Pediatric OT evaluation in Palms, from first call to report
Through play, a licensed occupational therapist explores movement, hands, and daily routines. Palms is in our home-visit area. We offer video visits.
Birth through age 18
Home visit or video visit; school (your written consent and the school's agreement needed); Westlake Village private office on request
Roughly 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your child's age and the day
A teacher or doctor may have brought up occupational therapy (OT). Or you may have seen buttons, pencils, or loud rooms take your child extra effort. A pediatric OT evaluation in Palms is a visit full of play. A licensed occupational therapist sees how a child moves and uses their hands. The visit also shows how a child handles sounds and textures. No diagnosis or referral is needed.
When would we start, and where would we meet?
Your free 15-minute call comes first, and if the call points to an evaluation, it takes place within 3 business days of the call. We visit homes in Palms, and video visits work as well.
A public or private school visit needs written consent from the parent and agreement from the school. On request, there is also a private office located on Townsgate Road in Westlake Village.
Each evaluation takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The exact time depends on your child's age, the areas looked at, and how the day goes. Start with a free 15-minute call when you are ready.
A question about movement, hands, or daily routines?
Within one business day, you hear from our team. Say what feels hard, however briefly.
Children can be seen at home or by video. A school visit needs the parent's written consent and the school's agreement. For a private office in Westlake Village, just ask.
What does a pediatric OT evaluation in Palms involve?
Talking with the therapist comes first. Your child then plays, and the therapist watches your child's movement, hand use, and reactions to sounds and textures.
Your child's age decides which tests join the play, such as the BOT-3 or the Sensory Profile 2. Rachel Yashouafar, MA, OTR/L, who is a licensed occupational therapist, leads each OT evaluation. She is also a founder of Therapy Clubhouse.
Parents of children under 3 stay for the entire evaluation. Older children usually go with the therapist to a separate room. Learn more on the OT evaluation page, or read about occupational therapy in Palms.
How do I ask a Palms recreation class to make room for my child?
The City of Los Angeles has a page for Palms Recreation Center. It says persons with disabilities are welcome to participate in its programs.
It also says that, with prior arrangements, reasonable accommodations will be made. It asks you to tell the instructor before class begins if special needs apply to you or your child.
The same page says the center offers day camp programs for children ages 4 to 13, from preschool to 8th grade. Camps are offered in the summer, winter, and spring, based on the LAUSD school holiday breaks. Preschool camp is offered only in the summer.
What does Palms Middle School list for play and sports?
Palms Middle School's special education page lists Recreational Therapy. The page says students may be given assistance, depending on their needs.
The help is with developing and applying underlying skills. These are the skills needed to join in inclusive cooperative learning, play, lessons, and activities.
The same page says Palms participates in the Prime Time Games, a program of Team Prime Time. It describes a full-inclusion, peer-mentor sports program. In it, Team Prime Time students coach and play alongside children with developmental disabilities.
What movement and building activities do Palms Elementary's pages list?
Palms Elementary's Transitional Kindergarten page lists activities that students learn through. They include building and creating with blocks and materials, and exploring art, music, and movement.
The school's Drill/Dance Team page says the team has always had a diverse group of dancers in grades 3 to 5. The page adds that team dancers learn a variety of dance styles such as hip hop, jazz, lyrical, military, step, and more. It also says the team practices at least twice a week after school.
The school's LA Scores page says students can join LA SCORES, a nonprofit after-school program that mixes soccer, creative writing, and community service.
What will I have in hand when the evaluation is over?
After the evaluation, a written report is sent to you within 14 business days. A plan comes with the report only if it recommends therapy.
The report uses everyday words and covers what your child does well. Graduation goals are part of the plan. They are the skills that tell you a child is ready to finish therapy.
When therapy is not needed, the report says so, and the therapist names what to watch for. As of October 2026, a waiting list is not part of starting in-home or telehealth therapy here.
Can insurance be used for the OT evaluation?
Village is how insurance works with us for the evaluation, a clinical service. Your plan sets what is covered.
Village submits the bill to your plan, and you owe whatever copay or deductible your plan requires. Village also charges a separate fee for each visit. Village accepts PPO plans from several major insurers, and TRICARE.
Paying privately is also possible. We provide a superbill to use when asking your insurer about reimbursement. Coverage is one of the things we go over with you on the free call, before any commitment.
Last questions before you book
Does my pediatrician have to send a referral first?
Not at all. You can reach out without a referral and without a diagnosis. Within a single business day, our team replies.
Do I need to sort out insurance before I call?
No. Coverage is part of the free 15-minute call, and the call comes before any commitment. It is separate from the evaluation.
Can therapy start before the report is ready?
Yes. The call can lead to a first session in as little as 5 days, before the written report is finished.
We have OT evaluation pages for West Los Angeles, Westwood, and Santa Monica. If your main concern is speech and language, open the speech evaluation in Palms, or visit the Palms page, which covers both services.
Not sure if your child needs therapy?
Start with a free 15 minute consultation. No commitment, just clarity on whether your child would benefit and what the next step looks like.
Speech therapy and occupational therapy for children ages 0 to 18.
“Child development includes physical, intellectual, social, and emotional changes.”
MedlinePlus says this about child development in general.
Seeing the small moments in your child's day is how this begins, and you already have.
Request your free 15-minute consultation
Tell us what you are noticing about your child. A licensed therapist and our team read every message. Within one business day, our team calls to learn what you need and check insurance, then sets up a free call with Nita, Rachel or both. The consultation is free, lasts about 15 minutes, and carries no obligation. There is no waiting list. If you would rather talk now, call (805) 702-3427.
Within one business day, you hear from our team. Say what feels hard, however briefly.
