.

We’re always happy to chat with OTs who are curious about making the leap. Whether you're ready now or just exploring your options, feel free to get in touch—we’d love to connect.

Connect with OT Plus

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