Welcome to Heartland OT

Heartland Occupational Therapy’s (OT) philosophy is to work from a holistic framework that considers the whole person and understands the impact of environment on health.  We recognise that “the part can never be well unless the whole is well” (Plato) and define a person’s wellness by one’s physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual health. Our team forms collaborative partnerships with our clients to determine an individual’s strengths, challenges and goals. We tailor interventions to help the individual harness their strengths and participate in life activities.

About Us

Heartland OT is a private clinic based in Charters Towers in North Queensland.  We offer face to face services to Charters Towers and the surrounding region as well as some home /school visits and video / phone appointments. We understand the rural context and work with clients of all ages to improve quality of life and function.

Our director and principal OT Shannon Smith created Heartland 3H NQ PTY LTD in 2021.  After working within public health for 18 years, she aimed to make clinical and psychosocial services more available in rural Queensland, within the private space. Clinical services on offer include Hand Therapy, Plastics (scar), Vascular and Lymphoedema massage and bandaging. Traditional OT including full functional assessments with extensive recommendations and life skill retraining are offered to youth and adults with Autism (level 1-2), mood disorders, Intellectual Impairment, Acquired Brain Injury and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Home assessments for the elderly are delivered with recommendations around independent living, aids and equipment.

Heartland Therapists specialise in teaching traditional life skills and resilience, psychosocial skills and emotional regulation to individuals and families. Mindfulness, structured and creative play and creative therapies including art are utilised. Assessing sensory differences and implementing strategies to help with sensory regulation is also targeted, along-side fine motor skill development for children.  Our principal OT also offers life coaching and secure attachment parenting education.

Since opening, the practice has quickly grown and now includes 2 Occupational Therapists (one specialising in Early Intervention Paediatrics), a Registered Nurse, a Clinical Assistant and Administration Officer.  Here at Heartland OT, we care about you and your individual health journey and look forward to working with you.