Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
Spring 4-11-2025
Faculty Mentor
Zesarae Bodie
Abstract
The purpose of this capstone project was to promote greater awareness and education regarding mental health resources within a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals' mental health through recreation, education, and community-building. The project aimed to enhance the visibility and understanding of available mental health services, while also assessing the effectiveness of current initiatives and improving the sustainability of these programs.
To achieve these goals, a comprehensive playbook was designed to serve as an educational tool for the community, which included findings from a needs assessment of existing mental health initiatives. A multifaceted approach was used, incorporating one-on-one interviews, surveys, and online research to gather data on both current program effectiveness and potential areas for improvement.
Throughout this project, I emphasized the unique perspective that occupational therapy (OT) can offer in mental health care. OT's role-based, activity-focused approach encourages individuals to find purpose and meaning in their lives, ultimately improving mental health outcomes. Techniques such as activity analysis, stress management, and motivational interviewing are just a few of the tools OTs can utilize in mental health treatment. While OT has traditionally been rooted in mental health, its contributions in this field have often been overlooked. This project aimed to demonstrate that OT remains an essential discipline in improving mental health practices. The outcome of the project was a well-rounded, sustainable plan for advancing mental health awareness, demonstrating OT’s role in this care.
Recommended Citation
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