FAQ
Occupational Therapy
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy helps people do the things that matter most to them — work, self-care, relationships, and daily routines — when illness, injury, disability, or life transitions get in the way. OTs look at the whole person: physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental.
Access & Process
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. You can contact Third Space OT directly and book a discovery call without a referral. Some insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Please check your benefits before booking.
Is OT covered by my insurance?
Occupational therapy is covered under most extended health benefit plans in Canada. Coverage limits vary (typically $500–$2,000/year). We provide official receipts for reimbursement. OHIP does not cover private OT.
What is a discovery call?
A complimentary 15-minute phone or video call where you can ask questions, describe what you’re looking for, and find out if Third Space OT is the right fit. No commitment required.
How long will I be in therapy?
It depends on your goals. Some clients see meaningful change in 4–6 sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. We discuss this at your intake and set a clear plan together.
Clinical Scope
How is OT different from other providers?
OT vs. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy focuses primarily on restoring physical movement, strength, and pain reduction, typically after injury or surgery. Occupational therapy starts from a different question: given where your body and mind are right now, how do we help you do the things that matter most to you? OTs address the physical, but also the cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that affect daily function. If a physiotherapist helps you walk again, an OT helps you figure out how to get back to your morning routine, your work, your life.
OT vs. a Psychologist
Psychologists focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions through talk therapy and psychological assessment. Occupational therapists focus on how those conditions affect what you do: your ability to work, maintain routines, engage in relationships, and manage daily life. At Third Space OT, sessions are informed by CBT and DBT frameworks, but applied through an occupational lens: the goal is always functional change, not just insight. OT and psychology complement each other well, and many clients see both.
OT vs. a Life Coach
Life coaches are unregulated and do not have clinical training. They can be helpful for goal-setting and accountability, but they are not equipped to work with mental health conditions, disability, chronic illness, or complex functional challenges. Occupational therapists are regulated health professionals, accountable to the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), trained in evidence-based clinical practice, and able to work with medically complex presentations. OT sessions can also be submitted to insurance for reimbursement — life coaching cannot.
Do you use therapy approaches like CBT or DBT?
Yes. Gurleen’s practice is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) frameworks, applied through an occupational therapy lens. The focus is on how your mental health affects your daily functioning, routines, and meaningful activities.
Do you offer Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)?
Not at this time. FCEs require specialized training beyond our current scope. If you or your referrer needs an FCE, we can help connect you with a provider who offers this service.
Do you work with children?
Third Space OT serves adolescents aged 14 and older, and adults of all ages. We do not offer pediatric OT for children under 14.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Yes. In-person sessions are available in the Greater Toronto Area, including home visits. Virtual sessions are available to anyone in Ontario.
Practical
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice, and no-shows, will be charged 100% of the session fee ($150). We understand that unexpected things happen — please reach out as early as possible and we will do our best to accommodate. Please see the Cancellation Policy for more details.
Is telehealth secure?
Yes. All virtual sessions are conducted via JaneApp, a PHIPA-compliant platform. Your health information is encrypted and stored securely in Canada.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first session is an intake and assessment. We’ll talk about your history, what’s been challenging, and what you want to accomplish. It’s a conversation, not a test. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of what your OT plan could look like.