Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Department, with its long tradition of excellence and leadership in the rehabilitation community, has served as a model for the Occupational Therapy Profession. The Department prides itself in the delivery of innovative, high quality, individualized care based on the latest evidence and research. Occupational Therapists partner with the individual, family members, and the interdisciplinary team to achieve the best outcomes in patient-centered care, with a strong commitment to educate and guide individuals to their highest level of independence.

Occupational Therapy addresses the physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges brought on by a disability or debilitating illness, and can help individuals regain the ability to participate in everyday activities. Occupational Therapy views each person as a whole being, taking into consideration unique individual needs, desires, activities, environments, and challenges. Occupational Therapists evaluate specific abilities and collaborate with individuals to customize a treatment plan that will address their goals and meet their needs.

Rancho Occupational Therapy provides:

• In-depth assessment of motion, strength, pain, endurance, coordination, cognition, vision, and how they affect participation in valued everyday activities, including self-care, work, and school
• Individualized one-on-one or group treatment to address impairments impacting the ability to participate in activities/occupations
• Assessment and training in the use of any equipment needed to increase independence in the home or community
• Assessment of home, work or school environments with the focus on recommending adaptations to increase safety and independence
• Training and education for caregivers related to specific needs
• Referral to Specialty Occupational Therapy Programs/Services
  •  Driver Rehabilitation Program
  •  Vocational Services
  •  Technology Evaluation
  •  Wellness
  •  Robotics
  •  Lifestyle Redesign

Learn more about the Occupational Therapy Staff

About Occupational Therapy at Rancho

The Occupational Therapy Department began as an organized unit in the late 1920s and is one of the premier departments in the world, providing over eighty years of clinical expertise and leadership in rehabilitation. The Department’s commitment to excellence continues today with the delivery of individualized and collaborative care which incorporates the latest evidence into clinical practice, the commitment to educating the professional community, and the spirit of innovation and progress.

We are currently staffed with over 55 licensed occupational therapy practitioners that provide inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapy as well as consultations for clinics and specialty services. Our occupational therapists average over 15 years of clinical experience, and some have as many as 30 or more years of expertise treating patients with complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

As a teaching facility, Rancho occupational therapists during this past decade alone have mentored over 1000 occupational therapy interns, OTD residents and students as well as contributed to the training of other disciplines’ residents and interns. For information on available opportunities contact Robin Johnson, OTR/L, Clinical Fieldwork Coordinator at rjohnson@dhs.lacounty.gov or visit Careers at Rancho

USC/RLANRC OTD Clinical Residency

The Occupational Therapy Department at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is a site for USC OT doctoral residents interested in a clinical experience at a leading rehabilitation center with a rich history of clinical expertise, innovation and research.  The OT Department has been a leader in occupation-based, client-centered and evidence-based practice and we are pleased to collaborate with USC OT’s premiere academic program. Our fast-paced inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation environments provide residents the opportunity to establish clinical expertise, develop and implement new programs, engage in research, and hone their leadership skills. For more information about the OT Residency Program please contact Michele Berro, OTR/L, OT Clinical Manager at mberro@dhs.lacounty.gov

Outpatient Referrals

The Occupational Therapy Department welcomes physician referrals for outpatient evaluation and treatment. Providers and patients, please complete the Community Referral and New Patient Information forms to initiate the referral process.

• New Patient Information form (please submit with each referral)
• Community Referral- Outpatient Therapy (please submit with each referral)

Fax completed forms to the Rancho Los Amigos Outpatient Referral Office at (562) 385-7826. For inquiries please call (562) 385-7111, Option #4, 2. Office hours are Monday – Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Employment Opportunities in Occupational Therapy

Interested in working at a world-class facility that values staff development and strives to provide the highest quality care? The Occupational Therapy Department of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center may be a match for you!  Submit an online application for a position through Health Services at https://lacounty.gov.

For more information about job opportunities at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, please contact:

Bertha Cabral, OTR/L
Occupational and Recreation Therapy Department Chief
bcabral@dhs.lacounty.gov
(562) 385-7464