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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've tried to answer the questions we hear most often below. If something isn't covered here, you're always welcome to get in touch — there are no silly questions.

About Occupational Therapy and our approach

  • A neuroaffirming approach recognises that all neurotypes are valid and that difference is a natural part of being human. Rather than trying to change or "fix" a child or adult, we focus on understanding how they experience the world and supporting them to participate in everyday life in ways that feel meaningful, respectful and aligned with who they are.

  • We support children, young people and adults across different stages of life. For children and teenagers, we generally work with those aged 4–18, with some flexibility depending on circumstances. We also support neurodivergent adults navigating late diagnosis, burnout, daily living and life transitions. If you're unsure whether this service is suitable, you're welcome to reach out and ask.

  • Occupational therapy focuses on the everyday activities that matter most — at home, at school, at work and in the community. Support may include help with daily routines, emotional regulation, sensory processing, participation, social connection, executive function, identity and self-understanding, or navigating life transitions. Support is always shaped around what matters most to the person and their family.

  • We support both. While much of our work has been with children and young people, we also work with adults navigating identity, late diagnosis, burnout, daily living and life transitions. If you're an adult wondering whether OT support might be helpful, you're welcome to reach out — a discovery call is a good place to start.

Sessions, locations and getting started

  • Sessions can take place in environments that are familiar and meaningful. This may include the home, school or childcare, community settings, online via telehealth, or at the BCP Hub in Warners Bay for clinic-based sessions. We currently support families and individuals across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens.

  • We provide mobile therapy across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens. Clinic-based sessions are available at the BCP Hub in Warners Bay. Telehealth sessions are available for clients where this is a suitable option, regardless of location.

  • First sessions are relaxed and unhurried. There's no set script — the focus is on getting to know you or your child, understanding what matters most, and beginning to build a picture of what support might look like. We don't expect you to have everything figured out before you arrive. Curiosity and openness are all that's needed.

  • Session length and frequency are shaped around what works best for you or your child. Sessions typically range from 45 to 75 minutes. There's no fixed schedule — we discuss what feels realistic and sustainable at the outset and adjust as we go. This is part of making sure support fits into everyday life rather than adding to it.

  • Yes. Telehealth sessions are available for clients where this is a suitable and preferred option. This can be particularly helpful for check-ins, parent consultations, or when in-person attendance isn't practical. We'll discuss whether telehealth is a good fit as part of planning support.

  • You're welcome to share any relevant information that feels useful, but a formal diagnosis is not required to begin a conversation or access support. Many families reach out while still in the process of seeking a diagnosis. We start from where you are, not from a report.

Funding and access

  • No referral is needed to make an enquiry or begin a conversation. If you are accessing support through NDIS or Medicare, relevant documentation may be required before commencing services — but you don't need anything in place to reach out first.

  • Yes. We accept NDIS self-managed and plan-managed clients. We are not able to accept NDIA agency-managed plans at this time. If you're unsure which type of plan you have, this is usually noted in your NDIS plan document or your support coordinator can help clarify. You're welcome to get in touch and we can help work it out.

  • Yes. We accept Medicare Enhanced Primary Health Care Plans, referred through your GP. Private health rebates may also be available depending on your fund and level of cover — we recommend checking directly with your provider.

  • Yes. Private paying clients are welcome. No referral or funding plan is required to access support.

Getting started

  • Yes — you can book a free discovery call online via our booking page. All new clients begin with a discovery call, which you can book directly using the "Book a free discovery call" button on any page of the site.

  • Once you book, you'll receive a confirmation with the call details. The discovery call itself is a relaxed 20-minute conversation — by phone or video — where we can talk through your situation and whether this feels like the right fit. There's no paperwork and no commitment required. If you'd like to proceed after the call, we'll talk through next steps together.

  • Absolutely. It's very common to feel unsure when exploring support. You're welcome to get in touch, ask questions and talk things through before deciding whether to proceed.

Still have questions?

If there’s something you’re unsure about or you’d like to talk through your situation, you’re welcome to get in touch.