Sensory Processing
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
Looking for a children’s occupational therapist near you? Every family we see comes to one place: our clinic in Northmead, on the Westmead side of Parramatta. Pick your suburb below for distances, transport and the questions local parents ask.
Every OT session happens at our one clinic in Northmead, a space designed for children to climb, swing and play while they build new skills. Our occupational therapists and speech pathologists work under the same roof, so if your child needs both, the two teams can plan together.
Each suburb page covers the drive, the bus and train options, and what parents from that area ask us most. If getting here is the hard part, tell us your week and we’ll look for a regular time you can keep.
23 suburbs, one Northmead clinic. Distances are approximate, by road.
Don’t see your suburb? The list shows where most of our families come from, not a boundary. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll talk through whether a regular trip will work for you. Looking for speech therapy? See our speech therapy locations, or all the areas we serve.
All occupational therapy sessions are held at our one clinic in Northmead.
Our occupational therapists help children build the everyday skills they need at home, at kindy and at school.
For children who find everyday sounds, textures or movement overwhelming, or who are always on the move.
Learn morePencil grip, handwriting, scissors, buttons and other hand skills.
Learn moreSitting, listening, drawing and the independence children need for kindy and big school.
Learn moreHelping children understand big feelings and find their own ways back to calm.
Learn moreToileting, dressing and the daily routines that build independence.
Learn moreSpeech and language support at the same Northmead clinic.
Find speech therapy near youNot sure where to start? See all occupational therapy services or talk to our client care team.
A typical children’s OT program at The Bridge Effect includes:
Weekly or fortnightly sessions with a qualified occupational therapist. Frequency depends on your child’s needs and goals.
Specific, measurable goals based on your child’s assessment results and your family’s priorities.
We show you the strategies we use so practice fits into everyday routines at home, kindy and school.
We review progress regularly and adjust goals as your child develops.
Reviews from families who visit our Northmead clinic.








Most families use NDIS, Medicare, private health insurance, or a mix, to help fund OT.
The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. OT is typically funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
Learn moreRebates may be available through the Item 135 pathway, a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or Better Access for OT.
Learn moreMany extras policies include an occupational therapy benefit. We provide receipts in the format your fund needs.
Learn moreFamilies without funding are welcome as private clients. Our current fee schedule is available on request.
Learn moreChildren under 9 without an NDIS plan may be eligible for early intervention support through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, without needing a formal diagnosis. Where emotional regulation is part of your child’s goals, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may give rebates for up to 10 individual sessions a year with a Medicare-registered OT. See all Medicare pathways.
Our occupational therapists are AHPRA-registered and work side by side with our speech pathologists, so your child’s goals are joined up across both services.
Can’t see your question? Call us on (02) 9037 1163.
All OT sessions are held at our one clinic at 7/185 Briens Rd, Northmead NSW 2152, on the Westmead side of Parramatta. Free parking is available at the clinic.
If you live in Parramatta, the Hills District or nearby Western Sydney, very likely yes. Our occupational therapists see children and teens up to 16 from the 23 suburbs on this page and further afield. Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll help you book an initial assessment.
Yes. The list shows where most of our families come from, not a boundary. Call us and we’ll talk through travel times and whether a regular session time will work for your week.
Call us on (02) 9037 1163 and we’ll tell you honestly how soon we can see your child, and what the first assessment involves.
No referral is needed. You can contact The Bridge Effect directly to book an OT assessment for your child. If you have an existing referral or report from a paediatrician or GP, please bring it along, but it isn’t required.
Yes. The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. If your child’s plan includes funding for occupational therapy (typically under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living), we can work within your plan. More about NDIS funding.
Yes. Our occupational therapists and speech pathologists work in the same Northmead clinic, so the two teams can plan together and you avoid an extra trip. See our speech therapy locations.
Early support can make a big difference, and we’re here to walk this journey with you.
Contact us directly, or speak with your GP, paediatrician or support coordinator about a referral. A referral is not required.
Our client care team matches you with the right clinician and books an initial consultation.
We get to know your child, assess their strengths and needs, and set goals together with you.