Integrating Behavioral Health Practice Approaches and Occupational Therapy: Curricular Considerations

Occupational Therapy programs preparing occupational therapists to work in the field need to enhance students' education surrounding mental/behavioral health (MH/BH) needs. Thus, a curricular approach is needed that not only includes OT conceptual practice models but also those practice approaches used in MH/BH care. Creating educational experiences that include knowledge from inside and outside OT establishes theoretical foundations that better equip students entering practice to address mental health needs of their clients. Further, educators can assist students to appraise the fit between specific practice approaches and OT practice. A review of current MH/BH literature found three common practice approaches used across disciplines. These practice approaches are described, discussed in relation to OT practice, and appraised in relation to their fit between the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) to better inform OT education and support novice occupational therapists entering the field.