OT Works! Holiday Hours
OT Works! will be closed during the holidays.
We will be back to our regular hours on January 02, 2025, when we will be accepting new clients in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky, Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Comox Valley.
| Monday, December 23, 2024 | Open, 9am-5pm |
| Tuesday, December 24, 2024 | Open, 9am-12pm |
| Wednesday, December 25, 2024 | Closed |
| Thursday, December 26, 2024 | Closed |
| Friday, December 27, 2024 | Closed |
| Monday, December 30, 2024 | Closed |
| Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | Closed |
| Wednesday, January 01, 2025 | Closed |
| Thursday, January 02, 2025 | Open, 9am-5pm |
| Friday, January 03, 2025 | Open, 9am-5pm |
Regular business hours resume on January 02.
We wish you a very Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!
Get started with an OT
Our therapists at OT Works! are registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). Our approach is based on current research and evidence-based practice.
If you or someone you know could benefit from occupational therapy, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896
Introducing Trent Sanders: Occupational Therapist at OT Works!
We’re happy to welcome Trent Sanders to our team!
Joining us in September 2024, Trent brings a unique blend of experience, with a special focus on integrating mental and physical health to help clients engage fully in life. Trent joined us in September 2024 and has a deep interest in the intersections of mental health and physical health, and finding unique ways to support clients to achieve participation in their preferred occupations.
Trent graduated from Queen’s University in Ontario and has a rich background, from working as a kayak guide in BC and Australia to supporting adults with developmental differences as a Case Manager. His passion for mental health recovery shines through in his work with clients across Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
Trent is a registered member of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC, offering services to clients through WSBC, ICBC, private insurance, and self-pay.
We’re excited to see the positive impact Trent will bring to our clients and community!
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know can benefit from the support of an occupational therapist, reach out to us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Celebrating Occupational Therapy: Join Us for OT Month this October!
Every October, OT Works! celebrates Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, honouring the contributions of our dedicated Occupational Therapists and the difference they make in the lives of our clients.
Occupational Therapy for All: OT Month 2024
The theme for OT Month this year, as set by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), is “Occupational Therapy for All.”
This global initiative highlights the role that Occupational Therapists play in empowering individuals, communities, and populations to take part in the meaningful activities of daily life—whether through work, leisure, or self-care.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with clients to restore, maintain, and improve their ability to engage in everyday tasks that are important to them. By supporting people through various life challenges, from physical injuries to mental health conditions, OTs help foster independence and improve quality of life.
“We all need and deserve to participate in the activities we value, to have a sense of purpose and meaning. Occupational Therapy facilitates the “doing” through active listening, reflection, collaborative problem solving, skill building and the development of meaningful goals.
Pamela Russell, Clinical Director, OT Works!
Whether you’re a firefighter with PTSD, a teacher with a concussion, an athlete with chronic pain, a grandmother wanting to stay independent in her home as she ages, a trans person looking for community, an Indigenous elder supporting their Nation, or someone like you and me…
We need to feel heard. We need to be seen. We need to find a balance of meaningful activities to foster health and well-being, so each person and each community thrives. Occupational Therapists hear and see their clients, meet them where they are at, and support them on their journey to maintain or regain their important activities, and live a full and abundant life.”
Lighting up the country for World OT Day
On October 27th, World Occupational Therapy Day, landmarks across Canada will be illuminated in blue to raise awareness about the field of occupational therapy and celebrate the profession’s rich history. In British Columbia, several landmarks will shine blue in recognition of this important day, including Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium and Science World; Victoria’s Parliament Buildings, and Confederation Garden Park Fountain and Waterfall; City of Nanaimo Bastion; and Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake Fountain and LED Light Pole.
OT Works! – Supporting Communities Across BC
At OT Works!, we are proud of our team of talented and qualified therapists, all certified by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC). Our therapists have experience in assisting clients with a diverse range of needs, providing physical rehabilitation, mental health care, and brain injury recovery. Whether serving clients across the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky region, or Vancouver Island, our mission is to help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals through unique, evidence-based and compassionate care.
Discover More about Occupational Therapy
As we celebrate OT Month and World OT Day, we encourage you to learn more about Occupational Therapy by exploring resources from the following organizations:
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy (CAOT)
World Federation of Occupational Therapy
Thank You for Celebrating OT Month with Us!
Join us in celebrating OT Month and continue supporting the mission to empower individuals in their journey toward better health and well-being. Happy OT Month!
Meet Japneet Brar: Occupational Therapist
We’re excited to introduce Japneet Brar, MScOT, to OT Works!
Japneet joined us in July 2024 and brings a strong academic background and diverse clinical experience.
She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto in 2022 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Systems from the University of British Columbia.
Japneet has worked in various settings, including acute care, community outreach, and clinics, where she has supported clients with conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, and more.
Japneet offers her services to clients across the Fraser Valley, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Surrey, and Langley. She works with individuals covered by WSBC, ICBC, private insurance, and self-paying clients. Japneet is a registered member of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC).
We’re excited to have Japneet on board and look forward to the valuable contributions she’ll make.
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know can benefit from the support of an occupational therapist, reach out to us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21
Every June 21, Canada celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day, a special day to honor the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
Why June 21?
The date coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many Indigenous groups have marked this day with celebrations of their culture and heritage.
How to Get Involved
Across Canada, vibrant events and activities take place on June 21 to highlight the rich cultural expressions and stories of Indigenous peoples. To find a local event, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
How We Celebrate at OT Works!
At OT Works!, we are dedicated to learning about and honoring Indigenous cultures and contributions. Here’s how we celebrate:
- Cultural Education: We adopt and study the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism standard of practice, as recommended by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).
- Community Engagement: We encourage our team to attend local Indigenous events.
- Monthly Updates: We present new information monthly about Indigenous cultures, issues, and ways to support their communities.
- Featured Presentation: We showcase Len Pierre’s presentation on Allyship from the WorkSafeBC conference.
Learn More and Get Inspired
Join us in celebrating and learning about the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada!
Funding for Occupational Therapy in BC
Finding the right services and funding is crucial when recovering from an injury. This guide will help you find possible options to fund Occupational Therapy services with OT Works!
What Occupational Therapists do
Community Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people get back to their important daily activities after an injury or disability.
They work with people in their real-life settings: in their homes, workplaces or in their community.
Having an OT help you in your real world can make a significant impact on your recovery.
What to expect of an OT assessment?
Who pays for Occupational Therapy?
Community OT is not covered by MSP, however, there are many possible funding options depending on your individual circumstances and type of injury.
At OT Works! we accept funding from several sources:
WorkSafeBC
Covers OT for work-related injuries. Contact your WorkSafeBC claim manager to refer you to OT Works!
OT Works! is an approved providers under the Occupational Therapy Services contract. We serve WorkSafeBC clients with physical and brain injuries, and mental health. We also assist clients working with a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant through WorkSafeBC.
ICBC
Covers OT for motor-vehicle accident (MVA) injuries.
You will need to have an open injury claim with ICBC, and provide us with a doctor’s note supporting OT to help you with the injuries or symptoms related to the MVA.
Once you have provided the doctor’s note, our team will contact ICBC in your behalf to secure funding for you.
Start Occupational Therapy after a car accident
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
We’re an approved provider for veterans. Request a referral from your VAC Case Manager.
RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members
Funding may be available through your Occupational Nurse. Call us for more information.
Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
Discuss OT coverage with your CVAP case manager.
Vancouver Island Health Authority – Brain Injury Program
If you have a brain injury and lives in Vancouver Island, OT may be funded by the Vancouver Island Health Authority Brain Injury Program (VIHA-BIP).
Please contact the program for details.
Employers
Employers may fund OT to aid in your return to work and for performance improvement. Our OTs have experience providing ergonomic assessments and return-to-work plans to workers across BC.
Please contact us and we can send a cost estimate directly to your employer.
Private pay
Self-referral is an option if other funding is unavailable. No doctor’s referral needed.
Contact our team and we can advise you of our fees.
Self-Funded OT services
There are some other situations that may require OT services to be paid out-of-pocket:
BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA)
If you’re looking for home modifications through BC RAHA, you must pay for OT privately, and submit the receipt for a partial reimbursement from the program.
Please check BC RAHA’s website for program eligibility and reimbursement amounts.
Extended Health Benefits
Unfortunately, OT Works! cannot direct bill your extended health benefits provider. We request that you pay for services, and then submit the receipt to your benefits provider for reimbursement. Check your policy for details.
OT Works! cannot bill the Ministry of Health or Disability Assistance programs. Please visit their websites for more information on providers and funding.
Get started with and OT
If you or someone you know could benefit from Occupational Therapy, contact us today to start your rehabilitation journey!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896
Occupational Therapists Support Mental Health Recovery and Create Return to Work Success
Returning to work after a mental health diagnosis or injury can be difficult.
Mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and trauma can have a significant impact on people’s lives. These conditions can disrupt not only personal lives but also relationships, daily activities, and the ability to work.
In fact, mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada. Every week at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness and the resulting personal, workplace and economic impacts can be devastating.
For employers in British Columbia, compliance with Bill 41 is now mandatory, requiring them to provide suitable work options for employees dealing with mental health challenges.
Occupational Therapists have the skills and experience to help individuals with mental health conditions to return to work and enjoy life again. OTs also collaborate with employers to implement cost-effective workplace accommodations.
At OT Works!, we have a deep understanding of Mental Health and Return-to-Work
- Our approach focuses on listening to your needs, empowering you, and working collaboratively with your medical team.
- We tailor our strategies to meet you where you are, helping you navigate the path to recovery step by step.
- We ensure that you remain at the forefront of your care plan while maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.
- Our therapists have comprehensive knowledge and extensive training on mental health and how it affects return-to-work
- Our team has helped clients through WorkSafeBC, ICBC, Veterans Affairs, RCMP, private insurers, and employers.
- We have experience working with Bill 41, facilitating a gradual return to the workplace, ensuring a safe and successful transition.
“We know that work is not just about earning a living; it’s about finding purpose, building confidence, and connecting with others. Returning to work after a mental health diagnosis or injury is a crucial step towards recovery, and our experienced therapists have been supporting individuals in this journey for over two decades. “
Pamela Russell, Clinical Director, OT Works!
Case Study: Firefighter with PTSD
OT Works! was requested to assist a firefighter diagnosed with PTSD.
This worker had experienced multiple traumatic events, and was suffering with nightmares, sleep issues, and avoidance of the location of one of the events.
Randy McVeigh, an occupational therapist with OT Works! with 10 years of experience, helping clients with mental health diagnoses was assigned to this client
After an initial OT assessment, Randy created an evidence-based treatment plan unique to the client’s needs.
Randy alternated treatment sessions between in situ exposure therapy and counselling sessions at the client’s home.
The client was ready to begin attending emotionally charged locations right away, and after demonstrating the ability to do so, Randy allowed the client to identify locations with traumatic significance. Together, Randy and the client drove to each location, parked the car and got out. At the location of the scene, the client described what happened in detail, and how it affected him. The client found that being able to tell his stories helped him to process them, in a way he is not usually able, as people in his life are often uncomfortable hearing about what happened.
After recounting the stories, the client and Randy spent some time in mindfulness. Randy encouraged the client to notice various aspects of the present-day location, especially the sensory experiences (e.g. sounds, feeling of the air on the skin, the grass or pavement beneath the feet), emphasizing, particularly, the aspects which are now different from the original accident (e.g. peaceful, different season). The purpose of this is to give the client a new and different experience of the location, so that his nervous system can be less firmly attached to the original story.
Randy also provided education of various aspects of PTSD management, including creating SMART goals. Randy encouraged and provided strategies so the client could experiment with different approaches, including:
- Socializing with firefighters
- Mindfulness practices
- Journalling
- Setting up schedules and routines
- Identifying values and motivations
- Crafting coping plans
After working with Randy for a few months, the client has met several goals:
- Returned to the firehall for the first time since going on leave
- Returned to formal and informal social events with firefighters and friends
- Socializing with his family, including in locations that were previously triggering to him
- Went on to numerous sites of accident scenes, often for the first time since the incidents, and has reversed his pattern of avoiding them
- His PTSD symptoms and responses to triggers are milder, and much better managed
“It made all the difference to have my OT come to my house. I was scared to leave and was hiding under the bed and in the closet. Unlike previous providers, my OT treated me like a human, genuinely cared, and wanted to know more about me and what’s important to me. First responders are wired differently, trained differently, can be stubborn, don’t like change, and have a hard time opening up. But my OT understood that, was positive and patient, gently pulled information out of me, and ultimately helped me get back to work. My OT changed my life and I can’t say enough that’s positive about this OT.”
Client with PTSD, who worked with Randy
Occupational Therapists facilitate meaningful recovery from mental health conditions, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and get back to work with confidence.
If you or someone you know need help from an OT, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896
Meet Katy Lovick: Occupational Therapist
We’re pleased to welcome Katy Lovick, new occupational therapist, to OT Works!
Katy joined OT Works! in January 2024. She brings with her a wealth of experience in helping clients with various diagnoses, such as brain injuries, neurological conditions, physical injuries, amputations, and mixed diagnoses.
Katy holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Glasgow Caledonian University, and a Bachelor of Sport & Fitness Leadership – specialization in exercise and wellness, from Camosun College.
Katy is passionate about the versatility of occupational therapy and has worked in both private and public health sectors. She embraces a client-centered approach, recognizing that everyone has unique strengths and challenges on their path to recovery. Katy has successfully supported clients in meaningful activities, including daily living tasks, returning to work, and engaging with their communities. She brings professionalism, experience, and a commitment to excellence to every client interaction.
In her spare time, Katy enjoys all the nature that Vancouver Island has to offer, travelling and getting active.
Katy serves a diverse clientele, including individuals covered by WSBC, ICBC, private-paying clients, and those with extended health/disability insurance. She provides her services across South Vancouver Island, including Victoria, Langford, Saanich, and Sidney.
Katy is a full registrant and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she’ll make in our community.
Get started with an OT
If you would like Katy’s help with your recovery or if someone you know could benefit from occupational therapy, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
What to expect of an Occupational Therapy Assessment
An occupational therapy assessment is an important first step in your recovery journey. That’s when your OT will understand where you’re at, what you are struggling with, and where you want to go next. It also helps the OT justify funding for treatment services, if needed, and develop a safe, effective treatment plan.
Our dedicated Occupational Therapists (OTs) are committed to providing you with individualized, meaningful, and creative ways to support your recovery journey.
Recovering from an injury is hard, but getting back to the activities you love is worth it!
Occupational Therapists are unique
OTs are university-trained, certified, and regulated by the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
What sets OTs apart is their holistic approach to your needs. Unlike other professions that focus on either physical or emotional parts of your injury, OTs consider physical, cognitive, emotional, cultural and environmental factors to ensure that your recovery is safe, meaningful and effective. They also focus and build upon your strengths and priorities.
OTs meet you in real-life environments: at your home, workplace, and community settings, ensuring that the treatment aligns with your reality and daily life and has real impact.
Occupational Therapy can help in a variety of situations, including but not limited to:
- Home safety
- Ergonomics
- Activation
- Mood management
- Concussion rehabilitation
- Community access
- Return to work
Our OTs help you getting better and improving your quality of life.
Our OTs have experience in providing OT treatment for physical injuries, mental health concerns, and brain injuries. They are passionate about delivering quality treatments tailored to your unique needs.
What to expect from your OT assessment
When someone requests the help of our OTs, we get any necessary medical information to ensure a safe assessment, and we choose an occupational therapist with the right skill set and approach to assist you. However, the OT assessment primarily involves an in-person meeting with you.
Some important information about the assessment:
- Location: Most assessments occur at your home, but may also occur at your workplace, or somewhere else in your community, depending on what is being assessed. Some specialized assessments may be conducted at our clinic in New Westminster.
- Duration: Typically, 2-3 hours.
- Components: Review of what to expect, risks and benefits (consent), an interview, observations of your daily activities, and standardized tests or questionnaires.
Your therapist will be on time, and treat you with respect, care, professionalism, and courtesy throughout the assessment. There is no judgement, nor expectation that you clean or prepare refreshments ahead of time.
If you anticipate being at all uncomfortable, just let your therapist know in advance, and invite a friend or family member to attend with you.
We expect that you provide more than 24 hours’ notice if you need to change the assessment time.
Getting ready for your OT assessment
Preparing for your assessment is easy:
- Gather Information: Relevant medical details, recent test results, and current medications.
- Review Daily Activities: Consider your daily routine and note areas of difficulty.
- Communicate: Share your goals, concerns, and relevant information during the assessment. Ask lots of questions.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose clothes that allows for easy movement.
- Be ready to “do”: the OT may ask you to show how you do certain tasks (or portions of tasks) around the house, such as sweeping, making the bed, working on the computer or emptying the dishwasher. You will not be asked to do anything that is unsafe, and the OT will provide tips and strategies to make things easier on you, right away.
Collaborative Plan for Treatment
Before completing the assessment, the OT will briefly review their findings, explore your personal, functional goals, and review possible treatments for feedback. Examples of what an OT may recommend could include: equipment, learning and practicing techniques or strategies, grading tasks (gradually making them more challenging), homework between sessions and/or referral to other health care professionals.
At OT Works!, our therapists take a collaborative approach. We listen to you, design treatment plans, and set goals with your input to ensure that your recovery is not only meaningful but also appropriate to your situation.
We communicate directly using your preferred method, welcoming feedback to enhance each client’s experience.
What happens after the OT assessment
Confidential Report
The OT prepares a comprehensive report detailing functional strengths, difficulties and treatment recommendations. With your consent, this report can be shared with medical providers and funding parties.
Approval
If OT treatment services are recommended, the plan and goals are shared with the funder for approval (whether that’s an insurance representative, family member or other party). Ideally, occupational therapy treatment is approved and initiated within one week of the in-person assessment. Sometimes the OT will set up your first treatment session, as they leave the assessment, in anticipation of this.
However, there can sometimes be delays in obtaining approval. Your therapist will keep you updated on the process if this is the case and will advocate for service on your behalf. They also may provide you with some activities or strategies to get started with, on your own, if appropriate and safe, to facilitate an early recovery.
Once treatment is underway, your engagement, motivation and feedback will help pave the way to a new you, and the meaningful life you seek.
Contact us for your Occupational Therapy assessment
If you or someone you know could benefit from an occupational therapy assessment, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896
Empowering Change: OT Works! Commitment to Community Support
At OT Works!, we take pride in our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the community. We are pleased to announce our continued support for three local initiatives that embody the spirit of change, empowerment, and social justice: Project Change, WWF Canada, and Plan Canada.
We belief in contributing to a better world. OTs are dedicated to improving lives, and at OT Works!, we recognize the importance of extending this commitment beyond our professional practice. Each year, we support organizations that share our dedication to fostering positive change.
Initiatives OT Works! supported in 2023
Project Change Foundation provides financial and other support to early-stage charities in Canada with significant potential for creating social or environmental change.
In 2023, Project Change provided grants and support to the Food Stash Foundation. The Vancouver-based food recovery charity collects about 120,000 pounds of food per month that would have gone to waste, delivers to 35 charity partners, delivers Rescued Food Boxes to over 100 households, and serves 140 Rescued Food Market members weekly. Food Stash utilized the grant from Project Change to support professional development for their employees and received guidance from one of our mentors to assist with enhancing business practices and clarifying the goals and direction of the organization through the lens of its values.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada is the country’s largest international conservation organization. Guided by the best scientific analysis and Indigenous knowledge, they work to conserve species at risk, protect threatened habitats, and address climate change. Their long-term vision is simple: to create a world where nature and people thrive.
Plan International Canada strives for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. They stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind, or not equally valued.
OT Works! will continue to support organizations as they empower people in Canada and around the world.