Frequently asked questions

Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession focused on helping people participate in the activities — or "occupations" — that make up daily life. In adult mental health, this means helping people manage the challenges that conditions like ADHD, burnout, anxiety, or depression create in everyday functioning: work, relationships, routines, and self-care.

Psychologists and counsellors often work with thoughts, emotions, and the underlying causes of mental health challenges. Occupational therapists focus on the practical impact of those challenges on daily life, and on the specific activities and environments involved. OT and psychology complement each other — many clients benefit from both. OT tends to be more practical and activity-focused; it's less about talking through why and more about working out what to do.

No. You can book directly without a GP or specialist referral. If you have a specific condition being managed by a doctor or psychiatrist, it's useful (but not required) to let them know you're doing OT.

Individual sessions are R1 000 per session (60 minutes). Group cohort pricing varies by programme and is published when a cohort opens. Workshop pricing for organisations is provided on request.

Most South African medical aid schemes cover occupational therapy under mental health benefits, though the specific benefit depends on your plan. Contact your medical aid scheme to confirm your benefits before starting. We can provide the relevant billing codes. <!-- TODO: confirm billing codes with Alet-Mari -->

No. Many adults I work with are undiagnosed, mid-assessment, or diagnosed late in life. The practical challenges ADHD creates are real regardless of where you are in the diagnostic process, and we can start working on them without waiting.

No. Formal ADHD assessment and diagnosis is the domain of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. If you suspect ADHD and haven't yet been assessed, your GP is a good starting point — they can refer you to the appropriate specialist. You don't need a diagnosis to start OT.

Yes. Online sessions are available to clients anywhere in South Africa. For ADHD and burnout work, online sessions work very well. You'll need a private space and a reliable internet connection.

This depends on what you're working on. Focused work on a specific challenge (a particular routine, a time management problem) might take 4–6 sessions. A more comprehensive process covering multiple areas of life usually takes 8–12 sessions. We'll be clear about this as we go — there's no pressure to commit to a block of sessions upfront.

The first session is a detailed intake conversation. We talk about your history, your current challenges, what you've already tried, and what you most want to change. By the end of the first session, we'll have a shared sense of focus and an initial plan. It's also a chance for you to assess whether this feels like the right fit.

It's a short call (phone or video) to talk about where you are and whether occupational therapy makes sense for your situation. There's no commitment involved — it's just a conversation. If you decide to proceed, we schedule the first full session. If it's not the right fit, I'll try to point you toward something that is.

Lynnridge House, 285 Patula Street, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria. There is parking available on-site. For directions, see the Contact page.