Occupational and Physical Therapy Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the OT/PT Clinic?
    The clinic is an educational environment that provides opportunities for students to observe, volunteer and complete some of the clinical components of their coursework. The clinic is open during the semester and provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to the members of Ithaca College community and Longview.
  • Who provides care?
    Faculty in the Occupational/Physical Therapy department staff the clinic. Students, overseen by a licensed therapist, may also provide treatment through experiential learning programs.
    Our clinical faculty include:
    Barb Belyea, PT, MS, CSCS
    Mike Buck, PT, MS, ATC, Cert. MDT, CSCS
    Jessica Valdez Taves, OTR/L, MS
    Terri Hoppenrath, PT, MS, GCS
    Meghan McNally, OT Peds Clinic
    Chris McNamara, PT, DPT, Clinic Director
    Nick Quarrier, MHS, PT, OCS, LMT
    Lynn Shollen, PT, MS
  • What is Occupational Therapy??
    Occupational therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive and satisfying lived due to physical, developmental, social or emotional problems.
  • What is Physical Therapy?
    Physical therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession that uses a variety of techniques to restore, maintain and promote the best possible physical function. Physical therapists can help prevent/treat the onset and progression of various neuromusculoskeletal related problems.
  • How do I qualify for OT or PT services?
    Any member the Ithaca College community (employee and/or their spouse/partner, student, or a resident from Longview) may receive therapy with a physician's prescription. Service is free and no insurance will be activated. If the clinic cannot provide with you an appointment a list of area therapists will be provided.
  • Do I need a referral?
    Yes. NYS law requires a referral from a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, podiatrist or dentist for any treatment to be performed by an occupational or physical therapist.
  • What is the Performing Arts Clinic?
    This is a specified time that performing artists can come and discuss with a physical therapist concerns regarding pain/injury they are experiencing relating to performing. It is on a first come first serve basis. The therapist will do a screen to see if further medical attention is needed.
  • When is the clinic open?
    The clinic is open selected hours Monday - Thursday during the fall and spring semester. Hours will vary with each semester depending upon the availability of our clinical professors.
  • What should I expect on my first visit?
    On the day of your scheduled appointment you will want to arrive 5-10 minutes early to fill out necessary paperwork. This includes a medical history form and consent form. Bring your prescription for therapy. Plan on an hour for the therapist to perform a thorough evaluation of the problem. Your therapist will then decide whether further therapy is needed. At that time further appointments are scheduled with the receptionist.
School of Health Sciences and Human Performance  ·  Ithaca College  ·  Ithaca, NY 14850  ·  (607) 274-3237  ·  Full Directory Listing