Date of Award
7-2021
Document Status
Open Access
Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Kelly A. Machnik
Abstract
Mental illness and substance use disorders are common in the United States and can significantly inhibit occupational participation. The aim of this study was to evaluate existing outpatient behavioral health services and determine if occupational therapists can make a distinct contribution to this population’s needs. An electronic survey created via Qualtrics was provided to licensed outpatient behavioral health providers in the United States utilizing a convenience sampling method. Results revealed provider concerns related to their clients' areas of daily life and barriers to function, which are within the scope of occupational therapy practice. Results highlight gaps in current outpatient behavioral health services, supporting a distinct value for occupational therapists in this setting.
ScholarWorks Citation
Moran, Kailee; Oldenburg, Jaclyn; VanRegenmorter, Mallory; and Williams, Kate, "Occupational Therapy in Outpatient Behavioral Health" (2021). Mental Health. 6.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ot_mental_health/6
