Information about Mental Health Occupational Therapists

Many people know about the wonderful physical and developmental interventions that OTs provide but did you know the OT profession actually started in mental health! Whilst we do provide some "traditional" developmental interventions you may have experienced with other paediatric OTs, here at Sisu Therapies, we specialise in mental health! Given our passion in the area, we thought it was important to promote the amazing, but not widely known work mental health OTs do.

Mental health occupational therapists (MHOTs) focus on helping individuals improve their ability to perform everyday activities, 

despite challenges related to mental health conditions. This type of therapy combines traditional occupational therapy 

techniques with a focus on mental health to help individuals achieve a higher quality of life.

Benefits of Seeing a Mental Health Occupational Therapist:

Holistic and Functional Approach

•  MHOTs consider the whole person, including physical, emotional, and social factors. They focus on improving the patient's ability to perform daily activities and participate in meaningful occupations, leading to a more balanced and integrated approach to mental health care.

Skills-Based Interventions

• MHOTs provide practical strategies to help patients develop and enhance skills necessary for daily living. This includes personal care, household management, social interaction, and vocational activities, which are essential for fostering independence and improving quality of life.

Environment and Context

• MHOTs assess and modify the patient's environment to support mental health and well-being. They can recommend changes at home, work, or school to reduce stressors and enhance the patient’s ability to cope and thrive in their daily surroundings.

Activity and Engagement

• MHOTs emphasize the importance of engaging in meaningful activities and hobbies. By helping patients discover and participate in activities that bring joy and purpose, they can significantly improve motivation, mood, and overall mental health.

Customized Care Plans

• Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. MHOTs work collaboratively with patients to set realistic and achievable objectives, ensuring that the care provided is relevant and effective.

Focus on Daily Functioning

• MHOTs help patients manage everyday challenges related to mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. They provide tools and techniques to handle stress, improve time management, and build routines, which can lead to long-term improvements in mental health.

Prevention and Wellness

• OTs can help you identify triggers and early signs of distress, allowing you to take proactive measures.

Improved Quality of Life

• By focusing on meaningful activities, OTs can help improve your overall well-being and satisfaction

For NDIS participants, seeing a mental health occupational therapist provides the opportunity for clients to engage in a holistic 

therapeutic treatment, as MHOTs focus on the whole person, meaning our OTs can assist in helping participants meet their 

functional goals, but also, can work concurrently on social-emotional goals.

For private clients, our endorsed MHOTs can provide rebates under the Better Access Mental Health Scheme (MBS 80135). For 

an OT to become endorsed, they must demonstrate advanced training and practice in mental health and complete specific 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements in mental health. In this way, they are able to meet the Medicare 

requirements of the Better Access Mental Health plans, in the same way as a psychologist would (i.e. focused psychological 

strategies).

If you'd like to know more about our mental health services or to book an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us.