Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance, virtual therapy, what to expect, and everything else worth knowing before you book a consultation.
About the Practice
What is neuroaffirmative occupational therapy?
Neuroaffirmative occupational therapy is an approach that views neurodivergence — including autism, ADHD, and other neurotypes — as natural variation rather than a deficit to be fixed.
We work with how a client's nervous system actually functions, supporting daily life skills, sensory regulation, and self-advocacy without trying to make clients mask, suppress, or appear neurotypical.
Where is Ocean Tide Therapy located?
Ocean Tide Therapy is based in Chicago, Illinois. All occupational therapy services are currently delivered virtually (telehealth), with availability in Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, and New York.
The Chicago office line is (773) 245-3880.
Do you offer in-person occupational therapy or only telehealth?
Ocean Tide Therapy currently offers virtual (telehealth) occupational therapy. Research strongly supports telehealth OT for executive-function coaching, sensory regulation work, parent coaching, interoception, and many adult OT goals.
We provide guidance for setting up your home environment and coach caregivers in real time during sessions.
Which states does Ocean Tide Therapy serve?
Stefanie Irmen, OTR/L is licensed to provide occupational therapy in Illinois and Florida.
Through telehealth, Ocean Tide Therapy serves clients across Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, and New York — including the entire Chicago metropolitan area and all surrounding suburbs.
Insurance & Cost
What insurance do you accept?
Ocean Tide Therapy is currently in-network with Aetna in Florida. Additional insurance paneling is in progress for both Florida and Illinois.
For out-of-network plans, we provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer for potential reimbursement. We accept HSA and FSA funds for all occupational therapy services.
Do you take Medicaid?
Ocean Tide Therapy is not currently a Medicaid provider. For Medicaid-covered occupational therapy in Illinois, families can contact:
• Illinois Early Intervention (for children under 3)
• Your school district (for IEP-based services)
• Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for adult Medicaid options
How much does a session cost?
Session cost depends on whether you are using in-network insurance (Aetna in Florida), submitting an out-of-network superbill, or paying cash. We discuss exact pricing during the free 30-minute consultation.
HSA and FSA funds can be used for all services.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. Ocean Tide Therapy offers a free 30-minute consultation so you can ask questions, share your goals, and decide whether we are the right fit before committing.
Request one through the Get Started page, by emailing stefanie@oceantidetherapy.com, or by calling (773) 245-3880.
What to Expect
Who do you work with?
We work with children, teens, and adults across the lifespan. Common reasons clients come to us include:
• Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD support
• Sensory processing differences
• Executive function challenges
• Emotional regulation
• Handwriting and fine motor concerns
• Interoception work
• Late-diagnosis support
• Neurodivergent burnout recovery
• Parent coaching
We are LGBTQ+ welcoming and neurodivergent-affirming.
What can I expect at my first OT session?
Your first session is typically an evaluation lasting 60 to 90 minutes. We discuss your concerns, goals, and history; observe relevant skills; and identify where occupational therapy can help most. For kids, parents and caregivers are typically involved.
By the end of the evaluation, we share a plan for what therapy could look like — including frequency and approach.
How long does occupational therapy take?
Length varies by goal. Some adult clients see meaningful change in 8 to 12 sessions of executive-function or sensory work. Pediatric clients with broader goals may engage in OT over a longer period, often with built-in breaks.
We re-evaluate goals regularly and end therapy when you have what you need — not arbitrarily.
Specialty Questions
Do you support late-diagnosed autistic or ADHD adults?
Yes. A significant portion of Ocean Tide Therapy's adult work involves late-diagnosed autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults. We support the unmasking process, sensory regulation, executive function, RSD, burnout recovery, and workplace and relationship strategies.
Can you help with IEPs and school accommodations?
Yes. We offer IEP consultations to help families understand the process, advocate for appropriate accommodations, and translate evaluation results into school-based supports.
We do not deliver school-based OT (that comes through your district), but we work alongside families to make the IEP process less overwhelming.
Are you LGBTQ+ welcoming?
Yes. Stefanie Irmen, OTR/L is an LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent therapist. Ocean Tide Therapy is an actively welcoming and affirming practice.
We use clients' names and pronouns, respect identity throughout therapy, and are committed to safety for queer and trans clients of all ages.
How do I get started?
Three ways:
• Visit the Get Started page
• Call (773) 245-3880
• Email stefanie@oceantidetherapy.com
We'll confirm fit, walk through next steps, and schedule your first session if you choose to move forward.