How to start a private occupational therapy practice in the UK

Registration and Insurance Requirements for Private Occupational Therapists

‘Occupational Therapist’ is a protected title in the UK, regulated by the HCPC. You must be registered to use the title and to practise - this applies in private practice just as in any other clinical setting.

Keeping your HCPC registration current

Your existing registration continues into private practice. There’s no separate process, but you’ll need to maintain your CPD requirements and renew on your usual cycle. If you’re planning to work with specific groups (children, people with mental health needs, etc.), make sure your CPD reflects that scope of practice.

Professional indemnity insurance

You’ll need your own policy for private work - your employer’s cover won’t apply. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) offers member insurance. Specialist health and social care insurance providers like HCAS, Towergate, and Balens are commonly used by private OTs. Make sure your policy covers your specific area of work, including any assessment or report writing.

Working with children and vulnerable adults

If your private work involves children or vulnerable adults, you’ll need a current DBS check at the enhanced level. You’ll need to apply through a registered umbrella body as a self-employed practitioner. The RCOT can advise on this process.

Report writing and assessments

If you’re providing formal assessment reports - for autism, ADHD, sensory processing, housing adaptations, or legal cases - be clear about your competency in those specific areas. If you’re new to a type of assessment, seek supervision from an experienced colleague before taking on private cases.

See the going private practice hub for an overview of the private practice transition across other disciplines, including speech and language therapists and psychologists and therapists.

Local SEO for Private Occupational Therapists: Getting Found by Families

Searches for private OT tend to be very specific - people usually know what they’re looking for. Ranking for those specific searches is highly valuable.

The searches that matter

• “Private occupational therapist [your town or county]”
• “Paediatric OT near me” or “children’s occupational therapist [area]”
• “Private autism assessment OT [area]”
• “Sensory processing assessment [area]”
• “EHCP occupational therapy report [area]”
• “Adult occupational therapy assessment [area]” (if you work with adults)

How to improve your visibility

• Include your specialism and location in your website page titles - e.g. “Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Autism & Sensory Assessments | Surrey”
• Create separate pages for each main service or assessment type - these rank individually for specific searches
• Collect Google reviews from professional referrers and satisfied families (within appropriate professional boundaries)
• Make your HCPC registration number and RCOT membership clearly visible
• Write content that answers the questions parents are searching - “what does a sensory processing assessment involve”, “how long does a private OT report take”

Common Questions About Going Private as an Occupational Therapist

Can I do autism or ADHD assessments as a private OT without specialist training?

OTs can contribute to autism and ADHD assessments within their scope of practice, particularly for sensory processing, functional skills, and developmental observations. However, diagnosing autism or ADHD is a multi-disciplinary process - if you’re offering assessment reports, be precise about what your assessment covers and what clinical conclusions it does and doesn’t draw. Seek supervision if this is a new area of practice. The RCOT has guidance on scope of practice for complex assessments.

Do I need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for private OT practice?

Most independent OTs working as sole practitioners do not need Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration. However, if you’re providing regulated activities (e.g. treatment for conditions affecting mental health), you may need to register. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) website has a self-assessment tool, and RCOT can advise on your specific situation.

How much should I charge for a private OT assessment?

Initial consultations typically run from £100–£200. Full assessment and report packages for autism, ADHD, or sensory processing generally range from £500–£1,500 depending on the complexity and the type of report required. Medico-legal reports command significantly higher fees. Research what experienced private OTs in your area charge before setting your rates.

Where do most private OT referrals come from?

A mix of Google searches (particularly by parents), word of mouth from SENCOs and other SEND professionals, GP referrals, and the RCOT’s find-an-OT directory. Building relationships with local schools, CAMHS, and paediatricians is one of the most reliable sources of ongoing referrals once you’re established.

Also see our guides for physiotherapists, nutritionists and dietitians, psychologists and therapists, and speech and language therapists if you work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.