The Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health: Restoring Balance and Purpose

Occupational therapists (OTs) are indispensable allies in the journey towards mental health recovery and wellbeing. Through their specialised skills and compassionate approach, OTs help individuals rebuild balance in their lives, develop practical coping strategies, and rediscover a sense of meaning and connection.

Across Australia, and particularly through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), mental health occupational therapy plays an integral role in supporting people to regain independence and enhance quality of life. Providers like PotentialMe in Melbourne are part of this ongoing effort to make recovery-focused therapy more accessible for individuals living with mental health challenges.

Learning how occupational therapy supports mental health recovery helps people take meaningful steps towards greater independence and wellbeing.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do in Mental Health?

Occupational therapy in mental health focuses on helping individuals participate meaningfully in everyday activities — those that form the foundation of wellbeing, identity, and purpose.

Rather than concentrating solely on symptoms or diagnoses, OTs look at how a person’s mental illness or mental health condition affects their ability to perform daily tasks, maintain relationships, or engage in the community. They work alongside clients to strengthen these areas through personalised, evidence-based interventions.

An OT may assist a person in developing routines that promote stability, managing stress, improving sleep hygiene, building self-care skills, or finding employment or education pathways. They also address barriers such as fatigue, low motivation, or social anxiety that may prevent participation in daily life.

Ultimately, mental health occupational therapy aims to empower individuals to live independently and confidently, focusing on what matters most to them.

What Is the Role of Occupational Therapy in Inpatient Mental Health?

In inpatient or hospital-based mental health settings, occupational therapists are key members of the multidisciplinary team. They work with individuals during periods of acute mental illness to help stabilise daily functioning, rebuild confidence, and prepare for life beyond the hospital environment.

Occupational therapy focuses on helping people meet their mental health needs through participation in meaningful and purposeful activities. Within these structured settings, mental health occupational therapists provide both individual and group-based programs that promote engagement, self-expression, and emotional regulation. The focus is on supporting participation in meaningful activities rather than only managing symptoms. Common examples of inpatient OT include:

• Creative and expressive activities such as art, music, or journalling to encourage relaxation and emotional expression.
• Life skills programs such as cooking, budgeting, or personal organisation to develop practical, everyday competencies.
• Sensory modulation and mindfulness-based sessions that help reduce anxiety, support self-regulation, and foster calm in high-stress environments.
• Goal-setting and routine-building workshops that assist with discharge planning, structure, and community reintegration.

Inpatient occupational therapy bridges the gap between clinical mental health treatment and real-world participation. Rather than focusing solely on symptom recovery, it helps individuals regain purpose, routine, and confidence, laying the foundation for sustainable wellbeing once they return to their communities.

What Is the Role of Occupational Therapy in Acute Mental Health?

Acute mental health services provide short-term, intensive support for people experiencing a mental health crisis, such as severe depression, psychosis, or acute anxiety. Occupational therapists working in these settings focus on stabilisation, engagement, and supporting early recovery.

During the early phase of admission, an OT’s work often involves creating a safe and structured environment that helps individuals regain a sense of control. As symptoms stabilise, therapy expands to include more active interventions that restore daily function and confidence.

Occupational therapists in acute settings may:

• Introduce calming sensory strategies such as grounding exercises, breathing techniques, or access to sensory tools and quiet spaces to reduce distress and support emotional regulation.
• Use graded activities to help individuals re-establish structure and focus, often through simple, meaningful tasks that encourage participation without overwhelming the person.
• Teach practical coping skills to manage intense emotions, improve concentration, and enhance self-awareness.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and peer workers to identify discharge goals and connect clients with community and NDIS supports that sustain recovery after leaving hospital.

In these fast-paced environments, occupational therapists play a crucial bridging role between clinical care and everyday life. Their work helps people stabilise during crisis, rebuild confidence in daily routines, and transition safely toward ongoing community recovery and participation.

What Are the OT Interventions for Mental Health?

Occupational therapists use a wide range of evidence-based interventions to support recovery and participation in daily life. These occupational therapy interventions are always personalised to the individual’s needs, goals, and circumstances, whether they are living with mild conditions or serious mental illness.

Common Therapeutic Approaches

1. Skills Training:
   OTs help individuals develop practical skills like personal care, time management, budgeting, cooking, or organising daily tasks. These skills form the foundation of independent living and confidence.
2. Activity and Routine Planning:
   Establishing structure is an important part of mental health recovery. OTs support clients in creating daily routines that balance rest, productivity, and leisure, helping them manage stress, reduce anxiety, and maintain stability.
3. Cognitive and Emotional Strategies:
   Occupational therapists often use cognitive-behavioural principles to address unhelpful thought patterns and develop positive coping strategies. This can help clients improve focus, motivation, and self-esteem. These occupational therapy interventions are particularly effective in supporting long-term emotional regulation and resilience.
4. Social Skills Development:
   OTs guide clients in practising communication and social interaction skills to foster stronger relationships, rebuild trust, and reconnect with the community.
5. Sensory and Mindfulness Techniques:
   For individuals who experience sensory sensitivities or emotional dysregulation, OTs teach techniques like sensory grounding, mindfulness exercises, or relaxation methods to promote calmness and control.

Overall, occupational therapy interventions in mental health combine evidence-based strategies with meaningful activities that empower individuals to manage their conditions and lead more balanced, purposeful lives.

Individual vs. Group Interventions

Occupational therapy interventions may involve one-on-one sessions focused on personal goals or group programs designed to build connection and community participation. Occupational therapists assess each person’s needs and determine which approach best supports their recovery journey. Both types of interventions play an important role in helping people feel supported, connected, and capable of progress.



What Are the Goals of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health?

Every occupational therapy plan begins with a clear set of goals that reflect what the client wants to achieve. In mental health settings, these goals might relate to daily living, relationships, employment, education, or overall wellbeing.

Key objectives often include:

• Improving independence in self-care and daily tasks.
• Building social participation and confidence in connecting with others.
• Developing coping strategies for stress and emotional regulation.
• Strengthening motivation and engagement in meaningful activities.
• Supporting community integration and reducing isolation.

For many people, these goals represent more than practical achievements. They are steps toward reclaiming identity, confidence, and hope. Occupational therapists help translate these aspirations into achievable actions through consistent, supportive care.



How Does Occupational Therapy Help Mental Health?

Occupational therapy makes a measurable difference in mental health recovery by helping individuals rebuild life skills, improve self-awareness, and reconnect with their communities.

Many people living with mental health conditions experience difficulties with motivation, focus, or emotional regulation. Occupational therapy addresses these challenges through a holistic, person-centred approach that considers not just the mind but also the body, environment, and daily routines.

For example:

• Someone experiencing depression may benefit from graded activity plans that gradually increase motivation and restore a sense of accomplishment.
• A person living with anxiety might work with an OT to develop structured routines and grounding exercises that make daily life more manageable.
• Individuals recovering from psychosis may use sensory-based interventions and social skill programs to rebuild confidence and independence.

At PotentialMe, our occupational therapists empower participants to set realistic goals and measure progress in ways that are meaningful to them. The focus is not only on recovery but also on living well with mental health challenges and building resilience for the future.



What Are the Benefits of Occupational Therapy?

The benefits of occupational therapy extend far beyond mental health management. By addressing all aspects of daily living, occupational therapists help individuals improve their overall quality of life, achieve greater autonomy, and experience renewed purpose.

Some of the most common benefits include:

• Improved daily functioning: Clients gain confidence in managing home, work, or study tasks.
• Better emotional regulation: Learning coping and sensory strategies reduces anxiety and distress.
• Increased motivation and engagement: Structured routines help reignite interest in meaningful activities.
• Enhanced relationships: Social skill development and participation programs strengthen interpersonal connections.
• Lifestyle balance: OTs help clients create harmony between productivity, rest, and recreation.

These benefits contribute to a holistic recovery process, supporting both physical and mental well being. Many clients report feeling more empowered, self-aware, and capable of pursuing their goals after engaging in occupational therapy.



Support Across Different Life Stages

Occupational therapy for mental health is not limited to a particular age group or condition. OTs work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, addressing diverse needs at every stage of life.

For younger clients, therapy may focus on emotional regulation, school engagement, and developing healthy routines. For adults, the focus might shift to employment, independent living, or managing complex conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or trauma-related disorders. Older adults may benefit from support with cognitive decline, social isolation, or adapting to physical changes that affect mental wellbeing.

At PotentialMe, our OTs work collaboratively with families, carers, and other professionals to provide coordinated, person-centred support.



Integration with the NDIS

As a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne, PotentialMe offers occupational therapy services that empower participants living with mental illness and other mental health conditions to achieve their goals and lead more independent lives.

Through the NDIS, individuals can access funding for occupational therapy under Capacity Building Supports or Improved Daily Living categories. This funding allows OTs to provide services such as:

• Functional assessments and goal planning.
• Skill development and daily living training.
• Support with community participation and employment preparation.
• Assistance in accessing assistive technology or home modifications.

Our team at PotentialMe helps participants understand their NDIS plans, access suitable supports, and make the most of their funding. Whether it’s developing new routines, building social confidence, or improving daily living skills, we’re committed to helping people thrive and achieve improved mental health.



The Impact of Occupational Therapy on Quality of Life

The impact of occupational therapy in mental health extends far beyond clinical recovery. It directly enhances quality of life. By focusing on participation, empowerment, and personal growth, occupational therapists help individuals reconnect with daily activities that bring meaning and fulfilment.

Many clients describe feeling “seen” for the first time, not just as someone with a diagnosis, but as a person with strengths, goals, and potential. Through occupational therapy, they gain the tools to rebuild confidence, independence, and purpose, all key elements of an improved quality of life.

At PotentialMe, we’ve witnessed countless success stories where clients have re-engaged in hobbies, re-entered the workforce, or built stronger relationships through consistent OT support. These outcomes reflect how occupational therapy supports lasting wellbeing by restoring balance, connection, and everyday satisfaction.



How to Access Mental Health Occupational Therapy Services

If you or someone you care for is living with a mental health condition and is eligible for NDIS support, occupational therapy for mental health can be a life-changing part of your recovery journey.

PotentialMe’s qualified OTs are available across Greater Melbourne to offer personalised programs designed to help you improve daily functioning, enhance wellbeing, and build independence.

To learn more about how occupational therapy can support your mental health journey, contact PotentialMe today. We are here to help you move forward confidently.



Takeaway

Occupational therapy in mental health helps people move beyond recovery to rediscover purpose, structure, and confidence in daily life. Through the NDIS and the compassionate support of providers like PotentialMe, individuals can access evidence-based strategies that promote genuine progress and independence.

Many people come to occupational therapy looking for stability, balance, or new ways to manage the challenges of day-to-day life. With the right guidance, they build the skills and routines that lead to lasting wellbeing and personal growth.

PotentialMe mental health occupational therapists specialise in mental illness (psychosocial disability), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Intellectual Disability (ID). Reach out to us today to learn how we can support you or someone you care for in achieving a more confident, balanced, and fulfilling life.