OTA SIG - Mental Health and the OTA

Date and Time: June 19, 2025, 6-7pm

Chairperson(s): Lisa Boyajian, OTA, MS, COTA, CPRP; Kyle Brennan OTA, COTA

Location: Zoom - to be sent out day before the event

Title: Mental Health and the OTA

Learning Objectives:

1. Participant will identify two strategies OTAs employ in the mental health setting
2. Participants will identify two benefits of having OTAs in mental health settings
3. Participants will identify one way in which OTAs can incorporate mental health skills into their current practice

Bio/Focus

Occupational therapy assistants are crucial in mental health settings, working to help individuals manage mental health conditions and improve daily functioning. OTAs support clients in developing skills to cope with stress, engage in meaningful activities, and enhance their overall well-being. They assist in creating personalized treatment plans, focusing on areas such as emotional regulation, social interaction, and time management (AOTA, 2020). In psychiatric settings, OTAs facilitate group activities, such as art therapy, role-playing, and community outings, to encourage social integration and build coping strategies (Morrison & Nesselroade, 2018). They also provide psychoeducation to patients and their families, promoting understanding and empowerment in managing mental health challenges (Baker, 2021). As mental health awareness increases, OTAs are becoming essential in interdisciplinary teams, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of health.

References:

● American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). (2020). Mental health and occupational therapy.

● Morrison, J. L., & Nesselroade, L. A. (2018). Supporting mental health through occupational therapy practice. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 34(1), 1-15.

● Baker, L. L. (2021). The role of occupational therapy in mental health recovery. Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(4), 20-28.

This event will close at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.