Occupational Therapy in Tempe, AZ

Last updated: April 17, 2026

44 NPI-registered pediatric occupational therapy providers serve Tempe, AZ. Each listing includes the provider's name, location, specialties, listed credentials, and current new-patient status, with a link to the full profile and to verify the provider in the official NBCOT registry. Listings refreshed from the NPPES registry April 2026.

44 providers in Tempe

How we vet: Every listing starts from the provider's federal CMS NPI record and is refreshed from the registry on a recurring schedule, with direct links to the certification or state-licensing body for its specialty so you can verify credentials at the source. We do not accept paid placement. Read our full verification methodology.

Occupational Therapy in Tempe, AZ

Pediatric occupational therapy in Tempe is about the everyday skills a child is struggling with — gripping a pencil and forming letters, managing buttons, zippers, and shoelaces, staying regulated in a busy classroom, and holding attention long enough to get through the school day. Many Tempe parents come in after a teacher raises handwriting or focus, after repeated sensory meltdowns, or as part of an autism or ADHD evaluation.

FindKidTherapy lists NPI-registered pediatric occupational therapists (many credentialed OTR/L) across the Tempe area, including clinics in South Tempe, and nearby Chandler and Mesa, plus programs through Phoenix Children's and Dignity Health programs across the East Valley. Some clinics run full sensory gyms; others focus on fine-motor and school readiness, or partner with feeding therapy — worth confirming on the first call.

A typical path is a 60–90 minute evaluation followed by weekly sessions, with home activities so progress carries into daily routines.

For children under three, the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) can deliver OT in your home while you wait.

Below are the occupational therapy providers currently active in Tempe.

What to expect

The evaluation covers fine motor, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-care, and play; you'll receive a written plan with goals, and treatment begins at the next visit. A sensory gym with swings and climbing equipment is normal and therapeutic. Ask whether the therapist is a licensed, registered occupational therapist (OTR/L).

Insurance

AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) covers medically necessary OT for children through AHCCCS health plans such as Mercy Care, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Banner–University Family Care, and Care1st. Commercial plans (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Aetna) typically need prior authorization and may cap annual visits — check yours.

Typical wait times (reported, 2026)

Solo practice 3–6 weeks · mid-sized clinics 5–10 weeks · hospital-affiliated 8–13 weeks.

Start sooner if under 3

the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) via the Arizona Department of Economic Security — OT often in-home, under an IFSP, at no cost.

Frequently asked questions — Occupational Therapy in Tempe, AZ

What does pediatric occupational therapy help with?

Pediatric OT helps with fine motor skills (handwriting, cutting, fasteners), sensory processing, self-care and daily-living skills, and the regulation needed to participate at school. Tempe families often pursue OT after a teacher flags handwriting or attention, after sensory difficulties, or alongside an autism or ADHD evaluation.

Does AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) cover occupational therapy in Tempe?

Yes. AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program) covers medically necessary OT for children, delivered through AHCCCS health plans such as Mercy Care, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Banner–University Family Care, and Care1st. Prior authorization is typically required after the evaluation. Confirm the practice is in-network with your plan before scheduling.

What's the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy for kids?

Physical therapy targets gross motor skills — walking, balance, strength, coordination. Occupational therapy targets fine motor and functional daily skills, sensory processing, and self-care. Some children see both. If you're unsure which your child needs, an OT or PT evaluation can point you in the right direction.

How long is the wait for a pediatric OT evaluation in Tempe?

Wait times in the Tempe area vary by provider type — solo practices start soonest, then mid-sized clinics, with hospital-affiliated programs longest. Children under three can often begin sooner through the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), which delivers OT in the home.

Why does my child's OT use swings and climbing equipment?

A sensory gym with swings, ball pits, and climbing equipment is standard pediatric OT. Movement-based activities help children with sensory processing and motor planning, and play is the natural way children build these skills. It looks like fun because engagement is part of how OT works.

Can OT help with my child's handwriting specifically?

Yes. Handwriting difficulty is one of the most common reasons children are referred to OT. The therapist assesses grip, hand strength, visual-motor skills, and posture, then works on the underlying skills rather than drilling letters. Many Tempe OTs offer school-readiness and handwriting-focused programs.

Other Therapy Types in Tempe

Speech Therapy Physical Therapy ABA Therapy Feeding Therapy Sensory Integration

44 OT Therapists in Tempe

Amanda Kershaw

Tempe, AZ

Occupational Therapy in Tempe, AZ

Occupational Therapy in Tempe, AZ

Frequently asked questions — Occupational Therapy in Tempe, AZ

Other Therapy Types in Tempe

44 OT Therapists in Tempe

Amanda Kershaw

Angela Holly

Anjelica Hernandez, OTD, OTR/L

Ann Defrancis, OT

Arely Garcia

Beth Gelbert

Brenda Hubbell, MS, OTR/L, CEES

Brittney Hendricks, OTR/L

Geri Dewaard

Hannah Kleinbart, OTR/L

Jacqueline Conway

Jacquelyn Kinavey, OTR/L

James Chavez, OTD

Jan Becker, OTR

Jenine Cook, OTR-L

Jodi Duecker, OTR/L

Jonnie Chacon, MSOT, OTR/L

Julia Castro, OTR/L

Julianne Kindt, OTD, OTR/L

Julie Brass, OT

Karra Krug, MSOTR/L

Katherine Hillman

Kelli Dupps, OTR L

Keron Bowen

Kristine Kath, OT

Laura Demick, OT

Lea Bertoni

Lisa Aronica, OT

Markaya Hunter

Mary Didde-Esteban

Matthew Blake, MOTR/L

Megan Flesner, OTR/L

Melinda Holder, OTR/L

Melissa Bootz

Melissa Ciany, OT

Michelle Kvamme, OT

Nikoletta Arvanitis, OT

Rachel Belanger, OTRL

Solimar Chavana, MSOT

Stephanie Dupont, MS, OTR/L

Susan Fetter, OTR

Thomas Hoffmann, OTR

Tony Botelho

Vicki Arenz, OTR L

Occupational Therapy in Nearby Cities

About Occupational Therapy for Children in Tempe, AZ

What is Occupational Therapy?

Finding the Right OT Therapist in Tempe

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Occupational Therapy