What Role Does Occupational Therapy Play in the Mental Health Setting?
. An occupational therapist evaluates a patient’s performance skills, habits, routines and more to understand any barriers that may hinder their ability to participate in vital, daily life activities. They then help the patient overcome those challenges in a variety of creative and effective ways. It is important to recognize that the role of an occupational therapist is not to simply keep patients busy as a distraction but to tailor a patient’s treatment specifically to fit their needs, preferences and goals. This allows an occupational therapist and their to be more creative with their approach and discover new ways of improving a patient’s day-to-day life. Occupational therapy seeks to provide that take into account a patient’s overall health and well-being to promote a healthier (and happier) lifestyle. Skilled occupational therapists rely on a variety of evidence-based approaches to help their patients cope and/or recover from physical injuries, mental illness, cognitive impairments, psychosocial dysfunction and developmental or learning disabilities. The detailed inadequacies in the nation’s mental health services and changed the overall landscape of OT, creating a more community-centric approach to treating mental illness. It is an OT and OTA’s job to identify areas that may be hindering a patient’s optimal functioning and implement interventions to address those barriers. To put it simply, occupational therapy is an essential profession in the healthcare space that helps patients with a physical limitation or mental illness develop skills and behavior patterns needed to live a positive and fulfilling life. Students with an interest in supporting a patient’s mental health, independence and wellbeing through various evidence-based implementation techniques may consider pursuing an OTA degree at SLCHC. Our teaches you effective treatment methods for individuals whose quality of life has been impacted by an injury, ailment or disability. As an OTA, you will work closely with an occupational therapist to provide holistic treatments to patients with mental illness. OTA graduates of SLCHC can enter their healthcare career in a variety of settings including nursing homes, rehab centers, government and prison systems, private businesses and more. To learn more about our fully accredited