Navigating Legal Services: A Proposed Lens for Occupational Therapy Practitioners Supporting Asylum Seekers

This article provides a lens through which occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can support immigrants seeking asylum in the United States. We argue that navigating legal services is a critical entry point where OTPs can collaborate with asylum seekers and legal aid organizations. While existing literature addresses occupational therapy assessments and interventions for this population, few studies emphasize how OTPs can assist asylum seekers in navigating the legal system to secure rights that enable safe participation in essential occupations such as work, education, social engagement, and leisure. To address this gap, we propose three strategies: (1) building partnerships with legal aid organizations, (2) conducting ongoing needs assessments with legal organizations and asylum seekers, and (3) collaborating to provide occupation-based resources and care. Partnerships among OTPs, asylum seekers, and legal professionals foster knowledge exchange and holistic, client-centered, evidence-based support. Legal experts offer insight into structural barriers; asylum seekers contribute lived experience and personal strengths; OTPs bring expertise in promoting participation and wellbeing through meaningful activity. Recognizing that asylum seekers often face systemic obstacles to daily engagement, we position legal navigation as a critical focus for OTPs. By outlining actionable strategies, this article equips OTPs to deliver responsive, justice-oriented care tailored to asylum seekers’ lived realities.