Mental Health Occupational Therapist (MH OT) First Contact Practitioners are highly skilled and experienced clinicians who can see patients who present to the GP surgery with a mental health concern, without them having to see a GP. They can complete advanced risk assessments and help with a variety of mental health concerns.
MH OTs can offer support which focuses on how mental health may be affecting people’s daily life. Their intervention helps with anxiety and mood management, regulating emotions, developing motivation and interest levels, re-engaging in hobbies and important roles within a person’s life.
Together with the patient, the MH OT will develop a plan to support a person’s mental health, enabling the person to be more independent and feel more in control of their daily life.
Who the service is for
Any mental health concern including but not exclusive:
- Anxiety
- Depression / low mood
- Struggling with motivation
- Acute life events such as bereavement, job loss, relationship breakdowns
- Sleep difficulties
- Confidence and / or self-esteem issues
- Intrusive thoughts
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Mental health pathologies such as personality disorder, schizophrenia etc
Exclusion
- Under 17-year-olds
- Any issues with current medication
- Physical health problems e.g. pain
What to expect in your appointment
The MH OT will listen to your concerns and carry out their detailed assessments to be able to determine the best management plan. This can include short term intervention in your GP surgery, talking therapies or referring on to secondary services who provide more specialist care.
If medication is an appropriate treatment the MH OT can discuss this with the doctors alongside a full management plan.
Top 5 reasons to see your Surgery MH OT
- Reduces onward referral by getting support within the GP Surgery.
- You receive a thorough assessment and a management plan or rehabilitation in the initial appointment.
- Reduce the need for medication.
- Seeing the right person first time.
- Getting time to tell your story and look at the occupation aspect of mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
I just want to get medication from the GP!
Medication is not always going to aid mental health concerns. The MH OT will assess the bigger picture to provide a management plan and discuss when medication may help you on your journey. Occupational Therapists are unable to prescribe but they work closely with the GPs and prescribers to make your healthcare journey more streamlined.
I want a medication increased.
If medication is not working effectively, the MH OT can assess other factors that may help your symptoms. MH OTs can discuss with GPs or prescribers if changes in your medication are suitable.
Can they write sick notes?
Yes. MH OTs are able to write sick notes / Med3’s if you feel you are not able to work or need support for amended duties.
Are Mental Health Occupational Therapists qualified?
Yes, they are highly specialised. Our Mental Health Occupational Therapists all have an undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy, and they all have extensive expert experience working in a variety of settings of mental health. They all complete a First Contact Practitioner Roadmap (additional University training) to upskill in the demands of primary care and managing your health holistically.
Resources
Donnelly, C., Leclair, L., Hand, C., Wener, P. and Letts, L., 2023. Occupational therapy services in primary care: a scoping review. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 24, p.e7.
NHS England First Contact Practitioner Roadmap- Allied health professions | NHS England | Workforce, training and education (hee.nhs.uk)
Royal College of Occupational Therapist – Occupational therapy in primary care – RCOT