How can occupational therapy help MHSTs reduce health inequalities in schools? Reflections on a novel approach integrating OT with the MHST offer

Children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) often struggle with their mental health, especially when schools do not have the right knowledge or support in place. Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) try to help by using talking therapies like CBT, but these may not always work well for SEN children. This paper looks at how Occupational Therapy (OT) be integrated into MHSTs to bridge gaps in support for SEN children, and widen access to OT support and promote nuanced CBT practice. This paper shares an example from Newham, where a new OT model has helped teachers, parents, and psychological practitioners understand and meet SEN children’s needs. Feedback on the initiative shows that integrating OT into MHSTs can make mental health support more fair, accessible, holistic, and effective for children with additional needs.