Mental HealthOccupational Therapy

Mental health Occupational Therapists (OT) are trained in providing care from a holistic perspective, exploring the various occupations and life roles that make each person unique. Helping to identify what is important to each individual, as well as collaboratively identifying strengths and interests is a core OT skill.

Meaningful activity is utilised as a tool for engagement and as a means to build confidence and achievement after a period of ill health. As OT’s have a background in both mental and physical health, this broad range of understanding can be useful when addressing various psychosocial factors that may have lead someone to be referred for counselling. Examples include precipitating factors such as the impact of chronic pain on mood and productivity, or stress management as a result of changing life phases or events.

We recognise that recovery can be a path lined with challenges,  and will work with each individual to identify strategies to overcome these barriers. Helping to improve function and independence, through the development of individualised goals to assist with motivation and management of symptoms is a core OT treatment approach. Sensory modulation techniques for self-soothing and emotional regulation also form part of the OT focus.

Reach Life Mental Health OT’s are accredited to provide services through the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care program, with evidence-based focused psychological strategies at the forefront. We are able to provide flexibility in our service delivery, with the option of providing both in-house and outreach support as needed. We service clients across the lifespan from children through to older adults with a range of presenting mental health issues.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy  at Reach Life can include all sorts of things, such as:

• Functional Capacity Assessments
• Developing living/life skills such as home management, budgeting, time management etc.
• Linking with the community to enhance participation and access
• Targeted coping strategies for mental health including symptom reduction as well as improving quality of life
• Transport training
• Executive functioning coaching and skill development
• Psychoeducation
• Recovery planning
• Development of routines and habits to build your capacity towards your goals
• Sensory assessment and interventions
• Interoceptive work
• Management strategies for any chronic condition or disability including chronic pain.
• Emotional Regulation work
• Training for support workers, families and other members of your support team.
• Minor assistive technology assessment and recommendations, such as devices to help you study and communicate. Note we do not do complex home modifications or seating/wheelchair assessment and prescription.
• Assistance with employment and the workplace
• Assistance developing leisure pursuits and hobbies
• Targeted psychological therapies such as those listed here (link to CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR)
• Groups