Referring to mental health OT?
What you need to know.
Mental health OT is particularly well suited to clients whose mental health is affecting their day-to-day functioning. Where practical, skills-based support is needed alongside or independent of psychological intervention.
Who to Refer
Functional impairment
Clients struggling with daily routines, self-care, work, study, or community participation due to mental health.
Neurodivergence
ADHD, ASD, or suspected neurodivergence where executive functioning, sensory processing, or routine support is needed.
Burnout & overwhelm
Clients experiencing burnout, chronic stress, or difficulty managing energy and daily demands.
Complex presentations
BPD, trauma, psychosis, or dual diagnosis where a functional, skills-based approach compliments existing treatment.
Compensable schemes
Clients funded through NDIS, WorkCover, or DVA requiring occupational therapy as part of their support plan.
Recovery & rehabilitation
Clients working toward recovery from acute episodes who need support rebuilding structure and independence.
What We Offer
Mental health OT sits alongside psychology and psychiatry, addressing the functional impact of mental health on everyday life. Where psychological intervention focuses on thoughts, emotions, and insight, OT focuses on what clients can actually do and builds practical capacity from there.
Functional assessment
Identifying how mental health is affecting a client's occupational performance across daily life, work, and community domains.
Routine and structure building
Developing sustainable daily routines that support mental health stability and prevent relapse.
Sensory and environmental strategies
Particularly for neurodivergent clients where sensory processing impacts function and wellbeing.
DBT skills
Credentialed DBT delivery including emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
Capacity building
Supporting clients to develop the skills and confidence to participate fully in their lives and communities.
Energy management and burnout prevention
Pacing strategies, activity modification, and sustainable self-care frameworks.