Occupational Therapy Clinics in Portland, ME
Occupational Therapy Clinics in Portland, ME
- 12 Westbrook Common, Westbrook, ME 04092
- (207) 591-7210
- pediatricdevelopmentcenter.com
- Occupational therapy and speech; sensory processing, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Fragile X, feeding and picky eaters, handwriting, self-regulation, and infant interventions
- What they're known for: A Westbrook clinic with a broad pediatric OT scope — from infant interventions to feeding and self-regulation — that also offers home programs and preschool/school consultation, making it a strong fit for families who want support that extends beyond the clinic walls.
- 170 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME 04105
- (207) 781-0022
- sspcmaine.com
- Occupational therapy including sensory integration, NDT, oral-motor, therapeutic listening, handwriting, and Zones of Regulation; birth to age 18
- What they're known for: A family-centered Falmouth clinic where OT sits alongside speech and physical therapy, offering a well-rounded toolkit — sensory integration, therapeutic listening, and the Zones of Regulation — for children from infancy through the teen years.
- 1601 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
- (207) 439-5104
- sacobaypt.com
- Pediatric occupational therapy (sensory integration and feeding) within a multidisciplinary team; ages 0 to 30
- What they're known for: The Portland location of a pediatric multidisciplinary team, offering OT with a sensory-integration and feeding focus alongside PT and speech — convenient for families coordinating several therapies in one place.
- 10 Trails End Rd, Windham, ME 04062
- (207) 233-7373
- southernmainetherapy.com
- Occupational and physical therapy; autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental and fine/gross-motor delays, emotional regulation, and sensory processing; birth to age 18
- What they're known for: A Windham practice pairing OT with PT for children with a wide range of developmental needs, with therapists who also travel to preschools — a helpful option for families in the Lakes Region and northwestern suburbs.
- 1222 Portland Rd, Arundel, ME 04046
- (207) 337-1058
- coastalkidsotmaine.com
- Occupational therapy (plus PT and speech); sensory integration, reflex integration, feeding, pelvic health, and listening programs; ages 0 to 18
- What they're known for: An OT-led clinic in Arundel with a distinctive scope — including reflex integration and pediatric pelvic health alongside sensory and feeding work — serving families south of Portland toward the Kennebunk area.
- 71 US Route 1, Suite B, Scarborough, ME 04074
- (207) 443-3341
- pinetreesociety.org
- Occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, audiology, assistive technology, and children's case management
- Accepts MaineCare
- What they're known for: A long-established Maine nonprofit whose Scarborough location combines OT and speech with assistive technology and case management — and accepts MaineCare, an important access point for families relying on Medicaid coverage.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Treat?
Pediatric occupational therapists help children develop the everyday skills they need to play, learn, and grow more independently. That includes fine and gross motor coordination, handwriting, sensory processing and self-regulation, feeding, motor planning and praxis, visual-perceptual skills, and executive functioning. Sessions are typically play-based and tailored to each child's goals. For adults, occupational therapy covers the same question in a different life: managing daily tasks, work and self-care after injury, illness or a change in ability.
Conditions Occupational Therapy Can Help With
Occupational therapy supports children with a wide range of needs, including sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD and attention difficulties, developmental delay and coordination difficulties, feeding challenges, handwriting and fine-motor delays, and emotional-regulation difficulties. Many clinics also offer evaluations and developmental screenings.
How to Choose an Occupational Therapist in Portland
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 and registered occupational therapist (OTR/L) in Maine. For specialized needs, ask about extra training (for example, in sensory integration, neurodevelopmental treatment, or feeding therapy).
- Match the specialty to the need. Sensory processing, handwriting, feeding, and self-regulation are distinct areas. Ask how often the therapist treats your child's specific concern and which approaches they use.
- Confirm insurance and cost up front. Verify in-network status, copays, and visit limits — and ask whether the practice accepts MaineCare or works with Child Development Services, or can provide a superbill if it is private-pay.
- Consider the setting. Some children thrive in a sensory-equipped clinic; others benefit from home programs or preschool/school consultation. Several Greater Portland providers offer a mix.
- Ask about caregiver coaching. Progress accelerates when families carry strategies into daily routines. Ask how the therapist will involve you and how they measure progress.
- Trust the rapport. Your child should feel comfortable and engaged. 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 are sessions, and for how long?
- How will you coach me at home?
- What outcomes should we expect, and by when?
Occupational Therapy Resources in Portland
- Maine Child Development Services (CDS) Maine's early intervention system, providing free developmental evaluations and OT services for children birth to age three (and preschool special education for ages three to five).
- MaineCare Maine's Medicaid program, which covers occupational therapy for eligible children when medically necessary.
- Maine Medical Center / The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital Pediatric evaluations and specialty clinics for children with complex or co-occurring medical needs in Greater Portland.
- Pine Tree Society A statewide Maine nonprofit offering OT, assistive technology, and case management, with a Scarborough location serving Greater Portland.
- Your child's school district Maine 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 Portland, Maine?
Out-of-pocket pediatric occupational therapy in the Portland, Maine area typically runs about $120–$200 per session at private practices, while hospital-affiliated and nonprofit programs may bill differently. Many Portland providers accept commercial insurance and MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program), which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. Always confirm rates and coverage directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover occupational therapy in Maine?
Many Maine health plans cover occupational therapy when it is medically necessary, and MaineCare covers OT for eligible children. For children under three, Maine's Child Development Services (CDS) provides early intervention, often at no cost to families. Coverage limits, prior-authorization rules, and visit caps vary by plan, so verify benefits before starting. Some Portland practices are private-pay only and can provide a superbill for reimbursement.
What does pediatric occupational therapy help with?
Pediatric occupational therapists help children build the skills they need for everyday life: sensory processing and self-regulation, fine-motor and handwriting skills, feeding and picky-eating challenges, coordination, attention, and independence with daily activities such as dressing and self-care. They often support children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and genetic or neurological conditions.
How long are pediatric occupational therapy sessions?
Most pediatric OT sessions in Portland 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. Many clinics also send home programs so families can reinforce skills between visits.
At what age should my child start occupational therapy?
There is no age that is too early. Maine's Child Development Services (CDS) serves children from birth to age three through early intervention, and Greater Portland clinics evaluate infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. If you notice sensory sensitivities, fine-motor or feeding difficulties, or trouble with daily routines, an evaluation can be done at any age.
What conditions do pediatric occupational therapists in Portland treat?
Portland occupational therapists commonly work with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and Fragile X, developmental and fine-motor delays, feeding and picky-eating challenges, handwriting difficulties, and self-regulation. Approaches may include sensory integration, neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), therapeutic listening programs, and the Zones of Regulation.
How long is the wait for a first appointment?
It varies by practice rather than by city, so it is worth asking when you call — a clinic with a long wait for weekly therapy will often book an evaluation much sooner, and some hold cancellation slots. Because of that, most families contact more than one practice on this page rather than waiting on the first. If your child is under three, your state's early intervention program runs on its own timeline and is worth starting in parallel.
What to do next
If none of them fit, these widen the search.
For clinics
Are you an occupational therapy clinic in Portland?
List your practice and appear alongside the clinics above when local families search.
Medical disclaimer. This directory is for general informational purposes. A listing is not an endorsement, referral, or recommendation, and inclusion does not mean we have verified a provider’s credentials, licensure, or insurance. Confirm those directly with the provider before booking. DrSensory is not affiliated with the practices listed.