Things You Can Expect from a Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Typically, we think of an occupational therapist (OT) as a physical field. However, many OTs also focus on mental health, viewing it as intertwined with a person’s ability to function in their daily life. They’re trained in a public health approach, which means promoting healthy behaviors, educating about mental health, and prevention. Here’s what kinds of treatment you can expect from a mental health occupational therapist.
Holistic Assessment
One of the first steps in working with a mental health OT is a comprehensive assessment. While they’re looking to understand your mental health symptoms, they’ll also get a good idea of what your entire life looks like. This includes daily routines, work habits, social interactions, and general physical health.
The OT’s holistic approach makes sure they understand how your mental health affects every part of your life and vice versa. This detailed assessment will help them determine whether mental health occupational therapy is right for you and what they’re best able to treat you for.
Personalized Treatment Plans
After assessing you, your therapist will discuss your treatment plan. It can include strategies to manage anxiety or depression (or other mental health issues), ways to improve your daily routines, or how to communicate better with other people. The plan should also include a timeline and manageable goals to reach within a certain number of therapy sessions.
Skill Development
A big part of an OT’s work is helping clients develop practical skills that can improve their daily lives. A mental health OT typically works on stress management techniques, time management skills, and strategies for improving concentration and memory. For instance, you might learn how to create a daily schedule that balances work and rest, or techniques to cope with overwhelming feelings related to your job.
Routine and Structure
Mental health OTs understand the importance of structure in taking care of mental health. They can help you develop daily routines that support your mind and body. This can mean regular exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep hygiene. By creating a structured day, you can reduce feelings of uncertainty that contribute to anxiety, stress, pain, and a loss of control.
Environmental Modifications
Sometimes, your environment itself can contribute to mental health issues. A mental health OT can help you modify your home or work so that you can feel more relaxed, productive, and pain-free. This might involve decluttering your spaces to improve concentration, creating quiet areas for relaxation, or setting up a more productive, appealing workspace.
Coping Strategies
Learning to cope with stress and other overwhelming feelings is an important skill in improving mental health. Mental health OTs can teach various healthy coping mechanisms, including mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, or other productive distractions. They can help you find a practice to incorporate into your daily life as a preventative strategy.
Ongoing Support
Your mental state changes over time, and so might your needs. A mental health OT provides ongoing support and can adjust your treatment plan as needed. Regular check-ins make sure your therapy remains effective and aligns with your changing circumstances.
Are You Interested in Seeing a Mental Health OT?
Ultimately, the goal of a mental health OT is to empower you to live independently. They provide you with the tools and support you need to take control of your mental health. Ultimately, this will help you improve your overall quality of life. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other disorders that make it difficult to engage in your daily life, a mental health OT can help.
To learn more about what to expect from a mental health occupational therapist, please contact us.
