Mental Health Occupational Therapy
Mental health occupational therapy works on everyday function. Where a psychologist goes deeper into talk therapy, an occupational therapist concentrates on putting strategies to work in daily life: the routine, the environment, the activity you want to get back to.
Occupational therapy is not always well understood, so here is what our role tends to involve in practice.
What we work on
- emotional regulation skill development, including sensory modulation approaches
- talk therapy applied practically, drawing on CBT, DBT and ACT approaches with a focus on daily life rather than the depth a psychologist would work at
- social skills development
- behavioural management, including managing risks and challenges such as trauma responses
- cognitive skill development and management
We work with teenagers and above, in whichever environment suits the client. Intervention is delivered in collaboration with clients, caregivers and any other relevant party.
Working with complexity
Our team is familiar with complex cases, including those where intervention extends beyond the NDIS into the justice and child protection systems. We encourage a team approach. In practice that often means education for caregivers, close collaboration with behaviour support practitioners, and assessments such as cognitive assessments that help guide the wider team.
Alana, our principal occupational therapist, focuses on complex referrals with a particular emphasis on mental health, and completes regular professional development in mental health therapy approaches. Read more about our team.
When mental health OT is the right fit
Referrals often come from support coordinators. Because there is overlap between allied health services in this space, particularly between psychology and OT, we recommend a holistic discussion before deciding. Contact our administration team and we can talk it through.
Funding
We accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Because cases vary so much, we recommend discussing the likely time involved with the relevant parties. We often encourage collaboration to keep costs manageable. One common arrangement is monthly OT intervention where the session sets a plan for a support worker or our allied health assistant to implement between visits. See our funding and fees page.
Common questions
What is the difference between a mental health OT and a psychologist?
There is some overlap. A psychologist works more extensively in talk therapy. An occupational therapist focuses on the practical application of those approaches in daily life, such as getting a routine working, managing sensory needs, or rebuilding participation in activities. A holistic discussion about which fits your goals is worth having.
What does mental health OT actually involve?
Emotional regulation skill development including sensory modulation, practical application of CBT, DBT and ACT approaches, social skills development, behavioural management including trauma responses, and cognitive skill development.
Who is it for?
Teenagers and above, in whichever environment suits the client. We work with complexity, including cases that intersect with the justice and child protection systems as well as the NDIS.
Can it be delivered more cost-effectively?
Often, yes. A common arrangement is monthly OT intervention where the session involves setting a plan that a support worker or allied health assistant implements between OT visits. It keeps momentum without using OT hours for every session.
Do you work with my support team?
Yes, and we encourage it. Mental health OT frequently includes education for caregivers, close collaboration with behaviour support practitioners, and assessments such as cognitive assessments that guide the wider team.