Mental Health Occupational Therapy

What is mental health Occupational Therapy?

Our mental health service supports adolescents and adults through psychologically-informed practice and guided treatments. Our service was created with the intention to empower people with the knowledge and skills to increase their capacity for emotional, physical and energetic health and wellbeing. 

At Rebound Health, our Occupational Therapists recognise that well-being looks different for everyone.
That's why we customise therapy to assist our clients in living the way they want, according to their preferred lifestyle.

All services are client-centred and recovery-focused working in collaboration with the individual, family and important communities towards identified goals, hopes and desires. We believe in creating a positive culture of wellbeing and doing our best to support and empower those we work with to find the path back to living meaningful and fulfilling lives.


How mental health occupational therapy can help?

At Rebound Health our therapists use components of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and mindfulness. Our therapists use a wide variety of evidence-based interventions and psychosocial support. This may include:

  • Emotion regulation

  • Sleep hygiene

  • Establishing routines for daily activities

  • Life skills development

  • Social skills training

  • Psychoeducation 

  • Communication skills (including setting boundaries and assertive communication) 

  • Finding meaning and value 

  • Risk/crisis planning

 

Some common diagnoses that mental health occupational therapist can help with include but are not limited to;

  • Depression

  • Anxiety (generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks)

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Schizoaffective disorder

  • Schizophrenia

  • Substance abuse disorders

  • ADHD and Autism

  • Understanding Occupational Therapy for Mental Health

    The Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health

    Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in mental health care by addressing the holistic needs of individuals. This approach focuses on enabling people to participate in daily activities that are meaningful to them, enhancing their quality of life and well-being. Occupational therapy for mental health involves assessment and intervention to support individuals in managing their mental health conditions and improving their functional abilities. By utilizing various therapeutic techniques, OT helps individuals develop coping strategies, improve social skills, and enhance their cognitive functions. The role of occupational therapy in mental health is essential in promoting recovery and helping individuals lead fulfilling lives despite their mental health challenges. This comprehensive approach ensures that therapy is not just about managing symptoms, but also about enabling clients to lead productive and satisfying lives.

    Benefits of Mental Health OT

    Mental health OT provides numerous benefits to individuals struggling with mental health issues. One of the primary advantages is the improvement in daily functioning. Through tailored interventions, occupational therapists help individuals develop skills necessary for daily living, such as self-care, productivity, and leisure activities. Additionally, OT supports the development of coping mechanisms that enable individuals to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Mental health occupational therapy also enhances social interactions and relationships by improving communication skills and promoting community participation. Moreover, OT can boost self-esteem and confidence, empowering individuals to take control of their lives and achieve their personal goals. By fostering these skills, mental health OT can significantly reduce the impact of mental health issues on an individual's everyday life, enabling them to engage more fully with their communities and pursue their interests.

    Our Occupational Therapy Services for Mental Health

    Individualized Mental Health OT Plans

    At Rebound Health, we understand that each individual's mental health journey is unique. That's why we offer individualized mental health OT plans tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. Our experienced occupational therapists work closely with clients to develop personalized plans that address their unique challenges and aspirations. These plans include a combination of assessments, therapeutic interventions, and regular reviews to ensure that the support provided is relevant and effective. Mental health occupational therapy at Rebound Health is designed to be flexible and responsive, adapting to the evolving needs of our clients. This personalized approach ensures that each client receives the precise support they need to manage their mental health and improve their overall quality of life.

    Personalised Assessments

    Our personalized assessments are the foundation of our mental health OT plans. During the assessment process, our occupational therapists conduct comprehensive evaluations to understand the client's functional abilities, mental health status, and personal goals. These assessments involve detailed interviews, observation, and standardized tests to gather relevant information. The insights gained from these assessments are used to create a tailored intervention plan that addresses the client's specific needs. By focusing on individualized assessments, we ensure that our occupational therapy for mental health is both effective and client-centred. This thorough assessment process helps to identify the strengths and areas of need for each client, allowing us to create the most effective and personalized treatment plans.

    Customised Therapy Sessions

    Following the assessment, our occupational therapists design customized therapy sessions that align with the client's goals and needs. These sessions may include a variety of therapeutic activities such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and life skills training. Each session is structured to provide targeted support and help clients develop the skills needed to manage their mental health condition effectively. Mental health OT sessions at Rebound Health are conducted in a supportive and therapeutic environment, promoting recovery and enhancing overall well-being. Our customized therapy sessions ensure that each client receives the most relevant and beneficial interventions to support their mental health journey.

    Key Components of Mental Health Occupational Therapy

    Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

    Cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT) are a cornerstone of mental health occupational therapy. These techniques involve identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours, helping individuals develop healthier ways of thinking and coping. CBT is effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Occupational therapists use CBT to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, enabling them to make positive changes and improve their mental health. By incorporating CBT into our therapy sessions, we provide clients with practical tools and strategies to manage their mental health more effectively and improve their overall quality of life.

    Mindfulness & Relaxation Practices

    Mindfulness and relaxation practices are integral components of mental health OT. These practices involve techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, which help individuals manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness practices encourage individuals to focus on the present moment, reducing rumination and promoting a sense of calm. Incorporating these techniques into occupational therapy helps clients develop effective coping strategies and improve their emotional regulation. By practising mindfulness and relaxation, clients can learn to manage their stress and anxiety more effectively, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

    Life Skills Training

    Life skills training is a critical aspect of occupational therapy for mental health. This training focuses on equipping individuals with the skills needed to perform daily activities independently. Life skills training may include teaching clients how to manage their finances, maintain a household, and practice good hygiene. By developing these essential skills, individuals can achieve greater independence and improve their overall quality of life. Occupational therapists at Rebound Health tailor life skills training to the specific needs of each client, ensuring that the training is relevant and practical. This focus on life skills helps clients to manage their daily lives more effectively, reducing the impact of their mental health issues on their ability to function independently.

    Vocational Rehabilitation

    Vocational rehabilitation is an important component of mental health occupational therapy. This aspect of OT focuses on helping individuals prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Vocational rehabilitation may involve job skills training, career counselling, and support in finding suitable employment opportunities. By addressing vocational needs, occupational therapists help clients achieve economic independence and improve their social integration. The role of occupational therapy in mental health extends to supporting individuals in their professional lives, contributing to their overall well-being and sense of purpose. By helping clients to find and maintain employment, we support their economic independence and provide them with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

    Contact Rebound Health

    If you or a loved one is in need of mental health occupational therapy, contactRebound Health today. Our team of experienced occupational therapists is dedicated to providing personalized and effective mental health support. Reach out to us to schedule an initial consultation and start your journey towards better mental health and well-being. With Rebound Health, you can access comprehensive mental health occupational therapy services designed to meet your unique needs and help you achieve your personal goals. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, providing the highest quality care to help you manage your mental health and improve your quality of life.

  • If you are accessing mental health occupational therapy under a mental health care plan we will need to see a copy of that plan during your first appointment.

  • Any relevant information to help your therapist get a good understanding of your situation. This might include your NDIS plan, any reports/letters from other health professionals, your mental health care plan.

  • Your therapist will chat with you about your condition and the impact it has on your everyday life. They might ask about services/treatment you have engaged in in the past and what has/hasn’t worked.
    You will then collaborate to identify your goals moving forward.