Treating patients whose emotional issues include a strong physical component takes time, and the slow progress can be frustrating for both clinician and client. However, there are ways to accelerate results. Sensory issues connected to anxiety often hinder emotional breakthroughs, delaying progress and causing undue stress. By addressing these issues with Occupational Therapy, success can frequently be reached in a shorter period and more effectively.
Understanding the OT’s Role in Mental Health Treatment
As occupational therapists, our goal is to enable patients to react to stimulants in an adaptable manner through achieving balance within the nervous system. OT regulates the body using a bottom-up approach, freeing the mind to tackle underlying emotional issues from the top down. Once the physical manifestations of anxiety are healed with OT, clients are free to focus on the cognitive aspects of their daily challenges, enabling them to see effective change with greater speed.
Adults working with both a psychologist and occupational therapist can reach measurable results in as little as six months. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy interventions significantly improve outcomes for individuals with mental health conditions (AOTA, 2016). More recent research confirms that integrated approaches addressing both cognitive and sensory-motor aspects of anxiety produce superior outcomes compared to either intervention alone (Champagne & Stromberg, 2004; Brown et al., 2019).
Making Effective OT Referrals
Look for OTs with:
- Specialized training in mental health (often designated as mental health OT or psychiatric OT)
- Certification in sensory integration (SI certification through USC or CLASI)
- Experience working with adult populations with anxiety disorders
- Understanding of trauma-informed care principles
- Willingness to collaborate with other providers
Insurance and Logistics
OT for mental health may be covered under medical rather than mental health benefits. Patients should verify coverage before beginning treatment. Some OTs offer sliding scale fees.
When OT Referral May Not Be Appropriate
While OT-psychology collaboration benefits many patients, consider whether referral is premature or unnecessary:
- Acute crisis requires more intensive psychiatric intervention
- Patient is making steady progress with current treatment
- Physical symptoms appear to be purely psychological rather than sensory-based
- Patient is not open to body-based interventions
- Active substance use disorder requires stabilization first
Case Examples
Meet Deborah
As a result of trauma from her abusive childhood, Deborah, age 35, suffered from claustrophobia, heart palpitations, and daily unmanageable anxiety. Deborah was also challenged in the area of sensory integration – sounds, smells, and the functioning of her physical body were each cause for stress. Deborah’s psychologist suggested she try occupational therapy to address her sensory-induced challenges, while he would focus exclusively on the trauma-induced anxiety during their therapy sessions.
Upon attending occupational therapy, Deborah began to experience entire days with manageable levels of anxiety, and other days with no feelings of anxiety at all. Whereas Deborah had been unable to exhale completely, now Deborah can breathe deeply, thereby diminishing her stress, fatigue and anxiety. Deborah is now able to focus on healing her past through cognitive therapy, thanks to the management of her sensory integration disorder.
Meet Tami
Married with 5 children under age 9, Tami felt constant emotional pain. She struggled to express her needs and emotions. Spontaneous encounters completely unsettled her, including the sensations of being around her children. Tami experienced daily anxiety, physical exhaustion, and taut nerves. Her children’s bedtime caused panic, dizziness, lightheadedness, and a constricted chest.
Using techniques she acquired in occupational therapy, Tami was able to maintain calm most of her day, and remain composed throughout her children’s bedtime routine. Tami followed a strict regimen of tactile integration and goal-setting, and within a few short weeks Tami was able to recognize and prevent feelings of overwhelm and learned to communicate her feelings. Her relationship with herself, her husband, and her children took a 360 degree turn for the better.
Rachel Speaks
I’m writing…because I can never thank you enough! I’m a different person. It’s amazing how comfortable I’m able to feel in social situations. Tonight I had a big family celebration and there were people and noise and I was OK, (not that it was perfect but it was OK). And most of all I felt confident and happy in my own body.”
– Rachel aged 25We’ve seen results such as these time and time again.
And we’d be happy to partner in your clients’ success as well.
Contact us to determine if your patient is a good fit for occupational therapy, and we’ll collaborate on setting goals to ensure the best possible momentum for your client.
Ready to Partner in Your Clients’ Success?
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I refer a patient to occupational therapy?
When physical symptoms (hyperarousal, sensory sensitivity, body-based anxiety) impede progress in talk therapy despite adequate cognitive work.
What does an OT do for mental health patients?
OTs address nervous system regulation through sensory integration, movement, and body-based interventions that create physiological calm.
How do OT and psychology work together?
OT regulates the body, creating physiological stability that allows psychology’s cognitive work to be more effective
Is occupational therapy evidence-based for anxiety?
Yes. Research shows OT interventions improve outcomes for mental health conditions, particularly when combined with psychotherapy.
How do I find an OT who works with mental health?
Look for OTs with mental health specialization, sensory integration training, and experience in adult mental health settings.