Question 1

What is occupational therapy?

Accepted Answer

Occupational therapy is concerned with a child's participation in their everyday activities: learning, writing, play, independence and organisation. It looks at the developmental abilities that sit behind those activities, and at what is making them harder.

Question 2

How do I know whether my child needs OT?

Accepted Answer

There's no blanket answer, and no single sign means therapy is needed. It's usually worth a conversation when a difficulty persists over time, affects daily functioning or learning, or when there's a gap between what your child seems capable of and what they manage in practice. An introductory call is a good way to find out, with no commitment.

Question 3

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

My current clinical focus is ages 2–9. I have experience assessing and treating children from 0 to 9, including two years at Clalit's Tel Aviv Child Development Centre.

Question 4

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No. No referral is required for private treatment. If you already have documents or recommendations from another professional, that's useful information — but it isn't a condition.

Question 5

What if I'm not sure whether my child needs an OT, a speech therapist or a physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

This is a very common question, and there is real overlap between the professions. There are comparison guides on this site to help you orient yourself, and if the introductory call suggests another profession is the better fit, I'll point you there.

Question 6

What happens during the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first appointment includes getting to know each other and an assessment. It's built from activities and tasks chosen according to the reason for referral, and children usually experience it as an enjoyable session rather than a test. A parent meeting follows to go through the picture.

Question 7

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

A treatment session is usually around 45 minutes. An assessment session may be longer, and that's arranged with you in advance.

Question 8

How frequently do children usually attend?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly once a week. Sometimes a different frequency suits better; that's decided together based on the goals and what's realistic for the family.

Question 9

How long does treatment usually last?

Accepted Answer

It varies considerably between children and depends on the goals. Some processes are short and focused, others longer. We review progress along the way and talk honestly about finishing once goals are met. No promises are made about outcomes or duration.

Question 10

Do parents stay during sessions?

Accepted Answer

Ideally a parent stays in the room — you're part of the process and you learn how to practise at home. That said, every child and situation is different, and we can adapt to whatever works best for your child. Either way, you get an update at the end of the session or in parent meetings.

Question 11

Can treatment be conducted in English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work in both Hebrew and English, and parent conversations can be in English too.

Question 12

Can treatment be conducted in Hebrew?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hebrew is the clinic's usual working language.

Question 13

What if my child uses both Hebrew and English?

Accepted Answer

This is very common, and bilingualism is often clinically useful: using both languages helps distinguish a difficulty with the new language from a difficulty with the task itself. There's a dedicated area of this site for Olim families and bilingual children.

Question 14

Do you work with the child's school or kindergarten?

Accepted Answer

With parental consent, yes — where it's useful. A conversation with the educational team or written recommendations can support continuity between clinic and classroom.

Question 15

Can you provide receipts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A receipt is issued for every payment.

Question 16

Can you provide reports for insurers or other professionals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Treatment or clinical reports can be provided as needed. It's worth checking in advance exactly which type of document is required.

Question 17

Can I receive reimbursement from my Kupat Holim?

Accepted Answer

Following the Health Ministry reforms of recent years, in most cases families are not eligible for Kupat Holim reimbursement for private treatment with Shira. Some families may be eligible for reimbursement through private health insurance. Shira can provide receipts and treatment or clinical reports where needed, but eligibility and documentation requirements should be checked directly with your insurer or insurance broker.

Question 18

What about private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Some policies include partial cover for developmental therapies. The extent of cover and the documents required vary between policies, so please check directly with your insurer or broker. Nothing here is a guarantee of eligibility.

Question 19

Where is the clinic?

Accepted Answer

A home clinic in Ra'anana. The exact address is given when a session is arranged.

Question 20

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Book a short introductory call, or fill in the contact form with a few words about what you're seeing. I'll get back to you and we'll decide the next step together.

Questions and answers

Getting oriented

The process and sessions

Language and school

Payment, receipts and reimbursement

Practical

Didn't find your answer? I'm happy to reply personally.

Not sure exactly what your child needs? You can start with a conversation.