Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This paper is a short report considering the role of occupational therapy in providing mental health services in primary care. Primary care is the first point of contact most people have with the healthcare system. Occupational therapists have a role working with people with mental illness but the role of an occupational therapist working in mental health in a primary care setting is not well understood. Common interventions discussed in the literature included lifestyle approaches, assessment and information gathering, and the teaching of skills for daily living. There was a clear divide in the literature regarding the use of generic or specialist (occupation-focused) roles. Physical health was often prioritized over mental health concerns. Limited research examined both the population group of people with mental health concerns and the practice setting of primary care, identifying the need for further research to articulate the role of occupational therapy in working with mental health in primary care settings.
Authors: Arabella Hely, Claire Pearce
Institution: University of Canberra
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,550
OpenAlex ID: W4411535506