Opportunities for OT in mental health advocacy

Mental health is one of the foundations of the occupational therapy (OT) profession. OT combines clients’ physical health needs with mental health needs, forming a holistic practice that focuses on using occupation-based interventions. Although occupational therapy practitioners never stopped providing mental health care, during the past several years the profession has drifted away from mental health somewhat, with only about 2% to 3% of practitioners working exclusively in this area (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020a, 2020b). When occupational therapy practitioners attempt to practice in mental health settings or provide mental health services, they are often met with obstacles, including lack of recognition, difficulties with reimbursement, and the overall growing need to educate state and federal officials on the value of occupational therapy in this area.