Mental Health
The World Health Organization has identified mental illness as a growing cause of disability worldwide and predicts that in the future, mental illness—specifically depression—will be the the top cause of disability.
In response to this trend, AOTA's Centennial Vision has identified mental health as a vital practice area for 21st century practice. Increasing emphasis will be placed on treatment and prevention services for children, youth, the aging, and those with severe and persistent mental illness.
We hope the resources below will help you in your practice. If you have additional questions, try posting them on
OTConnections, a community for Occupational Therapy practitioners just like you. If you are an AOTA member, you are already signed up with OTConnections! Just use your member login and password for the AOTA website to access
OTConnections.
AOTA Official DocumentsDocuments that clarify and support occupational therapy practice, and are reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis for their applicability Facts Sheets on the Role of OTAn overview of occupational therapy's role in a specific domain or practice environment for both the professional and consumer.
Tips for LivingInformative documents to help people cope with a variety of health conditions and explain how occupational therapy can help.
Evidence-Based Practice and ResearchInformation on what is known about the effectiveness of interventions used in occupational therapy practice. Evidence-based practice and research information are for AOTA members only. You must login first to view the section.