Mental Health
Mental Health Special Interest Section (MHSIS) members support individuals, groups, or populations across the lifespan who are at risk for or are currently diagnosed with a mental health challenge. The MHSIS values the centrality of occupation in the intervention process to prevent further illness, and promote performance, participation, quality of life, well-being, role competence, and occupational justice.
Connect with members focused on mental health & quality of life
The MHSIS is one of the original SISs created by AOTA in 1977. The others were Developmental Disabilities, Gerontology (now Productive Aging), Physical Disabilities (now Rehabilitation & Disability), and Sensory Integration (now Sensory Integration & Processing).
The MHSIS supports and advocates for occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers working with individuals, groups, or populations across the lifespan in settings ranging from hospitals to schools and community programs who are at risk for or are currently diagnosed with a mental health challenge.
Let's connect
Join the discussion, talk with industry experts, and get to know more about the goings-on in AESIS through CommunOT.
MHSIS Articles in the SIS Quarterly
Check out articles in SIS Quarterly Practice Connections that pertain specifically to the Mental Health Special Interest Section (MHSIS).
Sponsored in part by:
MHSIS standing committee members
The MHSIS standing committee leads the direction of their special interest section. Members elect the standing committee to their positions.
Carol Lambdin-Pattavina
Andrea Thinnes
Nicole C. S. Barker
Melinda Cozzolino
Valerie Demler
Karen M. Keptner
Tracy Jalaba
Stephen Nawotniak
Gina Schwarz
Leading the MHSIS affords me the opportunity to learn with, about, and from incredibly talented and dedicated individuals who are passionate about OT’s distinct role in mental health.