Occupational Therapy Essay

Mental health is a core aspect of the individual's functional level that must be considered throughout the occupational therapy treatment regimen. According to an article in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy entitled, "Specialized Knowledge and Skills in Mental Health Promotion, Prevention, and Intervention in Occupational Therapy Practice":

"The foundations of occupational therapy are rooted firmly in psychiatry. The profession brings a habilitation and rehabilitation perspective to mental health services in keeping with increased emphasis on recovery and functionality directed toward participation in daily life occupations."

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Considering this

As many insurers aren’t often keen to deeming mental health interventions in OT as medically necessary (and therefore reimbursable) unless administered in a distinct mental health setting for the treatment of a clinically diagnosed mental illness, the prime market for practicing OTs is in treating physical disabilities and injuries. OT practice in inpatient and outpatient mental health care settings is currently much less frequent, now seeing fewer OTs staffed as part of the patient care

The CDC defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” This definition established by the CDC parallels exactly OTs’ overall end goal for each of their patients. In this context, then, it’s easily apparent that in everyday practice, and regardless of practice setting, mental health is automatically a prime factor in our evaluation and treatment