# Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Los Angeles > Sensory gyms, in-home therapists and a hospital program from the Westside to Pasadena and the South Bay, with what to ask and who pays. Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children with everyday skills that don’t come easily: handling sensory input, holding a pencil, getting dressed, eating a wider range of foods, calming down. In Los Angeles it’s offered by private clinics with sensory gyms, therapists who visit your home, and hospital rehab programs. Insurance or Medi-Cal can pay when it’s medically necessary. The regional center’s Early Start program serves children under 3, and from age 3 your school district provides OT through an IEP when your child needs it for school. By Summerground, updated October 12, 2026. ## At a glance - OTR/L after a name means the therapist holds the national OTR credential and a state license. You can look up any California OT on the state’s DCA License Search. - Under 3? Call your regional center or the Early Start Baby Line, 800-515-2229. The evaluation is free; insurance is billed first for therapy, and the regional center or school district covers what it doesn’t. - From age 3, your school district provides the OT your child needs to benefit from special education, free, through an IEP. You can ask the school to evaluate. - Children with qualifying physical disabilities can get OT and PT free, at any income, at a California Children’s Services Medical Therapy Unit. - Private prices vary. The Center for Connection in Pasadena lists self-pay sessions at $175 to $350 or more, depending on the service and clinician. ## 15 places for pediatric occupational therapy in Los Angeles Listed from the Westside through central LA to the Valley, Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, then the South Bay. If you’re looking for a therapist for sensory processing differences, look for sensory integration training or a sensory gym in the entries. Call first to ask about ages, wait times and payment. ### 1. OT Kids West LA (home and school visits) A Westside team of sensory-integration-based OTs, founded by Corbin Gaucher Eastman, OTR/L, that sees children from birth to 12 in their homes and classrooms, working with parents and teachers. It starts with a free phone consultation, then an assessment and a treatment plan. It also offers SOS (Sequential Oral Sensory) feeding therapy, and video sessions for kids 5 and up. - Ages 0 to 12 - In-home and in-school OT - SOS feeding therapy - Video sessions for ages 5+ - Free phone consultation - Website: https://ot-kids.org/ - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/santa-monica/ot-kids.md ### 2. Bloom Pediatrics Santa Monica A Santa Monica OT practice led by Dr. Adriane Ransom, OTR/L, SWC, whose specialties include autism, executive functioning, feeding and swallowing, coordination and motor delays, sensory processing and social skills, with a special interest in gifted and twice-exceptional children. Clinical director Dr. Sophie Cross, OTR/L, is certified in PEERS for Preschoolers, a social skills program for young children. - Feeding and swallowing (SWC) - Gifted and 2e children - PEERS for Preschoolers - DIR/Floortime and sensory integration - Website: https://www.bloompediatrics.com/meet-the-director - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/santa-monica/bloom-pediatrics.md ### 3. Therapy West Inc. & pLAy Studio Mar Vista and Gardena · 11460 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 OT, physical therapy and speech therapy for children and teens with autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, Down syndrome and other delays. Its OTs hold master’s or doctoral degrees and have training in sensory integration, neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) and feeding. It runs early intervention groups for ages 1.5 to 3 and Kid Scouts groups for ages 5 to 18, has a second clinic in Gardena, and accepts Self-Determination Program funds. - Early intervention groups, 1.5 to 3 - Kid Scouts groups, ages 5 to 18 - Second clinic in Gardena - Accepts Self-Determination funds - Website: https://therapywest.org/service/occupational-therapy/ - Phone: 310-337-7115 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/mar-vista/therapy-west-inc-and-play-studio.md ### 4. TheraPlay LA Mid-City · 1070 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019 A Mid-City clinic with OT, speech, feeding and orofacial myofunctional therapy under one roof, including intensive programs that combine them. OTs work on sensory regulation, motor coordination, primitive reflexes, self-care and handwriting, using the Handwriting Without Tears program. The sensory gym has a rock wall, monkey bars, a zip line, a play loft, two swing rooms and a ball pit. - Sensory gym with two swing rooms - Handwriting Without Tears - OT, speech and feeding - Intensive therapy programs - Website: https://www.theraplayla.com/pediatric-occupational-therapy - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/mid-city/theraplay-la.md ### 5. OT Studios Hollywood · 957 Cole Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 A small sensory integration clinic offering OT, physical therapy, speech therapy and social skills groups for infants through school-age children, in the clinic, at home, at school or by video. OT here covers sensory integration, fine motor skills and handwriting. It’s also the home of The Sensokids, a picture-book series that explains the senses to children. - Sensory integration clinic - Handwriting and fine motor - Social skills groups - Clinic, home, school or video - Website: https://www.otstudiosla.com/ - Phone: 323-285-2283 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/west-hollywood/ot-studios.md ### 6. LA Speech Therapy Solutions Silver Lake, Windsor Hills, North Hollywood and San Gabriel · 2836 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 Besides speech therapy, this practice offers pediatric OT at four clinics: Silver Lake (2836 Sunset Blvd), South LA in Windsor Hills (3819 W Slauson Ave), North Hollywood (6350 Laurel Canyon Blvd) and San Gabriel (604 S Del Mar Ave). OT sessions work on fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory processing, coordination, focus, feeding, dressing and other self-care. - Four clinics across LA - Handwriting and fine motor - Sensory processing - Feeding and self-care - Website: https://www.laspeechtherapysolutions.com/occupational-therapy/ - Phone: 323-522-6071 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/hancock-park/la-speech-therapy-solutions.md ### 7. Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC) University Park, near USC · 403 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007 A children’s orthopaedic hospital whose rehabilitation center has physical and occupational therapists for babies, children and teens. The focus is orthopaedic: recovery from fractures, sprains and surgery, and conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, limb loss, radial aplasia and hypoplastic thumb. Its site says most insurance is accepted. - Hospital-based OT and PT - Babies, children and teens - Rehab after injury or surgery - Most insurance accepted - Website: https://www.luskinoic.org/specialties/orthopaedic-rehabilitation/ - Phone: 213-742-1450 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/exposition-park/luskin-orthopaedic-institute-for-children-luskinoi.md ### 8. Therapy In Action Tarzana · 18522 Oxnard St, Tarzana, CA 91356 A pediatric OT and PT clinic in an 8,000-square-foot space in Tarzana, with school-district contracts since 1986. Its therapists hold specialty certifications in sensory integration and feeding and see children and teens with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, handwriting and visual-motor problems, coordination and posture difficulties, oral-motor and feeding problems, genetic disorders and developmental delays. - OT and PT - Sensory integration certifications - Feeding certifications - School-district contracts since 1986 - Website: https://therapyinaction.com/ - Phone: 818-708-2292 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/tarzana/therapy-in-action.md ### 9. Itty Bitty Kinetics Therapy Group Encino · 18015 Ventura Blvd, Suite 110, Encino, CA 91316 A concierge-style pediatric OT practice that sees children at home, in the community, by video or at its Encino clinic, with detailed parent coaching between sessions. Its specialties include pediatric feeding disorder and ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder), sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, self-care, school readiness, and Early Start for children from birth to 3. - Home, clinic, community or video - Feeding disorders and ARFID - Early Start, birth to 3 - Parent coaching - Website: https://ittybittykinetics.com/ - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/encino/itty-bitty-kinetics-therapy-group.md ### 10. The Sensory Brain Occupational Therapy Pasadena · 2810 E Del Mar Blvd, Suite 2, Pasadena, CA Two Pasadena clinics (Del Mar Blvd and N Oak Knoll Ave) plus telehealth in California, for kids, teens and adults with sensory processing differences, tics and social-emotional challenges. Every therapist is a licensed OT, and the practice says it doesn’t use assistants. Programs include CBIT for tics, UCLA PEERS social skills groups, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and 75-minute workshops. - Licensed OTs only, no assistants - CBIT for tics - UCLA PEERS social skills groups - Two clinics plus CA telehealth - Website: https://www.thesensorybrain.com/ - Phone: 626-217-0818 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/pasadena/the-sensory-brain-occupational-therapy.md ### 11. The Center for Connection Pasadena · 3030 E Colorado Blvd, Suite 214, Pasadena, CA 91107 A Pasadena center with a full-sensory OT gym, where OTs work on sensory integration, motor planning, self-regulation and coordination with a relationship-first approach they describe as an alternative to ABA. Speech therapy, psychotherapy, educational therapy and assessments are under the same roof. It’s self-pay: sessions run $175 to $350 or more depending on service and clinician, with a sliding scale and superbills. - Full-sensory OT gym - Self-pay, $175 to $350+ a session - Sliding scale available - Superbills for insurance claims - Website: https://thecenterforconnection.org/locations/pasadena/ - Phone: 626-385-6121 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/pasadena/the-center-for-connection.md ### 12. Uplift Therapy Center La Cañada Flintridge · 1975 Verdugo Blvd, Suite D, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 Founded by Dr. Talin Yacoubian, OTD, OTR/L, a Certified Autism Specialist, this clinic offers OT, speech, physical and feeding therapy for children with autism, sensory processing challenges and developmental delays, from infants to teens. Sessions are play-based and child-led in a sensory gym, and each child is matched with a therapist. It serves families from Pasadena, Glendale and nearby. - OT, speech, PT and feeding - Sensory gym - Infants through teens - Founder holds a doctorate in OT - Website: https://uplifttherapycenter.com/ - Phone: 818-864-6602 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/la-canada-flintridge/uplift-therapy-center.md ### 13. Recess Pediatric Therapy Arcadia (San Gabriel Valley) · 301 E Foothill Blvd #100, Arcadia, CA 91006 An Arcadia practice with OT, speech, physical and feeding therapy for infants, toddlers and children, at the clinic, at home, at school or by video across the San Gabriel Valley. OT covers fine motor skills and handwriting, self-care, sensory processing, visual-motor skills and regulation. It takes major HMO and PPO plans and what it calls commercial Medi-Cal, and contracts with the San Gabriel/Pomona, Lanterman and Eastern Los Angeles regional centers. - HMO, PPO and commercial Medi-Cal - Contracts with three regional centers - Clinic, home, school or video - OT, speech, PT and feeding - Website: https://www.recesspediatrictherapy.com/ - Phone: 626-275-6302 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/arcadia/recess-speech-therapy.md ### 14. Ground to Grow Occupational Therapy Torrance · 24050 Madison St #110, Torrance, CA 90505 A South Bay practice run by Jackie Bresnahan, MS, OTR/L, SWC, an ICDL-verified DIR Floortime practitioner who is California board certified in feeding and swallowing. One-to-one OT covers handwriting, fine motor skills, self-care, sensory processing and regulation; feeding therapy starts at age 2. It’s out of network with all insurance (superbills on request) and accepts regional center Self-Determination Program funds. - DIR Floortime - Feeding therapy from age 2 - Out of network; superbills - Accepts Self-Determination funds - Free 15-minute consultation - Website: https://groundtogrowot.com/ - Phone: 310-400-6064 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/torrance/ground-to-grow-occupational-therapy.md ### 15. Bright Steps Pediatrics Torrance and Los Alamitos · 3858 Carson St, Ste 100, Torrance, CA 90503 A speech and feeding practice that also offers OT for sensory processing, fine motor development and self-care, with clinics in Torrance and in Los Alamitos, just over the Orange County line from Long Beach. Early intervention covers birth to 3, and picky-eating therapy starts at 6 months. It checks your benefits, is in network with plans including Anthem and UnitedHealthcare, and can ask your plan for a single-case agreement. - OT, speech and feeding - In network with several plans - Early intervention, birth to 3 - Near Long Beach (Los Alamitos) - Website: https://brightstepspediatrics.com/ - Phone: 424-225-1481 - On Summerground: https://summerground.com/torrance/bright-steps-pediatric-speech-and-feeding-therapy-torrance-torrance.md ## What pediatric OT helps with Occupational therapy for children is about the jobs of childhood: playing, learning, getting dressed, eating, sleeping and getting along with others. A pediatric OT works out what’s getting in the way, whether that’s how your child’s body handles sensory input, hand strength and coordination, motor planning or regulation, then builds those skills through play. These are the kinds of signs that the clinics above say bring families in: - Meltdowns, or seeking out or avoiding sounds, touch, movement or textures - Trouble with pencil grip, letter formation, scissors or utensils - Clumsiness, poor balance, or trouble learning new movements - Difficulty with buttons, zippers, shoe tying, toothbrushing or toileting - Very picky eating or stressful mealtimes - Trouble with attention, transitions or organization at school OT overlaps with other therapies. If walking, balance or muscle tone is the main worry, see our guide to [pediatric physical therapy](https://summerground.com/guides/pediatric-physical-therapy-los-angeles). If eating is, see [feeding therapy for kids](https://summerground.com/guides/feeding-therapy-for-kids-los-angeles), and for talking and understanding, [pediatric speech therapy](https://summerground.com/guides/pediatric-speech-therapy-los-angeles). ## How to choose a pediatric occupational therapist Start with the credentials. **OTR/L** after a name shows two things: the national OTR credential (Occupational Therapist Registered), which means they finished OT school and passed the [NBCOT](https://www.nbcot.org/occupational-therapy/what-is-an-otr-or-cota) exam, and a state license. A **COTA** is a certified occupational therapy assistant. Look up any California OT or OT assistant on the state’s [DCA License Search](https://search.dca.ca.gov/?BD=14). Some OTs add **SWC**, meaning the California Board of Occupational Therapy has approved them for advanced practice in swallowing assessment, evaluation and intervention ([CBOT](https://www.bot.ca.gov/licensees/advanced.shtml)). That matters if feeding is part of the picture. Then ask: - If sensory issues are the main concern, what sensory integration training do you have, and is there a sensory gym? - Will the same therapist evaluate and treat my child, or will an assistant run some sessions? - Where do sessions happen: a clinic, our home, school, or video? - How long and how often are sessions, and how will we measure progress? - What will we practice at home, and can I watch or join in? - Do you take my insurance, Medi-Cal plan or regional center funding, and how long is the wait? > For a child under 3, call your regional center before you pay privately. The Early Start evaluation is free, and the center can arrange OT. Find yours in our [guide to LA regional centers](https://summerground.com/guides/regional-centers-los-angeles). ## What the first OT evaluation is like Several practices on this list, including OT Kids, Ground to Grow and Bright Steps, start with a free phone call to hear your concerns and decide whether an evaluation makes sense. The evaluation itself usually has three parts: 1. A conversation with you about your child’s birth history, milestones, sleep, eating, school and what worries you. Bring any reports from doctors, teachers, the regional center or an IEP. 2. Play with a purpose. The OT watches how your child moves, grips, reacts to textures and sounds, and plans new movements, often using standardized tests built into games. Dressing or a writing sample may be part of it, depending on age. 3. Findings and a plan: goals, how often to come, and what to work on at home. Ask for a written report you can share with your doctor, school or insurance plan. Expect your child to be busy and, with luck, having fun, and expect a lot of questions for you. If therapy is recommended, ask the therapist to explain each goal in plain words and when you’ll check progress together. If you’re also wondering about autism or ADHD, our guides to [autism testing for kids](https://summerground.com/guides/autism-testing-for-kids-los-angeles) and [ADHD testing](https://summerground.com/guides/adhd-testing-for-kids-los-angeles) explain where to get an evaluation in LA. ## Who pays for OT in LA: insurance, Medi-Cal, regional center, school There are several ways to pay for OT in Los Angeles, and they depend on your child’s age and needs: - **Health insurance.** Plans differ on visit limits, referrals and prior authorization, so call before you book. Some practices check benefits for you (Bright Steps does); others, like Ground to Grow, are out of network and give superbills you file yourself. - **Medi-Cal.** Medi-Cal must cover medically necessary services for children under 21, under the federal [EPSDT rule](https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/early-and-periodic-screening-diagnostic-and-treatment). Ask your child’s doctor to refer through your Medi-Cal plan. - **Early Start, birth to 3.** Babies and toddlers with a delay of at least 25% in one area, an established risk condition, or high risk qualify through the [regional center](https://summerground.com/guides/regional-centers-los-angeles). Evaluation and service coordination are free; insurance is billed first for therapy, and the regional center or school district provides what insurance doesn’t ([DDS](https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start/what-is-early-start/)). Anyone can refer: 800-515-2229. - **Your school district, 3 and up.** OT is a related service under special education law, provided free through an IEP when your child needs it to benefit from school ([34 CFR 300.34](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2024-title34-vol2/pdf/CFR-2024-title34-vol2-sec300-34.pdf)). You can ask the school to evaluate your child. - **California Children’s Services.** Children with qualifying physical disabilities can get OT and PT free, at any income, at CCS Medical Therapy Units on public school campuses ([LA County CCS](http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/cms/docs/CCS%20FAQ.pdf)). Call 1-800-288-4584. - **Regional center, 3 and up.** Children with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, intellectual disability or another qualifying condition that began before 18 may qualify ([DDS](https://www.dds.ca.gov/general/eligibility/)). Ask your service coordinator about OT and the [Self-Determination Program](https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/); Therapy West and Ground to Grow accept its funds. ## Questions parents ask ### What does a pediatric occupational therapist do? A pediatric OT helps children do the everyday things expected at their age: play, learn, dress, eat, write, calm down and take part at school. They evaluate what’s getting in the way, such as sensory processing, fine motor skills, coordination or motor planning, then build those skills through play and give you things to practice at home. Some also treat feeding problems or work in classrooms with teachers. ### How do I know if my child needs occupational therapy? Watch for daily struggles that don’t ease with time: big reactions to noise, touch or clothing; avoiding drawing or writing; trouble with buttons, utensils or scissors; clumsiness; very limited eating; or meltdowns at transitions. Your pediatrician, your child’s teacher or a free phone consultation with an OT can help you decide whether an evaluation makes sense. If your child is under 3, you can ask the regional center for a free Early Start evaluation. ### Does insurance or Medi-Cal cover pediatric OT in California? It can, when OT is medically necessary. Medi-Cal must cover medically necessary services for children under 21. Private plans differ on visit limits, referrals and which conditions they cover, so call yours and ask whether OT needs a doctor’s order or prior authorization, and which nearby practices are in network. If a practice is out of network, ask for a superbill you can submit for possible reimbursement. ### Can my child get occupational therapy at school? Yes, if your child qualifies for special education and needs OT to benefit from it. The district provides OT free through the IEP, and it focuses on school needs such as handwriting, using classroom tools and getting through the school day. You can ask the school to evaluate your child. School OT doesn’t have to cover every need, so some families add private OT for goals at home. ### What should I look for in a therapist for sensory processing disorder? Look for an occupational therapist with training in sensory integration and a clinic with room to move: swings, climbing equipment, crash pads. Ask how they’ll measure progress in daily life, such as calmer mornings or easier [haircuts](https://summerground.com/guides/sensory-friendly-haircuts-los-angeles). On this list, The Sensory Brain, TheraPlay LA, OT Studios, Therapy West and Therapy In Action describe sensory integration training, a sensory gym or both. ### How much does private OT cost in Los Angeles? Prices vary, and few practices post them. The Center for Connection in Pasadena lists self-pay sessions at $175 to $350 or more depending on service and clinician, with a sliding scale. A summer handwriting group for rising kindergartners at [Hiller Therapy](https://www.hillertherapy.com/handwritingclub) cost $1,500 for eight sessions in 2026. Ask for the evaluation fee and session rate up front, and whether the practice offers superbills. ## How we made this list We ran seven web searches for pediatric occupational therapy across Los Angeles County in October 2026 and read each practice’s own site. We kept practices whose pages show they treat children in LA County or just across its edge, and spread the list across the Westside, central and South LA, the Valley, the San Gabriel Valley and the South Bay. Every detail about a practice comes from its own pages; the rules on who pays come from the official sources below. - [What is Early Start? (California Department of Developmental Services)](https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start/what-is-early-start/) - [Regional center eligibility (DDS)](https://www.dds.ca.gov/general/eligibility/) - [Self-Determination Program (DDS)](https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/) - [California Children’s Services (LA County Department of Public Health)](http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/cms/ccs.htm) - [CCS eligibility and services FAQ, including Medical Therapy Units (LA County)](http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/cms/docs/CCS%20FAQ.pdf) - [Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (Medicaid.gov)](https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/early-and-periodic-screening-diagnostic-and-treatment) - [Related services, 34 CFR 300.34](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2024-title34-vol2/pdf/CFR-2024-title34-vol2-sec300-34.pdf) - [Free appropriate public education, 34 CFR 300.17](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2024-title34-vol2/pdf/CFR-2024-title34-vol2-sec300-17.pdf) - [FAPE from age 3 through 21, 34 CFR 300.101](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2024-title34-vol2/pdf/CFR-2024-title34-vol2-sec300-101.pdf) - [Initial evaluations, 34 CFR 300.301](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2024-title34-vol2/pdf/CFR-2024-title34-vol2-sec300-301.pdf) - [What is an OTR or COTA? (NBCOT)](https://www.nbcot.org/occupational-therapy/what-is-an-otr-or-cota) - [Advanced practice approval (California Board of Occupational Therapy)](https://www.bot.ca.gov/licensees/advanced.shtml) - [License search, Board of Occupational Therapy (California DCA)](https://search.dca.ca.gov/?BD=14) More guides: https://summerground.com/guides/pediatric-speech-therapy-los-angeles.md, https://summerground.com/guides/feeding-therapy-for-kids-los-angeles.md, https://summerground.com/guides/pediatric-physical-therapy-los-angeles.md, https://summerground.com/guides/regional-centers-los-angeles.md. All of them: https://summerground.com/guides.md.