Top 10 Occupational Therapists in Memphis, Tennessee (2026)

Verified June 2026. Listings reflect publicly available information from provider websites and directories. Always confirm current services, availability, and insurance directly with the provider.

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children build the everyday skills that let them learn, play, and grow more independently — fine motor and handwriting skills, self-care like dressing and feeding, sensory processing and regulation, and the coordination and attention that classroom and home routines demand. Across the Memphis metro, families have access to a solid range of pediatric OT, anchored by Le Bonheur Children's Hospital — the region's flagship pediatric system — and extended by university clinics, established multidisciplinary practices, and autism-focused centers in Memphis proper and the suburbs of Germantown, Cordova, Bartlett, and Millington.

To build this guide, we reviewed Memphis-area occupational therapy practices and verified that each is currently operating, then captured the specialties, locations, and service models that matter most to families. We list every provider that met our verification bar; the order below reflects breadth of services and accessibility, not a paid or scored ranking. For the youngest children, the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) serves birth to age three, TennCare covers medically necessary OT for eligible kids, and the UTHSC Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center provides pediatric OT at no cost to qualifying families — so cost should rarely keep you from an evaluation. Use this list as a starting point, then call the practices that fit your child's needs and your insurance.

Top 10 Occupational Therapy Providers in Memphis, TN

How to Choose an Occupational Therapist in Memphis

The "best" occupational therapist is the one who fits your child's specific needs, your schedule, and your budget. Here's what to weigh:

• Check credentials. Look for a licensed occupational therapist (OT) or certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) in Tennessee. For specialized needs, ask about training in sensory integration, feeding, or handwriting programs.
• Match the specialty to the need. Sensory processing, feeding, handwriting, and self-care are distinct areas. Ask how often the therapist treats your child's specific concern.
• Confirm insurance and cost up front. Verify in-network status, TennCare acceptance, copays, and visit limits — or ask about pro bono and university options like UTHSC if cost is a barrier.
• Consider the setting. Some children thrive in a clinic with sensory gyms and equipment; others do better with in-school services. Suburban locations in Germantown, Cordova, Bartlett, and Millington may shorten your drive.
• Ask about caregiver involvement. Strong programs coach parents so progress continues between sessions. Ask how they'll keep you involved and how they measure progress.
• Trust the rapport. Your child should feel comfortable. Many practices offer a brief consultation — use it to gauge fit before committing.

Questions to ask during a consultation: What is your experience with my child's diagnosis? How will you set and track goals? How often will sessions be, and for how long? How do you involve parents? What happens if we don't see progress?

Occupational Therapy Resources in Memphis

• Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) — Free or low-cost developmental support, OT evaluations, and service coordination for children birth to age three across Shelby County and the Memphis region.
• Le Bonheur Children's Hospital — Pediatric evaluations, multidisciplinary clinics, and developmental resources for families across the Mid-South.
• Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center (UTHSC) — A university clinic offering pediatric occupational therapy at no cost to qualifying uninsured, underinsured, or waitlisted families.
• TennCare — Tennessee's Medicaid program, which covers medically necessary occupational therapy for eligible children.
• Your child's school district — Public schools provide occupational therapy services through IEPs and 504 plans for eligible students.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does pediatric occupational therapy cost in Memphis, Tennessee?

Out-of-pocket pediatric occupational therapy in the Memphis area typically runs about $100–$180 per session at private practices, while hospital-affiliated programs such as Le Bonheur may bill differently. Many providers accept commercial insurance and TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid), which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. The Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center at UTHSC offers OT at no cost to qualifying uninsured, underinsured, or waitlisted families. Always confirm rates and coverage directly with the provider.

Does insurance cover occupational therapy in Tennessee?

Many Tennessee health plans cover occupational therapy when it is medically necessary, and TennCare covers OT for eligible children. Coverage limits, prior-authorization rules, and visit caps vary by plan, so verify benefits before starting. For children birth to age three, the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) can provide or coordinate evaluations and services at little or no cost. Some Memphis practices are private-pay only and can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.

What conditions does pediatric occupational therapy treat?

Pediatric occupational therapists help children build the skills they need for daily life — fine motor and handwriting skills, self-care like dressing and feeding, sensory processing and regulation, visual-motor coordination, and play and attention skills. They commonly work with children who have autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and sensory processing differences.

How long are pediatric occupational therapy sessions?

Most pediatric OT sessions in Memphis last 30 to 60 minutes, with frequency depending on the child's goals — often once or twice a week. Evaluations usually take 60 to 90 minutes. Younger children often start with shorter sessions and build up as they tolerate more.

Where can I find low-cost or free occupational therapy in Memphis?

The Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is described as the only clinic in the Mid-South providing pediatric occupational therapy at no cost, serving uninsured, underinsured, and waitlisted families on a pro bono basis. For children birth to age three, the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) can also coordinate services at little or no cost, and TennCare covers OT for eligible children.

What conditions do pediatric occupational therapists in Memphis treat?

Memphis occupational therapists commonly address sensory processing difficulties, fine motor and handwriting delays, feeding challenges, self-care skills such as dressing, visual-motor coordination, and regulation and attention. They frequently support children with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay.

Find More Therapists in Memphis

• Top 10 Speech Therapists in Memphis, TN
• Top Pediatric Physical Therapists in Memphis, TN

Related Resources on DrSensory

• Browse Occupational Therapists by City
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)