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Turning Daily Struggles into Everyday Strengths
Meet Dr. Ashley! 
Dr. Ashley Richardson is an occupational therapist who’s all about helping kids, teens, and families build the real-life skills that make everyday life easier—and a lot less stressful. She specializes in executive functioning (think focus, planning, and getting started) and brings a strong mental health lens to her work, supporting emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience along the way.
With a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University and a background in childhood development, Ashley blends creativity, compassion, and brain science to support clients with ADHD, Autism, learning differences, and more. Sessions are always engaging, practical, and tailored to each child’s unique needs—often mixing movement, mindfulness, visual tools, and just the right amount of fun. When she’s not helping young minds thrive, Ashley enjoys hot yoga, exploring farmer’s markets, reading, and spending time with her husband and their adorable yorkie poo. |
Occupational Therapy Services
Supporting the Whole Child
— Mind, Body & Daily Life
Our occupational therapy services are designed to work hand-in-hand with mental health support, creating a well-rounded approach that nurtures both emotional and functional growth. While mental health therapy focuses on thoughts, feelings, and relationships, occupational therapy helps children and teens build the practical skills they need to thrive in everyday life.
Through fun, play-based activities, OT addresses challenges with focus, emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor coordination, routines, and independence. Whether it’s getting through a school day, managing transitions, or building confidence with self-care tasks, our occupational therapists guide kids and teens in ways that feel natural and engaging.
When paired with mental health services, occupational therapy enhances a child’s ability to manage stress, develop coping skills, and function more smoothly at home, school, and in the community. Together, these services support the whole child—empowering them to feel more confident, capable, and connected.
— Mind, Body & Daily Life
Our occupational therapy services are designed to work hand-in-hand with mental health support, creating a well-rounded approach that nurtures both emotional and functional growth. While mental health therapy focuses on thoughts, feelings, and relationships, occupational therapy helps children and teens build the practical skills they need to thrive in everyday life.
Through fun, play-based activities, OT addresses challenges with focus, emotional regulation, sensory processing, motor coordination, routines, and independence. Whether it’s getting through a school day, managing transitions, or building confidence with self-care tasks, our occupational therapists guide kids and teens in ways that feel natural and engaging.
When paired with mental health services, occupational therapy enhances a child’s ability to manage stress, develop coping skills, and function more smoothly at home, school, and in the community. Together, these services support the whole child—empowering them to feel more confident, capable, and connected.
OT Can Help!
💛
Helping Kids with Big Feelings -
Through OT!
Occupational therapy supports children in understanding and managing big emotions like anxiety, frustration, or sadness. Through sensory play, movement, and calming strategies, OTs help kids build emotional regulation skills so they can feel more in control—even on tough days.
⚡
Focus, Planning & Organization
(a.k.a. Executive Functioning)
Kids with ADHD or executive functioning challenges often struggle with staying on task, managing time, and organizing their thoughts. OT helps by teaching tools and strategies to improve attention, memory, impulse control, and flexible thinking
—all through playful, engaging activitiesthat meet kids where they are.
🤝
Social Smarts & Confidence
Whether it’s making friends, sharing, or just knowing what to say in a conversation, OT helps kids build the social skills they need to connect with others. We use play, role-playing, and hands-on activities to boost confidence and improve peer interactions.
🌈
Sensory Processing & Regulation
For some kids, the world just feels too loud, too bright, or too much. OTs help children who are easily overwhelmed—or under-stimulated—by their environment learn how to regulate their sensory systems. We create personalized strategies to help kids feel more comfortable and focused in their bodies and surroundings.
🧠
Routines, Independence & Life Skills
From brushing teeth to getting out the door for school, daily routines can be a struggle when mental health or developmental challenges are involved. OTs help break tasks down into manageable steps, build routines, and boost kids' confidence and independence in everyday life.
Helping Kids with Big Feelings -
Through OT!
Occupational therapy supports children in understanding and managing big emotions like anxiety, frustration, or sadness. Through sensory play, movement, and calming strategies, OTs help kids build emotional regulation skills so they can feel more in control—even on tough days.
⚡
Focus, Planning & Organization
(a.k.a. Executive Functioning)
Kids with ADHD or executive functioning challenges often struggle with staying on task, managing time, and organizing their thoughts. OT helps by teaching tools and strategies to improve attention, memory, impulse control, and flexible thinking
—all through playful, engaging activitiesthat meet kids where they are.
🤝
Social Smarts & Confidence
Whether it’s making friends, sharing, or just knowing what to say in a conversation, OT helps kids build the social skills they need to connect with others. We use play, role-playing, and hands-on activities to boost confidence and improve peer interactions.
🌈
Sensory Processing & Regulation
For some kids, the world just feels too loud, too bright, or too much. OTs help children who are easily overwhelmed—or under-stimulated—by their environment learn how to regulate their sensory systems. We create personalized strategies to help kids feel more comfortable and focused in their bodies and surroundings.
🧠
Routines, Independence & Life Skills
From brushing teeth to getting out the door for school, daily routines can be a struggle when mental health or developmental challenges are involved. OTs help break tasks down into manageable steps, build routines, and boost kids' confidence and independence in everyday life.
FAQ: Mental Health-Based Occupational Therapy Services
1. What is mental health-based occupational therapy?
Mental health-based occupational therapy focuses on helping children and teens build the skills needed to manage emotions, cope with daily challenges, and participate successfully in everyday routines. It combines emotional support with practical strategies to improve overall functioning and well-being.
2. How is this different from traditional occupational therapy?
Traditional OT often focuses on physical, sensory, or motor challenges. Mental health-based OT still includes those areas but emphasizes emotional regulation, executive functioning (like focus and organization), social skills, and building routines that support emotional health.
3. How does occupational therapy support my child’s mental health?
OT helps children better understand and manage their emotions, develop calming strategies, improve their ability to focus and stay organized, and feel more confident in daily life. It supports the development of healthy habits and routines that promote emotional well-being.
4. Who benefits from this type of therapy?
Children and teens with ADHD, anxiety, depression, sensory processing challenges, autism, behavioral concerns, or emotional regulation difficulties often benefit. It’s also helpful for those experiencing stress, life transitions, or difficulty with routines.
5. What does a typical session look like?
Sessions are playful, engaging, and individualized. Activities may include movement, games, sensory tools, role-playing, mindfulness exercises, or problem-solving tasks—all designed to support your child’s goals in a fun and supportive environment.
6. Will you work with my child’s therapist or counselor?
Yes! Collaboration is key. We often work closely with mental health providers, teachers, and caregivers to ensure your child’s support team is aligned and consistent across settings.
7. Can parents be involved?
Absolutely. Parent involvement is a vital part of the process. We provide coaching and tools to help you support your child at home, reinforce progress, and create a calm, structured environment that encourages success.
8. How do I know if my child needs mental health-based OT?
If your child struggles with emotional regulation, routines, transitions, social skills, or daily independence—and you feel mental health therapy alone isn't addressing all of their needs—occupational therapy can be a valuable complement.
9. Do you accept insurance for these services?
Yes! We accept most major commercial insurance plans. Coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. We’re happy to assist with benefit checks or provide documentation for reimbursement if needed.
10. How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! Contact us to schedule an initial consultation or evaluation. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and determine the best plan of care for your child.
Mental health-based occupational therapy focuses on helping children and teens build the skills needed to manage emotions, cope with daily challenges, and participate successfully in everyday routines. It combines emotional support with practical strategies to improve overall functioning and well-being.
2. How is this different from traditional occupational therapy?
Traditional OT often focuses on physical, sensory, or motor challenges. Mental health-based OT still includes those areas but emphasizes emotional regulation, executive functioning (like focus and organization), social skills, and building routines that support emotional health.
3. How does occupational therapy support my child’s mental health?
OT helps children better understand and manage their emotions, develop calming strategies, improve their ability to focus and stay organized, and feel more confident in daily life. It supports the development of healthy habits and routines that promote emotional well-being.
4. Who benefits from this type of therapy?
Children and teens with ADHD, anxiety, depression, sensory processing challenges, autism, behavioral concerns, or emotional regulation difficulties often benefit. It’s also helpful for those experiencing stress, life transitions, or difficulty with routines.
5. What does a typical session look like?
Sessions are playful, engaging, and individualized. Activities may include movement, games, sensory tools, role-playing, mindfulness exercises, or problem-solving tasks—all designed to support your child’s goals in a fun and supportive environment.
6. Will you work with my child’s therapist or counselor?
Yes! Collaboration is key. We often work closely with mental health providers, teachers, and caregivers to ensure your child’s support team is aligned and consistent across settings.
7. Can parents be involved?
Absolutely. Parent involvement is a vital part of the process. We provide coaching and tools to help you support your child at home, reinforce progress, and create a calm, structured environment that encourages success.
8. How do I know if my child needs mental health-based OT?
If your child struggles with emotional regulation, routines, transitions, social skills, or daily independence—and you feel mental health therapy alone isn't addressing all of their needs—occupational therapy can be a valuable complement.
9. Do you accept insurance for these services?
Yes! We accept most major commercial insurance plans. Coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and plan. We’re happy to assist with benefit checks or provide documentation for reimbursement if needed.
10. How do I get started?
Getting started is easy! Contact us to schedule an initial consultation or evaluation. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and determine the best plan of care for your child.