# Patient and Public Help

> Contact the College with questions about what to expect when working with an occupational therapist. The service is free.

The College exists to protect the public. We are the organization that oversees the practice of occupational therapists in Ontario.

Urgent questions and assistance

Please contact the College during business hours: 
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 416-214-1177 or 1-800-890-6570 press 0. 

If you have questions about working with an occupational therapist, we can help. The College has occupational therapists on staff who are called Practice Consultants and they will respond to your inquiries. This service is free.

Email: practice@coto.org
Phone: 416-214-1177 or 1-800-890-6570 ext. 240.

Our goal is to respond within 2 business days.

We receive calls about:

expectations and standards for practice for occupational therapists in Ontario

the rights of patients and clients when working with occupational therapists

specific occupational therapy practice situations within the province of Ontario

Anyone can contact the College for help. College Practice Consultants are available to provide private and confidential support. All services are free of charge. Here are some examples of people who contact the College for assistance:

patients, clients and caregivers

employers

students

other health care providers

other members of the public

Sharing the correct information and advice supports the delivery of safe, ethical, and effective occupational therapy services.

If you have questions, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

Please be aware of the following:

We cannot offer a legal opinion or legal advice.

We will not provide an opinion on the actions of a caller as it relates to complaints or disciplinary decisions/action on the part of the College.

Information or assistance provided by our Practice Consultants will not take the form of specific instruction or direction except where it is necessary in the interest of public safety.

Information provided by the service recipient will remain confidential and will not be shared or used by other programs/departments of the College except in the following situations:

where the College is authorized or required to release the information

where it is necessary to disclose the information in the interest of public safety

If there is an issue regarding legislation or legal matters beyond the scope of the College, the service recipient is encouraged to seek independent legal advice.