Occupational therapy costs $50 to $400 per session in 2026
Occupational therapy costs $50 to $400 per session in 2026. Thervo says the average is $150 to $175 per session. MDsave lists a national average of $119 for one session. A first evaluation costs more, from $145 to $545 in New Hampshire. Clinic type, city, age of the patient, and insurance all change what you pay, so ask for the full price first.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| MDsave | MDsave lists occupational therapy at $42 to $916, with national averages of $163 for an evaluation and $119 for one session. |
| Thervo | Thervo says occupational therapy averages $150 to $175 per session, runs $50 to over $400, and has insurance copays of $20 to $75. |
| New Hampshire Insurance Department | The New Hampshire Insurance Department lists an occupational therapy evaluation at a median of $386 per unit, with a range of $145 to $545. |
Occupational therapy prices by visit or setting
| Visit or setting | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One session, national average | $119 | MDsave |
| Evaluation, national average | $163 | MDsave |
| Standard session, average | $150 to $175 | Thervo |
| Outpatient clinic, per session | $75 to $200 | Thervo |
| Hospital based, per session | $150 to $400 | Thervo |
| Home visit, per session | $125 to $300 | Thervo |
| Insurance copay, per visit | $20 to $75 | Thervo |
| Evaluation in New Hampshire, range | $145 to $545 | New Hampshire Insurance Department |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Setting | Thervo lists outpatient clinics at $75 to $200 per session and hospital based care at $150 to $400. School based therapy is free through an IEP. |
| Private or insurance | Private practice costs $100 to $250 per hour without insurance, says Thervo. With insurance, a copay is often $20 to $75. |
| Evaluation or follow up | The first visit has a full check and costs more. MDsave lists $163 for an evaluation and $119 for one session. |
| Age of the patient | Thervo lists child therapy at $150 to $250 per session without insurance. Child evaluations can cost $500 to $1,000. |
| Location | Thervo says urban areas cost 15% to 20% more. Home visits cost $125 to $300 per session because the therapist must travel. |
What the price includes
A session price usually covers the therapist's time, the exercises, and basic tools. An evaluation covers tests, a plan, and goals. Extra costs can be splints, special tools, a longer visit, and a home visit fee. MDsave says its bundled price includes related fees. Ask what a unit is, since some offices bill every 15 or 30 minutes. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Does insurance cover it
Many health plans cover occupational therapy when a doctor says you need it. Thervo says a copay is often $20 to $75 per visit. Plans may limit the number of visits each year, and some need a doctor's referral first. Ask your plan about the deductible and the visit limit. Medicare and Medicaid cover some therapy too. Without insurance, ask for the self pay price. The New Hampshire Insurance Department says some hospitals give uninsured patients a 40% discount. Ask about visit limits too.
When a doctor orders it
A doctor may order occupational therapy after an injury, a stroke, surgery, or a hand problem. It also helps children with delays in motor skills, and adults who struggle with daily tasks like dressing or cooking. The therapist runs a first evaluation and builds a plan. Ask your doctor for a referral, since some plans need one.
How to judge your quote
- Ask how long a session is and how the office bills each unit.
- Ask if the price is for an evaluation or for a regular session.
- Ask for the self pay price and any discount for no insurance.
- Check how many sessions the therapist thinks you need.
- Compare the total with the range above: $50 to $400 per session for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask for the self pay price. The New Hampshire Insurance Department says some hospitals give uninsured patients a 40% discount, which cut one price to $300 to $327.
- Compare outpatient clinics first. Thervo lists them at $75 to $200 per session, below the $150 to $400 for hospital based care.
- Check if your child can get school based therapy. Thervo says it is free through an IEP when the school finds the child needs it.
- Learn home exercises and do them between visits. You may need fewer paid sessions when you keep up the plan at home.
- Look at MDsave for bundled prices. It lists one session at a national average of $119, and its bundles include related fees.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from MDsave, Thervo and New Hampshire Insurance Department. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does one occupational therapy session cost?
Thervo says $150 to $175 on average. MDsave lists a national average of $119 for one session. The range runs from $50 to $400.
How much is a first evaluation?
MDsave lists $163 as the national average. In New Hampshire, the state lists a range of $145 to $545. Child evaluations can cost more.
How much is home therapy?
Thervo lists in home therapy at $125 to $300 per session. The price is higher because the therapist travels to you.
What do I pay with insurance?
Thervo says a copay is often $20 to $75 per visit. Your plan may also have a deductible and a limit on visits.
Is there a way to get therapy for free?
Thervo says school based therapy is free for children who qualify through an IEP. Some clinics may also offer a discount to those without insurance.