OT for Mental Health — NDIS Therapeutic Support

Senior man with disability in wheelchair doing recovery exercise with resistance band

People tend to associate OT with typical pediatric services or physical rehabilitation. If you are one of these then you would be surprised to find out that OT is crucial for your mental health too.

This is a crucial part of NDIS therapeutic support. If you or any individual you know is seeing occupational therapists then learning about OT and therapist will support you in advocating for your best care.

The role of Mental Health Occupational Therapist:

The occupational therapist works in both in-patient and out-patient settings and their roles vary in both scenarios. Even though there are slight differences in their roles on the basis of the work setting, they share the same aim.

Their treatment provision aims to enhance the patient’s self-awareness to expand his insight. Moreover, by this, they also aim to expand the range of skills and tools the patients use regularly. This helps them to manage their disorder and rehabilitation.

These occupational therapists help you in various ways. For instance, they assist the patients in behavioral health settings through psycho-education groups.

Aspects Occupational Therapy takes Care of:

The occupational therapy training requires an overall hospital approach that is well-suited for working in a mental health setting. Though the occupational therapist is also trained to support physical wellbeing, their training further includes aspects like:

· Cognitive assessment

· Therapeutic alliance

· Group processes

· Social-emotional skills

· Sensory Strategies

In the other occupational therapy settings, usually, the main focus of the therapist also differs. It is typically on providing assistance to the individuals in regard to the activities of daily life. This is to enhance their life quality and enable them to live as independently as possible.

Role in Supporting Patients:

The occupational therapists are trained in such a way; they can identify complexities you face in performing everyday activities. These therapists address the issues you face in daily activities and help you with daily life or occupational activities. They work with you and your loved ones to enhance life quality and life management skills. They can help you with:

· Developing and following a productive daily schedule

· Managing your health

· Taking care of your hygiene

· Appropriately interacting in social situations

· Working or even volunteering

· Navigating the community and also using public transportation

· Organizing as well as following a proper medication routine

· Adequately managing finances ad budgets

· Planning a diet routine and cooking health meals

· Teaching self-care techniques

· Relaxation and stress reduction techniques

· Coping strategies

· Emotional regulations

· Community mobility and re-entry

· Diagnoses education

· Instrumental activities of daily life

· Symptom management

Habit Training:

This is one of the things that are unknown to many. Habit training is one of the very first treatment models that occupational therapy introduced. The main aim behind providing habit training is to help individuals balance their life. This is done by providing support in balancing activities related to occupation, daily life, resting, and playing.

This plays a crucial role in helping individuals that have mental disorders. This habit training was mainly focused on activities including arts and crafts previously. However, the current approach to habit training emphasizes way fruitful and meaningful activities. These activities are typically rooted in independent living ad quality of life.

NDIS and Occupational Therapy:

NDIS also provides funding for the occupational therapy services you need. If you are an NDIS participant then you can contact an NDIS service provider. NDIS service provider or a support coordinator will help you to access funding and prepare a plan.