Occupational Therapy Clinics in Tacoma, WA
Occupational Therapy Clinics in Tacoma, WA
- 1909 S 72nd St, Suite A1, Tacoma, WA 98408 (outpatient pediatric therapy also available in Lakewood and Puyallup)
- (253) 697-5200
- marybridge.org
- Full pediatric occupational therapy, birth through age 18
- What they're known for: The South Sound's flagship pediatric hospital system (part of MultiCare), with multidisciplinary teams and multiple outpatient locations — a strong choice for children with complex or co-occurring medical needs who benefit from hospital-level coordination.
- 6419 Lakewood Dr W, University Place, WA 98467
- (253) 531-8873
- ctckids.org
- Occupational therapy, sensory processing support, and feeding therapy; ESIT early intervention
- What they're known for: The regional lead agency for Washington's Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) program, offering both clinic-based and in-home services — a go-to for birth-to-three early intervention in Pierce County.
- 2915 N McCarver St, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98403
- (253) 256-3192
- southsoundpedot.com
- Autism support (PLAY Project and DIRFloortime), sensory processing (SPD), and feeding therapy (SOS Approach); birth through age 6
- What they're known for: A Tacoma practice with relationship-based autism methods and SPD and feeding specialization for young children, delivered in-home, via teletherapy, and in some clinic settings — flexible for families who want care where the child is most comfortable.
- 2929 5th Ave NE, Suite A, Puyallup, WA 98372
- (253) 447-8216
- kidsatplaytherapy.com
- Occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, and therapy groups; ages 0–18
- What they're known for: A Puyallup multidisciplinary pediatric clinic offering OT alongside PT and feeding, plus therapy groups and teletherapy — convenient for families coordinating several services in one place.
- 5334 Olympic Dr NW, Suite 101, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- (253) 853-5155
- hctherapy.com
- Occupational therapy (plus physical and speech therapy)
- What they're known for: A Gig Harbor multidisciplinary clinic offering OT, PT, and speech under one roof with clinic, in-home, and virtual delivery — useful for families coordinating more than one therapy on the peninsula.
- 6659 Kimball Dr, Suite D403, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
- (253) 851-3874
- ctipediatrics.com
- Pediatric occupational therapy — sensory processing, autism, and adoption/foster support
- What they're known for: A Gig Harbor pediatric OT clinic with particular experience in sensory processing, autism, and supporting adoptive and foster families — a fit for children with attachment- or trauma-informed needs alongside sensory goals.
- Gig Harbor, WA (services delivered in clinic, school, home, and community; specific street address not published)
- (206) 632-1423
- playworkswa.com
- Pediatric occupational therapy with a focus on sensory integration; infancy through elementary age
- What they're known for: A sensory-integration-focused practice that meets children across multiple settings — clinic, school, home, and community — making it flexible for families who want therapy embedded in everyday routines.
- 1500 N Warner St #1070, Tacoma, WA 98416
- (253) 879-3514
- pugetsound.edu
- Pediatric occupational therapy — daily-living, play, and motor/cognitive/behavioral skills, delivered by students under licensed OT supervision
- What they're known for: A university teaching clinic where student clinicians provide pediatric OT under licensed supervision, operating on an academic-term schedule — often a lower-cost option for families, with availability that follows the school calendar.
- 817 S Anderson St, Tacoma WA 98405
- 425-478-0868
- bayshoreot.com
- Occupational therapy from age 3 upward, including aqua therapy and adaptive swimming, with autism navigation support for families deciding what to do next
- What they're known for: A neurodiversity-affirming practice that helps families work out whether an evaluation is the right step before any therapy begins.
- 633 N Mildred St, Tacoma WA 98406
- 253-565-0438
- capenindustrialrehab.com
- Occupational and physical therapy for industrial injury; work conditioning, work hardening, functional capacity evaluations, ergonomic assessments and activity coaching
- What they're known for: Twenty years of work-injury rehabilitation across the greater Puget Sound area, aimed at getting people back to the job they were doing.
- 103 N Salmon Beach, Tacoma WA 98407
- 253-227-9103
- functionfirsthomes.com
- Home safety and independent-living assessment, with home modification recommendations and written plans, across Washington State
- What they're known for: An occupational therapist working on the house rather than in a clinic, for people who want to stay in their own home as they age.
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 Tacoma
The right OT depends on your child's age, diagnosis, and your family's preferences. Here's what to weigh:
- Check credentials. Look for a licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L) in Washington. For specialized needs, ask about training in sensory integration, feeding (for example, the SOS Approach), or autism methods like DIRFloortime.
- Match the specialty to the need. Sensory processing, feeding, fine motor/handwriting, and autism support are distinct focuses. Ask how often the therapist treats your child's specific concern.
- Confirm insurance and cost up front. Verify in-network status, Apple Health coverage, and visit limits, or ask about superbills if the practice is out-of-network. University teaching clinics may offer reduced rates.
- Consider the setting. In-home, school, and community-based OT can be ideal for generalizing skills; clinics offer specialized sensory and motor equipment. Several Tacoma providers offer multiple settings.
- Ask about caregiver coaching. Progress accelerates when parents practice strategies between visits. Ask how the therapist will involve you and track goals.
- 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 measure 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 Tacoma
- Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT), Pierce County Washington's birth-to-three early-intervention program; Children's Therapy Center is the regional lead agency for the area.
- Mary Bridge Children's Hospital (MultiCare) Pediatric OT evaluations, multidisciplinary clinics, and developmental resources across the South Sound.
- Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Covers medically necessary occupational therapy for eligible children; ask providers whether they are contracted.
- University of Puget Sound OT Program A Tacoma teaching clinic that can offer pediatric OT under licensed supervision, often at reduced cost.
- 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 occupational therapy cost in Tacoma, Washington?
Out-of-pocket pediatric occupational therapy in the Tacoma area generally runs about $130–$225 per session at private practices, with evaluations costing more. Many Pierce County providers accept commercial insurance and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), which can reduce your cost to a copay or to $0 for covered, medically necessary services. Mobile, in-home, and university teaching-clinic models may be priced differently, so confirm rates directly with the provider.
Does insurance cover occupational therapy in Washington?
Many Washington plans cover occupational therapy when it is medically necessary, and Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) covers OT for eligible children. Some Tacoma practices are out-of-network and provide a superbill for reimbursement. Children's Therapy Center accepts Apple Health and private insurance and serves as the regional lead for birth-to-three early intervention. Verify benefits before starting.
What does pediatric occupational therapy help with?
Pediatric OT helps children build the skills they need for daily life: fine motor and handwriting skills, sensory processing and self-regulation, visual-motor integration, motor planning and coordination, feeding, and self-care tasks like dressing. OTs often support children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences (SPD), and developmental delays.
How long are occupational therapy sessions for children?
Most pediatric OT sessions in Tacoma last 30 to 60 minutes, typically once or twice a week. Initial evaluations usually take 60 to 90 minutes. Some clinics also offer in-home, school-based, or community sessions, and a university teaching clinic option follows the academic term.
Do Tacoma occupational therapists offer in-home or mobile therapy?
Yes. Several Tacoma-area OT providers — including South Sound Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Sound Children's Therapy, Harbor Children's Therapy, and Play Works Therapy — offer in-home, school, teletherapy, or community-based services in addition to clinic-based care, treating children in the settings where they live, learn, and play.
How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy?
Consider an OT evaluation if your child struggles with handwriting or fine motor tasks, is over- or under-sensitive to sensory input, has trouble with self-care like dressing or feeding, avoids age-appropriate play, or has difficulty with attention and self-regulation. A pediatrician referral or a direct evaluation can clarify whether OT would help.
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.
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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.