Dr. Claire Trefethen, OTD, OTR/L
Occupational therapy built for the complexity, pace, and demands of life in New York City.
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“Aging is not a problem to be solved. It is a life to be lived — actively, independently, and on your own terms.”
Occupational therapy is not only for those recovering from injury or illness. It is for anyone who wants to function better, move through their environment more safely, and protect their independence over time. My practice is built for all of it.
My approach starts with one question: what do you want to keep doing, and what might get in the way? From there, we build a plan that is specific to you — your body, your home, your routines, your goals. Whether you are recovering from something, managing a chronic condition, or simply committed to living well for as long as possible, there is a place for you here.
I believe in active aging. In longevity that is earned through movement, intention, and the right support at the right time. In aging in place as the goal — a deliberate, empowered choice that takes planning, support, and intention to do well. New York City makes that choice harder than almost anywhere else, and I am here to make it possible.
Mission
Our mission is to deliver exceptional, person-centered occupational therapy that supports longevity, independence, and aging in place for the people of New York City.
If you can age here, you can age anywhere.

About
I grew up at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where I learned early that the body is capable of remarkable things. As an elite athlete competing in triathlon and track, I developed a deep respect for human performance and what it takes to sustain it over time. That curiosity about the body led me to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I studied Kinesiology and Public Health and began to understand health not just as an individual pursuit, but as something shaped by environment, community, and circumstance.
I went on to earn my Doctor of Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, graduating Magna Cum Laude and as a member of Pi Theta Epsilon, the occupational therapy honor society. I then became the founding occupational therapist at Mirabella at ASU, the world’s first university-based senior living high-rise, where I built the OT program from the ground up for a community redefining what luxury aging in place could look like.
Then I moved to New York City, and everything I knew about aging got tested all over again. Over three years at Spear Physical & Occupational Therapy — one of the nation’s most respected rehabilitation practices — I sharpened my clinical skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment that made me a better and more decisive clinician. It was home health that taught me something different entirely — years of working inside people’s homes across Manhattan showed me firsthand how the city’s environments, the buildings, the layouts, the staircases, shape how people age and what they need to stay independent.
I founded Urban Aging because I believe New Yorkers deserve occupational therapy that actually meets them where they live. Not a generic program — a practice built specifically for the complexity, pace, and demands of life in this city.
What I Offer
Urban Aging is a private occupational therapy practice offering one-on-one, individualized care. Sessions are primarily clinic-based, with in-home visits available for those who need care where they live (travel fee may apply).
Unlike a traditional OT practice, my background as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and Senior Fitness Specialist means your care is informed by a truly integrated understanding of how the body moves, adapts, and thrives. You are not getting a one-dimensional clinician. You are getting someone who understands the full picture.
A comprehensive evaluation of your current functional abilities, daily activities, and occupational performance. The foundation of every personalized treatment plan.
No two clients are the same. Your plan is built around your specific goals, conditions, and lifestyle, and evolves as you do.
A thorough in-home evaluation to identify hazards, recommend modifications, and support your ability to age in place safely and confidently.
Practical, compassionate training for family members and caregivers so the people in your corner are equipped to support you well.
Urban Aging is currently accepting Medicare and offers private pay options. Please inquire about pricing. In-person and virtual appointments available.
Contact
Whether you are looking for support for yourself or a loved one, I would love to connect. Reach out to schedule a consultation or ask any questions.
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