Occupational Therapy in Tampa, FL
Last updated: June 23, 2026
66 NPI-registered pediatric occupational therapy providers serve Tampa, FL. 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 June 2026.
66 providers in Tampa — showing 50 per page (page 2 of 2)
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 Tampa, FL
Pediatric occupational therapy in Tampa helps children build the everyday skills that don't come easily yet — gripping a pencil, managing buttons and zippers, tolerating busy or noisy environments, or staying regulated through a school day. Parents usually arrive here after a teacher flags handwriting or attention, after a sensory meltdown pattern, or alongside an autism or ADHD evaluation.
FindKidTherapy lists NPI-registered pediatric OTs across the Tampa Bay area, including clinics in Westchase, Brandon, and near the major hospital systems. Some Tampa OTs have dedicated sensory gyms; others focus on fine-motor and school-readiness or feed into feeding therapy. When you call, it's worth asking what a clinic specializes in, because “occupational therapy” covers a wide range.
A typical path is a 60–90 minute evaluation followed by weekly sessions, with the therapist sending home activities so progress carries into daily routines. Many Tampa families coordinate OT with speech therapy when both are needed.
OT wait-lists in Tampa tend to be a little shorter than speech but follow the same pattern — hospital programs longest, solo practices shortest. If your child is under three, Florida Early Steps can deliver OT in your home while you wait.
Below are the occupational therapy providers currently active in Tampa.
What to expect
The evaluation looks at fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, and play. You'll get a written plan with goals; treatment starts at the next visit. A “sensory gym” with swings and climbing equipment is normal and therapeutic, not just play.
Insurance
Florida Medicaid covers medically necessary OT for children under 21 (EPSDT). Hillsborough Region 6 MMA plans (Sunshine Health, Humana Healthy Horizons, Aetna Better Health, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan) commonly cover it; commercial plans typically require prior authorization after the evaluation. Some commercial plans cap annual OT visits — check yours.
Typical wait times (reported, 2026)
Solo practice 2–5 weeks · mid-sized clinics 4–8 weeks · hospital-affiliated 8–12 weeks.
Start sooner if under 3
Florida Early Steps (1-800-218-0001) provides OT, often in-home, within 45 days of an eligibility decision.
Frequently asked questions — Occupational Therapy in Tampa, FL
What does pediatric occupational therapy actually help with?
Pediatric OT helps children with fine motor skills (handwriting, cutting, buttons), sensory processing, self-care and daily living skills, and the regulation needed to participate at school. In Tampa, families often pursue OT after a teacher flags handwriting or attention, or alongside an autism or ADHD evaluation.
What's the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy for kids?
Physical therapy focuses on gross motor skills — walking, balance, strength, coordination. Occupational therapy focuses on 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.
Does insurance cover occupational therapy in Tampa?
Florida Medicaid covers medically necessary OT for children under 21 under EPSDT. Commercial plans (Florida Blue, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare) typically cover it with prior authorization after the evaluation, though some cap the number of annual visits. Verify your plan's OT benefit before your first visit.
How long is the wait for a pediatric OT evaluation in Tampa?
Solo practices in the Tampa area typically start in 2–5 weeks, mid-sized clinics in 4–8 weeks, and hospital-affiliated programs in 8–12 weeks. Children under three can often begin sooner through Florida Early Steps, 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 occupational therapy help with handwriting specifically?
Yes. Handwriting difficulties are one of the most common reasons children are referred to OT. A therapist assesses grip, hand strength, visual-motor skills, and posture, then works on the underlying skills rather than just drilling letters. Many Tampa OTs offer school-readiness and handwriting-focused programs.
Related reading
Information is provided for general guidance and may change. Always verify directly with the program, plan, or provider before relying on these details for treatment decisions.
Other Therapy Types in Tampa
16 OT Therapists in Tampa
Maria Acevedo, OTA/L
Tampa, FL
813-227-4347
MASTER CLINICIANS
Tampa, FL
813-713-1393
Michelle Blankenbaker, OTR/L
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-964-5618
MIND AND BODY INTERVENTIONS
Tampa, FL
386-479-3121
Morgan Calzon, OTR/L
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-962-6766
Nia Bolen-Daniels, OTR
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-932-2222
Nicole Busquet, OTR/L
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
706-974-5224
Nivea Capehart, OTR/L
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-972-2700
Phoebe Bodewig
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-872-2771
Priya Bakshi
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
727-709-4662
Rachael Bradley
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-963-6923
Rosana Alejo
Tampa, FL
813-461-8000
Samantha Barley, OTR/L, OTD
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-962-6766
Samuel Baptiste, OTR
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
336-926-0133
Susan Brindise, O.T
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
813-832-4023
Tara Brown, OTR
Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy provider in Tampa, FL
800-659-1522
Occupational Therapy in Nearby Cities
About Occupational Therapy for Children in Tampa, FL
Occupational Therapy can make a significant difference in your child's development. If you're looking for pediatric occupational therapy providers in Tampa, our directory can help you find qualified, experienced therapists who specialize in working with children.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists help children develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, and the skills needed for daily activities and school.
Finding the Right OT Therapist in Tampa
When choosing a occupational therapy provider for your child in Tampa, Florida, consider factors such as their experience with your child's specific needs, accepted insurance plans, location convenience, and whether they offer in-clinic, in-home, or telehealth sessions.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Occupational Therapy
Early intervention is key for pediatric therapy. If you notice your child struggling with age-appropriate milestones, talk to your pediatrician about whether occupational therapy might help. Many families in Tampa find that starting therapy early leads to better outcomes.