Challenges for occupational therapy in mental health: an approach from the teaching experience

Abstract

Reflecting on occupational therapy in mental health from an academic practice while utilizing a critical qualitative approach allows one to identify professional challenges in the daily live contexts of individuals and groups. Prioritizing the clinical context to care has conditioned integral and continuous processes. Occupational therapy in mental health must also transit the daily contexts in which people participate in occupations. This article reflects on occupational therapy challenges in mental health care from academic practice. These reflections are based on the use of qualitative analysis techniques used by two educators in the psychosocial area between 2013 and 2020, among which are included the documentary revision and analysis of the normative and conceptual framework, field journal, documents of systematization of experiences, participant observation and academic spaces for discussion. It allows us to observe that occupational therapy in mental health in Colombia has been structured mainly in clinical contexts, with a resolutive approach. It frequently responds to individual needs related to symptoms associated with prevalent disorders; this institutionalization of the practices limits the continuity of the processes. It is necessary to recognize the current reflections in which occupational therapists are valued professionals who promote the analysis and interaction between systems, contexts, people, populations, and occupations. This dynamic would allow responding to current policy approaches, comprehensive care, and social inclusion. The profession must contemplate subjective occupational needs in daily life contexts, making use of occupation as a tool for autonomy and social inclusion.

Psychiatrists’ Insights on Integrating Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care: A Multisite Middle Eastern Study

“…Understanding the OT identity and respecting its values and contributions, particularly in the area of mental health practice, is an important focus in OT practice. In other words, maintaining OT autonomy is essential and facilitates desired interprofessional collaboration, promoting a healthier clinical environment [ 14 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Notably, the main rationale for including psychologists and social workers in this section is that it is common in mental health settings for misconceptions and lack of role clarity to exist among psychiatrists regarding the specific responsibilities and contributions of occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers [ 9 ].…”

“…Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in psychiatric rehabilitation, as highlighted in various research papers [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. These studies emphasize the significance of occupational therapy in psychiatric institutions, showcasing its evolution over time and its impact on patient care and well-being.…”

Psychiatrists’ Insights on Integrating Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care: A Multisite Middle Eastern Study

“…Understanding the OT identity and respecting its values and contributions, particularly in the area of mental health practice, is an important focus in OT practice. In other words, maintaining OT autonomy is essential and facilitates desired interprofessional collaboration, promoting a healthier clinical environment [ 14 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Notably, the main rationale for including psychologists and social workers in this section is that it is common in mental health settings for misconceptions and lack of role clarity to exist among psychiatrists regarding the specific responsibilities and contributions of occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers [ 9 ].…”

“…Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in psychiatric rehabilitation, as highlighted in various research papers [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. These studies emphasize the significance of occupational therapy in psychiatric institutions, showcasing its evolution over time and its impact on patient care and well-being.…”

Psychiatrists’ Insights on Integrating Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care: A Multisite Middle Eastern Study

“…Understanding the OT identity and respecting its values and contributions, particularly in the area of mental health practice, is an important focus in OT practice. In other words, maintaining OT autonomy is essential and facilitates desired interprofessional collaboration, promoting a healthier clinical environment [ 14 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Notably, the main rationale for including psychologists and social workers in this section is that it is common in mental health settings for misconceptions and lack of role clarity to exist among psychiatrists regarding the specific responsibilities and contributions of occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers [ 9 ].…”

“…Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in psychiatric rehabilitation, as highlighted in various research papers [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. These studies emphasize the significance of occupational therapy in psychiatric institutions, showcasing its evolution over time and its impact on patient care and well-being.…”

Psychiatrists’ Insights on Integrating Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care: A Multisite Middle Eastern Study

“…Understanding the OT identity and respecting its values and contributions, particularly in the area of mental health practice, is an important focus in OT practice. In other words, maintaining OT autonomy is essential and facilitates desired interprofessional collaboration, promoting a healthier clinical environment [ 14 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Notably, the main rationale for including psychologists and social workers in this section is that it is common in mental health settings for misconceptions and lack of role clarity to exist among psychiatrists regarding the specific responsibilities and contributions of occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers [ 9 ].…”

“…Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in psychiatric rehabilitation, as highlighted in various research papers [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. These studies emphasize the significance of occupational therapy in psychiatric institutions, showcasing its evolution over time and its impact on patient care and well-being.…”