The untapped power of mental health Ots

For patients who may not feel ready to see a psychologist, GPs should consider referring to a mental health OT, writes Michelle Oliver.

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When a patient sits across from you, grappling with their mental health, your role as a GP is to guide them toward the right support.

In most cases, that means initiating a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referring them to a psychologist. But with psychologist waitlists growing and some patients hesitant to engage in traditional therapy due to stigma, past experiences, or personal preference, that pathway isn’t always the best fit.

With one in five Australians experiencing mental illness, it’s clear that mental health care can’t be a one-size-fits-all model. For patients who would benefit from a more hands-on, practical approach, there’s another option that many GPs might not know about: endorsed mental health occupational therapists (OTs).

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Under the same Mental Health Treatment Plan, patients can access up to ten subsidised sessions with a mental health OT. For many, this type of support can be the key to regaining stability, rebuilding confidence, and managing daily life with more ease.

A personalised approach

Mental health OTs bring a different lens to care. Rather than focusing solely on talking therapies, they support people to re-engage with daily life by helping them rebuild routines, connect with their communities, and regain a sense of identity and purpose.

This approach can be particularly effective for patients whose distress is deeply tied to everyday functioning, like a new mum overwhelmed by her changing role, or a young person finding it hard to engage in the classroom or with peers.

While psychologists play a vital role in the mental health system, mental health OTs offer a complementary service that’s often underutilised simply due to a lack of awareness.

By considering OTs in your mental health referral toolkit, you can:

• Offer more diverse and person-centred care options to your patients
• Reduce the pressure on psychologists so they can focus on higher-intensity therapeutic cases
• Support patients who might be resistant to seeing a psychologist, whether due to stigma or personal preference.

An OT’s approach is often seen as less intimidating, which can be a vital step in helping someone begin their mental health recovery journey.

When to refer to a mental health OT

There are many scenarios where a referral to a mental health OT can be particularly beneficial, especially for patients who are struggling to function day-to-day but may not need, or want, traditional therapy.

For example, a new mother experiencing postnatal anxiety may feel overwhelmed by her shifting identity, disrupted sleep, and the demands of caregiving. While she may not feel ready to speak to a psychologist, a mental health OT can support her to build structure into her day, reconnect with meaningful activities, and gradually regain her confidence in her new role.

Similarly, a young person finding it difficult to participate in school due to anxiety or social isolation might benefit from the practical, strengths-based approach of an OT.

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An OT can work with them to develop real-world strategies for managing the school environment, improving concentration, and re-engaging with peers in a way that feels safe and achievable.

Mental health OTs can also play an important role in the ongoing care plan for people living with chronic health conditions. In addition to their physical health challenges, many of these people experience mental health difficulties as a result of long-term pain, fatigue, or isolation.

Referring these patients to a mental health OT can assist with goal setting, pacing strategies, and environmental modifications that empower the person to manage both their physical and mental health more effectively.

What sets mental health OTs apart is their ability to provide tailored strategies that promote mental wellbeing through practical change for people of all ages, abilities and stages of life. For patients who might not feel ready for traditional therapy, or who need support that bridges the gap between mental and functional health, mental health OTs are a great option.

Working together

The healthcare system thrives when professionals work together. Just as you might refer to a physiotherapist for physical rehab or a dietitian for nutritional guidance, OTs should be considered an essential part of the mental health care ecosystem.

Incorporating mental health OTs into your mental health referral network not only provides your patients with more options, but it ensures more people get the right help at the right time.

With the growing need for mental health care in Australia, tapping into this underutilised resource allows GPs to provide practical, compassionate care to those who need it most.

ED: Michelle Oliver is the Chief Occupational Therapist at Occupational Therapy Australia.

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