What Do Occupational Therapists Do in Mental Health?

Occupational therapists work with people who have mental, developmental or physical conditions. They help clients to develop and adapt work and job skills, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Occupational therapists may work exclusively with clients who are mentally ill, or within mental health agencies. In such settings, these therapists work specifically in helping clients with mental functioning tasks, like picking the correct bus or train, using money appropriately, and dealing with mental stress. They may also help those who have addiction issues or those who are depressed to find work that is appropriate and within tolerable stress levels, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Training and Education

• A master's degree is required, at a minimum, for all licensed occupational therapists. Additional training or experience may be needed for some jobs in the mental health field. While specific requirements vary by state, all therapists must pass a national exam, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In addition to passing the exam, called the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), All Allied Health Schools notes that occupational therapists must also graduate from an accredited school, complete approved fieldwork, and submit a licensure application.

Therapy for Depression

• In the mental health field, occupational therapists may deal with clients who have problems functioning due to illnesses such as depression. In the area of depression, a therapist may consider areas such as dealing with overwhelming tasks, low self-esteem and work-life balance, according to an article provided by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The article notes, "Occupational therapy practitioners can examine the life roles that are meaningful to clients with depression and help adapt their responsibilities to give them the opportunity to participate and gain a sense of accomplishment."

Services in Substance Abuse

• Some occupational therapists work specifically with clients dealing with alcohol and substance abuse. Occupational therapists "show clients how their behaviors and thoughts revolve around drugs or alcohol and how they lose their identity as they lose the roles most meaningful to them. Practitioners then construct or rebuild those occupational roles by determining what activities bring clients the most joy and sense of well-being---without drugs or alcohol," according to an American Occupational Therapy Association article titled "Recovery With Purpose: Occupational Therapy and Drug and Alcohol Abuse."

Employment

• According to the U.S. Department of labor, there were around 99,000 jobs in 2006 in the field of occupational therapy. Within those jobs, some were exclusively within mental health agencies, while others provide general mental health support through hospital, government and private agencies. The Department of Labor provides more specific job data.

Skills Needed

• American Occupational Therapy Association notes that professionals in the field need patience and compassion. "Patience is important because many clients may not show rapid progress and practitioners must be prepared for that challenge," according to the article "A Career in Occupational Therapy: A Rewarding Choice in Health Care." Within the specialized area of mental health, the hope is that clients will learn to function healthily and independently.