Best Occupational Therapists in St. Louis
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to Occupational Therapy in St. Louis
Definition and importance of occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a client-centered health profession that aims to promote health and well-being through occupation. In St. Louis, occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to help them participate in the activities they need and want to do in their daily lives.
Occupational therapy can benefit individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, as well as those recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions. It helps improve independence, enhance quality of life, and facilitate participation in work, school, and community activities.
Overview of occupational therapy services in St. Louis
St. Louis boasts a robust community of occupational therapy professionals. Based on the provided data, there are at least 100 practicing occupational therapists in the St. Louis area, offering a wide range of services and specializations.
Common specialties among St. Louis occupational therapists include hand therapy, pediatric care, geriatric care, and rehabilitation for various physical and neurological conditions. Many therapists also focus on specific areas such as workplace ergonomics, mental health, and assistive technology.
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List of Occupational Therapists in St. Louis
University of Kansas Hospital (Residency Hospital)
Parklane Medical Center (Internship Hospital)
KS University OF MED & BIOSCI College OF OSTEO MED (Medical School, 1994)
English
Polish
St. Luke''s Hospital
Urology
Occupational Medicine
Preventive Occupational & Environmental Medicine
American Board of Preventive Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 2020)
Unm Health Sci Center (Residency Hospital, 2018)
University NM Hospital (Internship Hospital, 2015)
English
Addiction Medicine
Occupational Medicine
Public Health & General Preventive Medicine
American Board of Dermatology
American Board of Preventive Medicine
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)
English
Pascagoula Hospital
Dermatology
Dermatologic Surgery
Occupational Medicine
KS
Dr. Karen Shockley
N/A
St. Louis, MO
Sex
Female
Languages
English
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO / MAIN CAMPUS (Medical School, 1979)
English
Family Medicine
Occupational Medicine
Preventive Occupational & Environmental Medicine
General Medical Practice
KW
Dr. Karen Webb
N/A
St. Louis, MO
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Preventive Medicine
Saint Louis University Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1984)
South Fla Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1979)
Meth Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1977)
Indiana University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1976)
English
Internal Medicine
Occupational Medicine
BE
Dr. Bradley Evanoff
N/A
St. Louis, MO
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Internal Medicine
American Board of Preventive Medicine
Washington University (Medical School, 1986)
English
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Internal Medicine
Occupational Medicine
American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
A. T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 1973)
English
Southeasthealth Center of Stoddard County
SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital-St. Charles
Harrison County Community Hospital
Occupational Medicine
Dallas Hand Rehabilitation, Dallas, Tx (2009)
North Texas Therapy Innovation, Dallas, Tx (2009)
The Handwriting Clinic, Dallas, Tx (2009)
Washington University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2009)
Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Tx (Internship Hospital, 2009)
St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Belleville, Il (Internship Hospital, 2008)
Illinois Wesleyan University (Undergraduate School, 2007)
English
Occupational Therapy
VK
Vijaya Krishnamoorthy
N/A
St. Louis, MO
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Occupational Therapy
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Occupational Therapist in St. Louis
Qualifications and Credentials
Education and Training
- Review the therapist's educational background
- Look for degrees from accredited institutions
- Consider additional specialized training
Certifications and Specializations
- Check for relevant certifications (e.g., American Board of Occupational Therapy)
- Look for specializations in areas relevant to your needs
Experience and Expertise
Years of Practice
- Consider the therapist's length of time in practice
- Balance experience with up-to-date knowledge
Specific Areas of Expertise
- Identify therapists with experience in your specific condition
- Look for those who have worked with similar cases
Patient Reviews and Ratings
Importance of Patient Feedback
- Read through patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades
- Consider both positive and negative feedback
Interpreting Ratings
- Look at overall star ratings
- Pay attention to the number of reviews
Location and Accessibility
Proximity to Home or Work
- Consider travel time to the therapist's office
- Look for convenient locations in St. Louis
Office Hours and Availability
- Check if the therapist's schedule aligns with yours
- Inquire about wait times for appointments
Top-Rated Occupational Therapists in St. Louis
Dr. Leslie Tharenos
Specialties and ratings
- Occupational Medicine
- 5.0 star rating from 1 review
Education and certifications
- American Board of Preventive Medicine certified
Pooja Jethani
Areas of expertise
- Occupational Therapy
Patient feedback
- 5.0 star rating from 1 review
Christine Diekman
Specializations
- Occupational Therapy
Experience and qualifications
- 5.0 star rating from 1 review
Other highly-rated occupational therapists
Brief overview of additional top-rated professionals
- Dr. Thomas Kibby - 3.4 star rating from 8 reviews
- Dr. Shaping Sun - 3.0 star rating from 2 reviews
Unique qualities or specializations
- Various subspecialties within Occupational Therapy
- Diverse educational backgrounds and certifications
How to Research and Evaluate Occupational Therapists in St. Louis
Online resources and directories
Healthgrades and other review platforms
- Overview of Healthgrades as a primary source
- Other reputable online review platforms for healthcare professionals
Professional association websites
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) resources
- Missouri Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA) directory
Leveraging local healthcare networks
Referrals from primary care physicians
- Importance of consulting with your doctor
- How to request and evaluate referrals
St. Louis hospital and clinic recommendations
- Major healthcare institutions in St. Louis and their OT departments
- Specialty clinics focusing on occupational therapy
Conducting initial consultations
Preparing for a meeting with potential therapists
- List of essential questions to ask
- What to look for during an initial consultation
Evaluating therapist compatibility
- Assessing communication style and rapport
- Considering treatment approaches and specializations
Analyzing credentials and experience
Verifying certifications and licenses
- How to check Missouri state licensure
- Importance of board certifications and specializations
Evaluating relevant experience
- Considering years of practice in occupational therapy
- Assessing experience with specific conditions or age groups