A clear starting point for occupational therapy
Initial Consultation
The first clinical stage of your occupational therapy assessment and support pathway.
This focused appointment helps build an initial picture of strengths, everyday needs, priorities and environments. It helps decide whether further assessment, practical OT support or another service would be most useful.
Unsure whether this is the right starting point? Send a brief enquiry.
How does this relate to assessment?
The Initial Consultation forms the first clinical stage of Belong OT’s assessment and support pathway.
It includes clinical information gathering, discussion of everyday function, strengths, needs and assessment planning. It is not a full occupational therapy assessment on its own.
Direct observation, standardised assessment and a full assessment report are only included where a separate assessment service is agreed.
Your assessment and support pathway
What happens from here?
Not everyone needs further assessment or ongoing OT support. The pathway is shaped around what would add useful information or practical value.
Initial Consultation
We review your information and begin building an occupational therapy understanding of everyday life.
Clinical recommendation
You receive a written summary and guidance on the most appropriate next step.
Assessment or support where needed
This might include further assessment, Goal-Focused OT Support or onward signposting.
Appointment details
What is included?
Before the appointment
You complete a short intake questionnaire through Cliniko. This gives Belong OT relevant background information and helps keep the appointment focused on your priorities.
- Review of your completed intake questionnaire
- Consideration of relevant background information
- Identification of the main areas to explore
During the consultation
The 60-minute online appointment explores everyday activities, routines, strengths, needs, environments and priorities.
- Discussion of what is happening in everyday life
- Exploration of strengths and what is already helping
- Consideration of the person, activity and environment
- Clinical guidance about the most appropriate next step
After the consultation
You receive a brief written Initial Consultation Summary and Plan.
It summarises the main points discussed, practical recommendations and the agreed next step. It is not the same as a full occupational therapy assessment report.
What the Initial Consultation does not include
The Initial Consultation does not include:
- A full occupational therapy assessment
- Standardised assessment or testing
- Direct observation in a school, home or workplace
- A formal occupational therapy assessment report
- A diagnostic appointment
- A therapy or intervention session
Where any of these would add useful information, they will be discussed as a possible next step.
Choose the section most relevant to you
Who is the Initial Consultation for?
The appointment follows the same clinical structure, but the discussion is adapted to the person, family or setting involved.
Families Babies, children and young people For parents and carers of babies, toddlers, preschool children, school-aged children and young people.
This consultation gives you time to discuss your child’s strengths, developmental stage, everyday needs, family priorities and what is already helping.
You might want to discuss
- Sleep, dressing, toileting, mealtimes and transitions
- Play, movement, coordination, floor play, playground skills or PE
- Sensory preferences, regulation, overwhelm or difficulty settling
- Hand skills, pencil use, scissors, fastenings or cutlery
- Participation in crèche, preschool or school
- Confidence, independence, relationships and family routines
Babies, toddlers and younger children usually do not need to attend. Older children and young people may take part where this would be helpful and appropriate.
Adults Everyday function and neurodiversity For adults seeking practical guidance around routines, organisation, sensory needs, fatigue or coordination.
The focus is on understanding what is working, what is getting in the way and what practical supports would make everyday life more manageable.
You might want to discuss
- Starting tasks, planning and follow-through
- Daily routines, appointments, home tasks or self-care
- Noise, light, clothing, movement or busy environments
- Fatigue, overwhelm, attention changes or recovery time
- Work, study, home management or independent living
- Motor coordination or DCD and dyspraxia-related concerns
Settings and organisations Schools, workplaces and organisations For wider questions about environments, access, inclusion, routines, regulation or staff support.
This consultation is for crèches, early-years settings, schools, colleges, workplaces, community groups and organisations seeking practical setting-level guidance.
You might want to discuss
- Noise, lighting, movement needs, busy spaces or sensory overload
- Predictable routines, transitions and calm spaces
- Whole-group, whole-class or setting-level support
- Access to play, learning, work or shared environments
- Environmental adaptations and inclusive routines
- Staff consultation, training, observation or practical planning
If the concern relates to one named baby, child, young person or adult, appropriate consent must be in place. The family or adult client may need to contact Belong OT directly first.
Following the consultation
Possible next steps
The written plan will explain the most appropriate next step. Further assessment is recommended only where it would add useful information.
No further OT input needed at this stage
Some people receive enough clarification, recommendations or signposting through the Initial Consultation and do not need another Belong OT appointment.
Everyday Life and Participation Assessment
A more detailed occupational therapy assessment of everyday routines, strengths, needs, environments, priorities and goals. It includes a written clinical report and recommendations.
Further focused assessment
Direct observation, focused clinical assessment or standardised assessment may be recommended where this would answer a specific question or add useful information.
Goal-Focused OT Support
Practical occupational therapy sessions focused on agreed goals linked to routines, independence, regulation, movement, self-care, learning, work, study or participation.
Consultation, document review or setting input
The plan may recommend further parent, adult, school or organisation consultation, review of relevant reports, or input related to an agreed environment or setting.
Signposting or onward referral
Where Belong OT is not the right service, you will receive guidance about other possible services or onward referral options where appropriate.
Questions people often ask
Initial Consultation FAQs
Does the Initial Consultation form part of an assessment?
Yes. It is the first clinical stage of Belong OT’s assessment and support pathway. It helps build an initial understanding of your current situation and decide whether further assessment is needed.
It is not the same as a full occupational therapy assessment.
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. You do not need a diagnosis to seek occupational therapy support. The consultation focuses on everyday strengths, needs, routines, environments and practical next steps.
Is the appointment online or in person?
Initial Consultations take place online through Cliniko Telehealth as standard. An in-person consultation may be considered by prior agreement where clinically appropriate.
Will I receive a report?
You receive a brief written Initial Consultation Summary and Plan. This is not a full occupational therapy assessment report.
Does my child need to attend?
The consultation is usually attended by a parent, legal guardian or main caregiver. Babies, toddlers and younger children do not usually need to attend. Older children and young people may take part where helpful.
What if Belong OT is not the right service?
Belong OT will explain this and provide guidance on other possible services, signposting or onward referral where appropriate.
What should I do if I am unsure about booking?
Send a brief enquiry through the Contact page. Please avoid including urgent, crisis-related or detailed confidential information.
Ready to take the first step?
Start with an Initial Consultation
Begin with a focused clinical conversation about what is happening in everyday life and what support or assessment would be most useful next.
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