As described, occupational therapists specialise in different areas of practice. You need to be sure that you select an occupational therapist who most effectively meets your requirements.

• All the occupational therapists listed in this directory are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC). You may ask to see an occupational therapist's up to date registration certificate.
• All the occupational therapists listed in this directory have professional indemnity insurance. You may ask to see an occupational therapist's up to date insurance certificate.
• You may ask an occupational therapist how many years' experience s/he has of working in the field of work for which you require her/his services and on how many cases/projects similar to yours s/he has worked on in the past year.
• You may ask an occupational therapist to give you references of other people with whom s/he has worked. You may ask the occupational therapist if s/he has undertaken additional post-graduate training if s/he is offering work in a very specialist area (such as 'sensory integration') and to see evidence of this.
• The College of Occupational Therapists has a number of Specialist Sections linked to areas of expertise. Independent Practice - which manages this site - is the Specialist Sections for occupational therapists working in the independent sector. You may ask an occupational therapist to which Specialist Sections s/he belongs. In particular, any occupational therapist specialising in working with children should belong to the Specialist Section - Children, Young Adults and Families
• The occupational therapist should provide you with details of her/his terms and conditions and these should be agreed with you before undertaking work with you.