Our Therapy Services
Occupational therapy for children and adults and BCBA-led behaviour support — plus focused programs for specific situations — across Halifax, Dartmouth and the surrounding communities. Speech and communication services, including AAC, are joining next.
Which service do you need?
A rough guide. If none of these quite fits, that is what the free 20-minute consultation is for — and often the answer is more than one of them working together.
If the difficulty is in DOING
Daily tasks, motor skills, sensory overload, routines, handwriting, work or school participation, independence at home.
Occupational therapyIf the difficulty is in BEHAVIOUR
Behaviour that is unsafe, frequent, or getting in the way of everything else — at home, at school, or in the community.
ABA & behaviour support Coming soonIf the difficulty is in COMMUNICATING
Being understood, understanding others, late talking, or no reliable way to express something at all. Speech-language pathology is the right discipline and the one we do not yet have — join the waitlist, and ask what our OT and behaviour teams can do meanwhile.
Speech — coming soonOccupational Therapy for Children & Adults
The service the practice was built on. Occupational therapy helps children and adults do the everyday things that matter — from handwriting, feeding, and sensory regulation for kids to rehabilitation, mental health, falls prevention, and returning to work for adults. Every plan is personalized and delivered where life happens: at home, in clinic, at school, or virtually across Halifax, Dartmouth, and HRM.
Occupational therapy for adults
ABA Therapy & Behaviour Support
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) led by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) — practical, compassionate support for the behaviours that make daily life hard. Because our behaviour and occupational therapy teams work side by side, families in Halifax and Dartmouth get one coordinated plan instead of two parallel ones — sensory needs and behaviour strategies designed hand in hand.
Speech, Language & Communication
Speech-language pathology is joining the practice — speech sounds, language, social communication, and communication after a stroke or brain injury, plus AAC assessments for people whose speech is not a reliable route and communication intermediary services for legal, medical and government settings. None of it is bookable yet; join the waitlist and you will hear first.
Programs & focused supports
Focused programs that draw on whichever disciplines they need — for the situations where a general referral is not what you are looking for.
AAC Assessments
AAC assessments are coming to Functional Focus Therapy in Halifax, Dartmouth and Nova Scotia with our speech-language service — communication assessment, device evaluation, trials of low and high tech tools, family training and funding support.
Learn more
Autism Assessment Support
Support before, during and after an autism assessment in Halifax, Dartmouth and the HRM — functional and sensory assessment for the diagnostic team, help preparing for assessment, and practical support once a diagnosis is made.
Learn more
Caregiver Consultation & Parent Coaching
Parent coaching and caregiver consultation for complex needs in Halifax, Dartmouth and the HRM — practical strategies for families, foster and adoptive parents, kinship carers and direct support professionals.
Learn moreCollege & University Supports
Occupational therapy support for post-secondary students in Halifax and Nova Scotia — accessibility documentation, executive functioning, sensory strategies, dorm living skills and self-advocacy for university and NSCC.
Learn moreCommunication Intermediary Services
Communication intermediary support is coming to Nova Scotia through Functional Focus Therapy — helping people with communication disabilities be understood in legal, medical, police and government settings, and helping professionals get accurate information.
Learn more
Daycare & Early Learning Supports
Therapy support for daycares and early learning centres in Halifax, Dartmouth and the HRM — on-site consultation, sensory-friendly room setup, transitions, mealtimes, toileting, behaviour plans and staff training.
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DSP Clinical Consultation
Clinical consultation for individuals navigating the Nova Scotia Disability Support Program — functional assessments and professional documentation for DSP applications, funding justification, skill development, system navigation and caregiver coaching.
Learn more
Executive Functioning Coaching
Executive functioning coaching for teens and adults in Halifax, Dartmouth and across Nova Scotia — planning, initiation, time management, working memory and organisation support for ADHD, autism, brain injury and burnout.
Learn moreIndependent Living Skills
Independent living skills training in Halifax, Dartmouth and the HRM — cooking, budgeting, transit, laundry, medication and safety skills taught in real settings for teens and adults building independence.
Learn more
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
Neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy, speech and behaviour support in Halifax and Dartmouth — assent-based, goal-led therapy that builds a life that fits rather than teaching someone to mask.
Learn more
Occupational Therapy for Seniors
Occupational therapy for seniors in Halifax, Dartmouth and the HRM — falls prevention, home safety, aging in place, dementia support, equipment and transfers, energy conservation and caregiver support.
Learn moreTransition from Paediatrics to Adulthood
Support for the transition from paediatric to adult services in Nova Scotia — planning from age 14, DSP timing, independent living skills, work and study pathways, healthcare transition and supported decision-making.
Learn more
Women's Health Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy for women across Halifax, Dartmouth and the HRM — postpartum support beyond pelvic health, caregiver ergonomics, cognitive changes, energy conservation, sensory overload, menopause and pregnancy loss.
Learn more
Workplace Accommodations
Occupational therapy for workplace accommodations in Halifax, Dartmouth and Nova Scotia — functional assessment, ergonomic and cognitive accommodations, return-to-work planning and the documentation employers need.
Learn moreWho occupational therapy helps
Therapy for children
Personalized, one-on-one support for children who:
- Struggle with fine motor skills (for example holding a pencil, cutting, tying shoes)
- Avoid messy play or have sensitivities to certain clothes or textures
- Get overwhelmed by noise, crowds or movement
- Need help staying calm, focused or regulated at school, daycare or elsewhere
- Have trouble with daily routines such as brushing teeth, getting dressed or other self-care tasks
We are committed to helping children build the skills they need to navigate their world with confidence and independence, offering a truly individualized approach to therapy.
Therapy for adults
Occupational therapy for adults who:
- Are recovering from injury, illness or stroke
- Need help organizing their home or daily routines
- Have difficulty with tasks such as cooking, driving or working
- Live with chronic pain or fatigue and require daily adaptations
- Want support with ADHD-related challenges such as time management, focus and organization
Whether you are adjusting to a new challenge or striving to improve daily functioning, we are here to support you in regaining independence and confidence in your life.
Book by treatment
Session rates in Canadian dollars. Every appointment below books through our secure Jane portal.
General
Occupational Therapy
Initial Consultation (Verbal Feedback)
$160 · 50 minutes · Verbal feedback, no written report
BookInitial Assessment — Virtual (Verbal Feedback)
$160 · 50 minutes · Virtual · Verbal feedback
BookOccupational Therapy Community Session
$150 · 50 minutes · In your home or community
BookOccupational Therapy Community Session
$190 · 90 minutes · In your home or community
BookOccupational Therapy Virtual Session
$125 · 50 minutes · Virtual
BookHome Safety Assessment
$200 · 90 minutes · In your home
BookErgonomics Assessment
$200 · 90 minutes · Office, home or school
BookABA Therapy
ABA / Behaviour Consultation
Free · 20 minutes · Virtual · The first step for behaviour support
BookBehaviour Assessment & Plan (BCBA)
By arrangement · Home, school or community · Quoted after the consultation
BookParent & Caregiver Coaching
By arrangement · Virtual or in person
BookSpeech Therapy
Coming soon
Speech-language pathology is joining the practice. Join the waitlist and you will hear first — and if you need speech support now, tell us and we will point you at who is taking referrals.
Join the waitlistAre you a Speech Therapy clinician? We are hiring.
What's included in each appointment
Assessments with a written report are booked by arrangement rather than online — start with a free consultation and we will sort out which one fits.
Initial Consultation (Verbal Feedback) · $160
This one-hour assessment is designed for new clients who do not require a written report. It includes direct observation, a discussion of the concerns identified, professional recommendations based on the assessment, and treatment planning if appropriate.
Please note that no written summary or formal report is included with this service.
Occupational Therapy Community Session — 60 minutes
Within the designated community zone — $150. Includes 50 minutes of direct client interaction and 10 minutes allocated for documentation and administrative tasks.
Outside the designated community zone — $125 + travel fees. Includes 50 minutes of direct client interaction and 10 minutes for documentation and administrative tasks. Additional travel costs apply for locations outside the designated service area.
Occupational Therapy Community Session — 90 minutes
Within the designated community zone — $190. Includes 90 minutes of direct client interaction and 15 minutes allocated for documentation and administrative tasks.
Outside the designated community zone — $190 + travel fees. Includes 90 minutes of direct client interaction and 15 minutes for documentation and administrative tasks. Additional travel costs apply for locations outside the designated service area.
Initial Assessment with Report — Handwriting & Fine Motor · $350
This 1-hour session includes a full standardized assessment focused on handwriting and/or fine motor challenges. Following the assessment, a brief summary report with tailored recommendations will be provided. This service is ideal for individuals who are experiencing difficulties in these areas. Reports are typically delivered within two weeks of the assessment date.
Initial Assessment with Report — Sensory Profile · $350
This 1-hour appointment includes a standardized assessment, such as the Sensory Profile, and is intended for individuals who are experiencing challenges with sensory processing and emotional regulation. A detailed report with findings and recommendations will be provided within two weeks of the assessment date.
Initial Assessment with Report — General · $500
This 1-hour assessment is designed for individuals experiencing challenges across multiple areas, such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, or daily living activities. It includes direct observation, discussion of concerns, and the use of appropriate standardized tools based on the individual's needs. A comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations, and suggested next steps will be provided within two weeks of the assessment date.
Full Initial Assessment with Report · $625
This in-depth evaluation provides a thorough understanding of a child's development, daily functioning, and specific support needs across multiple domains, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and self-care abilities.
The assessment includes up to 3 hours of direct client interaction, detailed clinical analysis, and a comprehensive written report with individualized recommendations and next steps. Ideal for families, educators, or healthcare providers seeking a holistic view of a child's strengths and areas for growth.
Home Safety Assessment · $200
This assessment is designed to identify potential safety risks within the home and provide practical recommendations to support independence, accessibility, and injury prevention. Whether for a child, adult, or senior, an occupational therapist will assess key areas of the home, such as bathrooms, stairs, kitchens, and entryways, and suggest adaptations or equipment to improve safety and daily functioning. A summary of findings and tailored recommendations will be provided following the assessment.
Ergonomics Assessment · $200
An ergonomic assessment focuses on optimizing the fit between a person and their work environment to reduce strain, prevent injury, and improve comfort and productivity. An occupational therapist will evaluate workstation setup, posture, and movement patterns, whether in an office, home workspace, or school setting. Personalized recommendations may include adjustments to desk height, chair support, monitor placement, and equipment use. A summary report with practical strategies and modifications is provided to support long-term health and function.
Fees & fee schedule
At Functional Focus we offer a free 20-minute consultation to make sure we are a good fit for each other and to answer any questions you may have. During this time we can discuss your needs and goals, and explain how occupational therapy can support you or your child. Please book a time online or email morgan.benoit@functionalfocus.ca.
Designated community zone
Within 30 minutes of downtown Halifax — Halifax Peninsula, Bedford, Hammonds Plains, Timberlea and Dartmouth. Sessions outside this zone are charged at the rate shown above plus travel.
Professional services
Writing letters, filling out forms, phone calls and similar work under 30 minutes is $40. Reports are billed at $125 per hour and are provided within two weeks of the initial visit.
Missed appointments & late cancellations
Please give as much notice as you can if you need to change an appointment. Read the full missed appointments & late cancellations policy.
Handouts you can print today
Sensory processing, handwriting activities, toe walking, independent sleep, speech milestones, AAC at home, why behaviour happens, home safety and more — written by our clinicians and free to everyone.
No sign-up, no email address, no catch.
Not sure which service you need?
A free 20-minute virtual consultation is the easiest way to find out.