MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health occupational therapy advocacy in action

Gina Baker, OTD, OTR/L, CTP; and Jenna Shaw, OTD, OTR/L 11/01/2024

Have you ever said anything like the following to yourself?

“I’m not an advocate.”
“I can’t influence policy.”
“Advocacy and policy are just not for me.”

If so, you are not alone. As Advocacy and Policy (A&P) Co-Coordinator and Student Intern for the 2021–2024 Mental Health Special Interest Section (MHSIS) Standing Committee, we made similar statements within our professional careers. However, during our tenure on the committee, we were tasked with advocacy and policy work.

Mental Health Special Interest Section

The Mental Health Special Interest Section (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. 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.

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