About occupational therapists
Occupational therapists help people gain or recover independence in daily activities after an illness, injury or developmental difficulty: self-care, school, work and leisure. They often work with children with autism or sensory needs and with older adults.
Getting mental health care in Sint Maarten
Public health system · Mental Health Foundation (MHF), funded mainly through SZV Social and Health Insurances
The Mental Health Foundation provides outpatient clinic care, day treatment, guided living, crisis intervention and an admission ward, with psychiatrists and psychologists on staff. It relies mainly on SZV and other insurers for funding since government subsidy ended in 2015. SZV also contracts private-practice psychologists, so SZV-insured patients can be covered for assessment and therapy.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA); Dutch BIG register as reference. Sint Maarten has no national register of its own yet; a draft National Ordinance on a Healthcare Professionals Registry was completed in 2026 but is not in force. Doctors have generally been required to be BIG-registered, and you can check Dutch BIG registration of psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists online. Search the official register
Insurance and coverage
SZV has care contracts with private psychologists and with the Mental Health Foundation, so SZV-insured people can be covered for psychological assessment and therapy.
Urgent help in Sint Maarten
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 912 · Ambulance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: thedailyherald.sx, thedailyherald.sx, sintmaartengov.org, thedailyherald.sx
What does a occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people take part in the everyday activities that matter to them, from washing and dressing to studying, working, socialising or managing a home. Day to day they assess how a physical, mental health, developmental or cognitive condition affects daily life, then work on skills, routines, adaptations and equipment. They see children, adults and older people, often within multidisciplinary teams.
When to see a occupational therapist
Consider an occupational therapist when daily tasks have become difficult after an illness, injury or stroke, when a mental health condition makes routines and work hard to sustain, when a child has sensory, motor or self-care difficulties, or when an older person needs support to stay independent at home. For emotional therapy itself, a psychologist is usually the main professional.
How is it different from other professionals?
An occupational therapist focuses on function and participation in daily life, while a physiotherapist works mainly on movement, strength and physical rehabilitation. A psychologist addresses thoughts, emotions and behaviour. A neuropsychologist assesses cognitive functions in detail; the occupational therapist then helps apply strategies in real-life activities. In mental health, they focus on routines, roles, meaningful activity and independence.
What happens in the first session
The first session usually explores your daily routine, what you find difficult, what you want to be able to do again and your home, school or work environment. The therapist may observe you doing some tasks or use standardised assessments. Bring medical reports and a list of the activities that matter most, and ask about goals, home visits and recommended adaptations.
How long does the process take?
Occupational therapy can range from a few sessions to recommend adaptations to a longer programme of regular sessions to rebuild skills and routines. Sessions often last between 45 and 60 minutes, sometimes at home or in the community. Duration depends on the condition, goals, age, available support and how quickly new strategies become part of daily life.
Online or in person?
Online sessions can be useful for reviewing routines, planning activities, coaching family members or carers, and assessing a home environment through video. Many interventions, however, rely on practising tasks, handling equipment or sensory work, which are better in person, especially with children or after physical or cognitive changes. Combining both formats is often practical.
How to check their qualifications
Occupational therapy is a regulated health profession in many countries. Check that the therapist holds a recognised degree and is registered with the licensing body or professional college where they practise. Ask about further training in your area, such as paediatrics, sensory integration, mental health, neurology or older adults, and their experience in similar cases.
What affects the price?
Costs vary with session length, the therapist’s specialisation and experience, the city, and whether sessions take place at a clinic, at home or online. Assessments, reports and home-adaptation plans may be charged separately, and equipment is an extra cost. Ask whether public health or social services, insurers or disability support schemes cover part of it.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Sint Maarten cover psychological care?
The Mental Health Foundation provides outpatient clinic care, day treatment, guided living, crisis intervention and an admission ward, with psychiatrists and psychologists on staff. It relies mainly on SZV and other insurers for funding since government subsidy ended in 2015. SZV also contracts private-practice psychologists, so SZV-insured patients can be covered for assessment and therapy.
How do I check that a occupational therapist is licensed in Sint Maarten?
Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA); Dutch BIG register as reference: Sint Maarten has no national register of its own yet; a draft National Ordinance on a Healthcare Professionals Registry was completed in 2026 but is not in force. Doctors have generally been required to be BIG-registered, and you can check Dutch BIG registration of psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists online.