Many people associate occupational therapy with pediatric services or physical rehabilitation.
They are surprised to find occupational therapists also working inmental healthsettings.
At a Glance
Occupational therapy can play an important role in mental health care.
Martin Barraud / Getty Images
Today, mental health experts recognize that the causes and treatments of mental health are varied.
In the past decade, the number of OTs in the United States working in mental health has dropped.
That’s why many people today associate it primarily with physical rehabilitation and pediatrics.
OTs are also fluent in sensory strategies.
A persons sensory system helps process information from the environment.
Sensory strategies may prove effective for people who may not be at a state to benefit from talk therapies.
Sensory Rooms
OTs are part of a larger movement to create sensory rooms on mental health units.
Sensory rooms are places where individuals can go to feel safe.
The rooms often have tools to help de-escalate and relax.
The use of this simple concept has helped drop seclusion and restraint levels dramatically on some units.
This includes things like bathing, eating, dressing, and grooming practices.
This can include a lack of energy, sleep disruptions, poor motivation, and low mood.
An occupational therapist may help people develop self-care strategies or habits that seem more manageable given their current symptoms.
Improving the self-care abilities of people with mental health conditions can promote better well-being.
Some OTs go on to earn the certification of Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP).
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