Referrals
Referral is through your GP or other health professional into your local community mental health team.
Occupational Therapy provides practical support to enable people to facilitate recovery and overcome any barriers that prevent them doing the activities or occupations* that matter to them. This helps to increase people’s independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life
Frequently asked questions
How will an occupational therapist help me?
A mental health Occupational Therapist’s role is to assess function and help people overcome the effects of mental ill health so they can carry out everyday activities and occupations that are important to them. An Occupational Therapist will work collaboratively with you in supporting you to achieve goals that are important to you.
Who can a mental health occupational therapist work with?
Anyone with a mental health diagnosis whose functional ability is affected as a result of their condition. For example, Mental Health Occupational Therapists routinely work with people with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Will an occupational therapist prescribe medication?
No. Occupational Therapists use activities and goal setting to support recovery.
How will working with an Occupational Therapist improve my mental health and functioning?
Occupational therapists will use standardised, functional assessments to identify areas of functional ability you require support with. From this assessment, the therapist will support you to identify realistic goals that are important to you and develop a treatment plan providing you with techniques and strategies to support you to achieve these goals. Duration of input will vary depending on individual need.
Part of our role is also to signpost you to relevant up to date resources that are specific to your needs.
All occupational therapists hold a professional qualification in occupational therapy and are registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). The team also comprises of assistant practitioners and occupational therapy support workers. Occupational therapists work alongside the Community mental health team.