Occupational Therapy and Mental Health

Occupational Therapists, who are often called OTs, are regulated medical health care professionals who provide Occupational Therapy services. These individuals are University educated with either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. OTs have specialized knowledge and skills that allow them to understand how physical, cognitive, social, spiritual or environmental factors can impact on a person’s functioning and overall health and/or well-being. OTs can help individuals to live happy and satisfying lives by overcoming challenges that may interfere with their wellness and ability to do the things that they need to do or are important to them – everyday things which OTs call occupations like:

• Leisure activities - sports, gardening, walking the dog, social activities. 
• Self-care - getting dressed, doing the laundry, preparing and eating a meal, moving about the house and in the community,
• Being productive - going to work or school, participating in the community and volunteering

Occupational Therapists can also help to prevent disability or illness and enhance the way in which individuals engage in their lives and participate in their communities. OTs are also professionals who promote healthy lifestyles and well-being through engagement in occupation. 

Occupational Therapists are trained to provide individualized services to clients dealing with mental health related challenges. OTs may use a variety of modalities or strategies to help individuals such as teaching relaxation techniques, replacing unhealthy routines and coping patterns with healthy and meaningful routines and activities, modifying environments and helping to improve concentration and attention.