Mental health can affect how a person starts tasks, maintains routines, manages self-care, organises responsibilities, connects with other people and participates in the community. Occupational therapy focuses on this everyday functional impact.
At a glance
Key points
- 01Mental health occupational therapy focuses on function and participation.
- 02Assessment can consider changing or fluctuating needs over time.
- 03This service is different from psychology, psychotherapy, counselling and crisis care.
What may be assessed?
The occupational therapist looks beyond a list of symptoms to understand how life is being affected.
- Daily structure, sleep and routines
- Personal care, meals and household responsibilities
- Motivation, task initiation and follow-through
- Attention, memory, planning and organisation
- Social participation and community access
- Environmental factors, support needs and helpful strategies
What might support look like?
Support may involve building a manageable routine, adapting the environment, breaking tasks into steps, using reminders or planning systems, exploring meaningful activity and identifying the level of assistance that is helpful.
When a report is requested, occupational therapy may describe the functional impact of a mental health condition and the support used in daily life.
How does this fit with other mental health care?
Occupational therapy can work alongside GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health teams and community supports, but it does not replace diagnosis, medical treatment, psychotherapy or crisis services.
The person’s preferences, consent and recovery goals should remain central when information is shared or different services work together.
Sources and further reading
Official guidance may change. Check the linked source for the most current information.