Mental Health Fieldwork Reflection Paper

Ali Gedlinske

Occupational therapy has such an important role in the behavioral health setting.

Occupational therapists are able to provide many underused and underappreciated services in this

setting. Our main focus is on independence and helping the patient return to what they want and

need to do in their everyday lives in order to feel successful. Occupational therapists who focus

mainly on mental health can be found in many different locations: schools, acute care, skilled

nursing facilities, among many others.

The work that occupational therapists are able to provide starts with helping children,

particularly those who have experiences adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These are

considered to be potentially traumatic events that affect a child’s physical and/or emotional

wellbeing. The presence of ACEs can also be predictive of mental health problems, physical

problems, or substance use disorders into adulthood. Occupational therapists are able to be a

“safe adult” in the child’s life, somewhat like a role model, and may also provide resources to the

family which help prevent more ACEs for the child. As we learned, a “safe adult” in a child’s

life is one of the most effective protective factors in preventing future health problems from

ACEs. As someone who wants to work with children, not only do I know the role that ACEs may

play in a child’s life, but I also know the importance I can play in the life of a child experiencing

ACEs.

As discussed in Mental Health First Aid, it is very important to be upfront and honest

about mental health. Oftentimes, occupational therapists may be the first (and potentially the

only) ear that will openly listen to a patient. The occupational therapist may also be able to

provide appropriate resources for the patient, along with contacting someone who may be more
fit to handle the mental health issues the patient is facing. This relates closely to the ALGEE

Action Plan discussed in the Mental Health First Aid course: assess the situation, listen, give

reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help, and encourage self-help

and other support strategies. This is an excellent nonlinear plan that can be used among a wide

variety of patients.

Throughout the simulated behavioral health courses, I learned that occupational therapists

are extremely hypervigilant about what they see patients do during sessions or how patients

perform certain tasks. This hypervigilance may lead to a better understanding of potential

triggers or struggles for the patient that the therapist may be able to help with. Because of these

observations, occupational therapists also play an important role in choosing tasks that

appropriately challenge the patient, regardless of the setting.

Overall, in the behavioral health setting, occupational therapists are invaluable assets to

the healthcare team. They provide a safe environment for patients to learn and speak freely,

without feeling judged. They can also be a main contact point for providing important resources

to families and individuals struggling with mental health. As a future occupational therapist, I

know it is very important to address mental health regardless of the setting I am in. Coping

strategies and similar approaches can be very beneficial in providing my patients with the chance

to engage in activities they want to and need to engage in. I also want to ensure that I practice

trauma informed care so I am able to help my future patients focus on overcoming barriers to

increase occupational engagement and social participation.