Occupational Therapy
Helping Children, Teens & Young Adults Build Regulation, Executive Function & Independence
Occupational therapy for children, teens, and young adults in Carlsbad and North County San Diego, with virtual OT available throughout California. We support sensory regulation, body awareness, emotional regulation, executive functioning, social skills, self-advocacy, and life skills that help individuals feel more confident and independent in everyday life.
Is Occupational Therapy Right For My Child?
When your child seems overwhelmed, constantly on the go, shut down, or disconnected from what their body needs, there’s often more beneath the surface. We take a holistic, neuroaffirming approach to understand their sensory and emotional needs and find what helps them feel safe, regulated, and more in control.
Feel Safe In Their Body
From sensory regulation and body awareness to executive functioning, social skills, and everyday independence, we work on the skills that make life feel more manageable. Depending on age and goals, this may look like learning to recognize sensory needs, manage emotions, plan and prioritize, navigate social situations, communicate needs, or build the routines and life skills needed for greater independence.
Build Skills
As children grow, the skills they need change too. OT can support children and teens as they build regulation, flexibility, social skills, and executive functioning, and can support older teens and young adults as they take on greater responsibility for their routines, relationships, school, work, and everyday lives.
Grow Into Confidence
Children & Teens
Supporting sensory regulation, emotional regulation, body awareness, executive functioning, social skills, flexibility, and participation in everyday routines.
OT That Grows With you
Teens & Young Adults
Supporting executive functioning, life skills, self-advocacy, social problem-solving, sensory regulation, and greater independence at home, school, college, work, and in the community.
WE SUPPORT CHILDREN, TEENS, AND YOUNG ADULTS WHO...
Have a hard time regulating their emotions or body — big reactions, difficulty calming down, or trouble recovering after becoming overwhelmed
Seek or avoid sensory input — constantly moving, fidgeting, crashing, or becoming overwhelmed by sounds, touch, clothing, food, or busy environments
Have difficulty noticing what their body is telling them — they may not always recognize hunger, thirst, needing to use the bathroom, fatigue, pain, or when they’re becoming overwhelmed
Are working toward greater independence — managing routines, appointments, meals, personal responsibilities, transportation, school or work demands, and other everyday tasks
Have difficulty with attention, impulse control, or executive functioning
Struggle with transitions, flexibility, social participation, or navigating everyday challenges
Services
1:1 Occupational Therapy Sessions
Individualized OT for children, teens, and young adults focused on building regulation, confidence, independence, and the skills needed to navigate everyday life.
In School Supports
Collaborative support within the school environment to help students feel regulated, confident, and more successful throughout their day.
1:1 Parent Sensory & Regulation Consultations + At Home Plan
Personalized support to help you better understand your child’s sensory and regulation needs and feel more confident supporting them at home.
Transition & Independence OT
Individualized OT for teens and young adults who are building greater independence with executive functioning, life skills, self-advocacy, social skills, sensory regulation, and everyday responsibilities. Sessions may include planning and organization, routines, meal preparation, appointments, transportation, communication, problem-solving, and navigating college, work, relationships, and community life.
About Dr. Jo
Dr. Heidi Joachims is a licensed occupational therapist in California and the owner and founder of The Regulation Place Occupational Therapy. She is passionate about helping children, teens, and young adults feel safe in their bodies, confident in who they are, and capable of navigating life’s big and small challenges.
Her approach blends occupational therapy with a holistic, neuroaffirming understanding of sensory processing, regulation, the nervous system, and the individual needs of each person. Before focusing on skills, Dr. Jo prioritizes safety, connection, and understanding because when we feel supported and regulated, we are better able to learn, problem-solve, connect, and build confidence.
Her sessions are anything but one-size-fits-all. They may include moving, creating, playing, talking, exploring, and finding practical strategies that can make everyday life feel more manageable. Heidi works alongside each individual and their family to understand what is underneath and discover what helps them feel more comfortable, capable, and in control.
Outside of her work, Dr. Jo values the same practices she encourages in others: movement, time in nature, and slowing down enough to notice what her own body needs. These practices help her bring a grounded, present, and genuine approach to the families she supports.
If you’re looking for an occupational therapist who sees the whole person, not just the challenge, you’re in the right place.
Your Questions, Answered
Do you take insurance?
We are out-of-network and do not bill insurance directly. We can provide a superbill upon request.
How long will we work together?
Each child’s journey is unique. Some families see meaningful changes within a few months, while others continue for ongoing support throughout the school year and beyond. We often support children over the years as they navigate new transitions, developmental stages, and changes in their environment. We’ll regularly check in to make sure therapy continues to align with your child’s goals and growth.
What ages do you work with?
We work with children ages 5 and up through adolescence, focusing on emotional regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning, and building confidence in daily life.
We currently see clients Monday through Friday, from morning through 6 PM, to best accommodate school and family schedules.
What is your availability?
How much do sessions cost?
In-office & virtual sessions are $250 for a 50-minute session.
In-school and in-home sessions are $395 for a 50-minute session.