Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being. By focusing on the relationship between the individual, their environment, and meaningful activities, OT helps individuals experiencing mental health challenges engage in their daily lives in fulfilling ways. The therapeutic process involves helping clients increase activities of daily living performance, develop self-regulation strategies, improve social skills, and increase over-all independence. This holistic approach addresses not just the symptoms of mental illness, but also barriers that may impact the performance of meaningful occupations.

Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages and those with various mental health challenges, including those dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar, and drug induced psychosis. For example, an occupational therapist might guide clients in creating routines, identifying enjoyable activities, and breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, thus reducing stress and anxiety. By addressing functional goals, OT empowers clients to regain independence and improve their quality of life. This kind of therapy has proven beneficial in reducing the recurrence of mental health episodes and enabling sustained recovery.

Research supports the effectiveness of occupational therapy in mental health care. For instance, how OT interventions can significantly improve the functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals with serious mental illnesses, promoting both social integration and well-being. Overall, occupational therapists provide mental health treatment with the goal of increasing client independence which is an integral part of mental health treatment. 

Claudia Robertson is a BH WELL project assistant and an occupational therapy doctoral student. Holly Belcher is an occupational therapist at Eastern State Hospital where she is also a member of their research council.

Congratulations to Kevin Bryant, DNP, BSN, on his graduation from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing (CON) with his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Dr. Bryant’s project, “The Impact of an Educational Training to Front-line Nurses and Providers to Reduce Seclusion and Restraint: Assessing Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes” explores effect of web-based educational intervention on front-line nurses knowledge, practices, and attitudes concerning use of seclusion and restraint of patients within psychiatric in-patient facilities. Dr. Bryant is Director of Inpatient Services at Eastern State Hospital (ESH). 

Congratulations to Johna Arnett, DNP, RN, on her graduation from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing (CON) with her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Dr. Arnett’s project, “The Impact a Nurse Recruiter has on Nursing Staff Shortages and Nurse Manager Satisfaction in an Acute Psychiatric Facility” explores the impact of a nurse recruiter role in addressing nursing staff shortages and nurse manager satisfaction within an acute psychiatric facility. Dr. Arnett is a Nurse Manager at Eastern State Hospital (ESH). 

Congratulations to Michele Van Outer, DNP, BSN, on her graduation from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing (CON) with her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Dr. Van Outer’s project, “Improving Structural Empowerment Through the Co-Creation of a Professional Governance Program of Nurse Managers and Frontline Nurse Leaders” aims to uncover the potential benefits of a collaborative approach on staff members’ patient care outcomes. Dr. Van Outer serves as a Nurse Manager at Eastern State Hospital (ESH).