Background
Demand for Occupational Therapy (OT) has made timely access to support increasingly difficult. Single-session therapy (SST) offers a responsive, evidence-informed approach that delivers meaningful support at the moment it is most needed. Research highlights its effectiveness, accessibility, and high client satisfaction across clinical settings. The SST framework aligns strongly with OT values of purposeful, collaborative and client-centred practice. It focuses on what matters most to the child or caregiver and provides a structured space for problem solving, strategy development and a clear, achievable path forward.

Implementation
A single-session model was introduced within a paediatric OT service to improve responsiveness, strengthen family engagement and make better use of available funding. Core elements include early clarification of priority concerns, targeted session-structuring tools, collaborative problem solving, and explicit negotiation of an action plan. Brief questionnaires and telehealth touchpoints before and after the session supports preparation, reflection and follow-through.

Discussion / Outcomes
Implementation has demonstrated improved access, reduced wait times and high family satisfaction with early, actionable support. Therapists have experienced clearer session direction, stronger collaboration with parents/caregivers and greater confidence in engaging them in ongoing work. The approach also revealed new opportunities to use funding more effectively and a significant shift in mindset around what is possible with one purposeful point of contact at a time.

Conclusion
A single-session approach within OT practice, offers a practical and innovative pathway for paediatric OTs seeking to meet community need, optimise funding and deliver purposeful, collaborative, family-centred care from the first point of contact.