Document Type

Paper

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Faculty Mentor

Stephanie Garner

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) is of global concern, and there are not enough mental health providers to address the growing needs of this population. Although occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can help improve client outcomes as part of the CAMH team, they are often not included. This project aimed to increase the understanding of the role and value of occupational therapy in CAMH for OTPs, occupational therapy students, behavioral health team members, and administration.

Methods: A job description for the CAMH OTP was developed, and an educational module was created to demonstrate the OTP’s unique role and value on the CAMH team and increase awareness of occupational therapy (OT) interventions with these clients. The educational module was presented twice to a variety of professionals.

Results: The job description was reviewed by OTPs with mental health experience and deemed ready for use. There were 36 attendees of the educational module, and 29 completed both the pre-and post-test survey, providing quantitative and qualitative data. The results demonstrated improved 1) confidence in knowing the role and value of OT in CAMH, 2) confidence in knowing when to refer to CAMH OT, and 3) perception of the importance of OTPs in supporting the mental health of this population.

Conclusion: There is a knowledge gap about the role, value, and occupation-based interventions of OTPs on the CAMH team. This knowledge gap impacts whether or not OTPs are 1) considered to be crucial members of the CAMH team and 2) whether funding is provided for these necessary positions. We must advocate for OTPs to be considered valuable and complementary members of this team and develop research demonstrating our interventions' effectiveness.

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Available for download on Friday, April 23, 2027

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