Advancing Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Practice

Edited by: Elizabeth Anne McKay (University of Limerick), Christine Craik (Brunel University), Kee Hean Lim and Gabrielle Richards (South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust) 		      

Advancing Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Practice looks at the contribution that occupational therapists make to the lives of clients living with mental illness. It examines current practice developments and the innovative research that is shaping occupational therapy within the mental health arena, nationally and internationally.

The book employs a distinctive and engaging narrative approach, bringing to life key issues in practice and research. It introduces the reader to the mental health context, opening with a historical overview and then exploration of the current developments in occupational therapy before moving on to discuss the cultural context and the need for cultural sensitivity in practice. Service users and expert clinicians offer their narratives, through which the clinical utility and cultural appropriateness of existing occupational therapy concepts, assessments and outcome measures are discussed and the associated implications for practice highlighted.

Advancing Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Practice introduces and explores a variety of specialised work contexts from practicing in acute inpatient settings to crisis intervention, home treatment, forensic mental health settings and the specialist role of occupational therapy in community mental health and social services. Chapters are enriched with case stories, personal narratives and guided reflection.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Introducing the Mental Health Context


1. What have we been "doing?" - An historical review of occupational therapy

Ebrzabeth McKay



2. The changing face of occupational therapy in mental health

Gabrielle Richards



3. Cultural Sensitivity in Context

Kee Hean brm



Part 2: Exploring Practice Contexts





4. Engaging the disengaged: Practising in acute inpatient settings

Samantha Dewis and Michelle Harrison



5. Broadening horizons: Beyond acute mental health

Michelle Harrison and Samantha Dewis



6. "Doing" in Secure Settings

Elaine Hunter and Ebrzabeth McKay



7. Occupational, social and intrapersonal abrenation explored in the Community

Wendy Bryant



8. Strengths and challenges to practice: Reconcibrng occupational justice issues as a prerequisite to mental health recovery

Karen L Rebeiro Gruhl



9. The Art of Occupation

Jacquebrne Ede



10. Vocational rehabibrtation in the UK: How occupational therapy can contribute

Carla van Heerden



11. Powerful Stories and Challenging Messages

Graeme Smith



Part 3: Research and Future Directions





12. Reviewing consumer-run mental health services

Samson Tse and Carobrne Doughty



13. Twists and Turns: The development of a cbrnical-academic career pathway

Edward Duncan



14. Researching within mental health: Slow and Steady - A Canadian tour

Thelma Sumsion



15. Future prospects for occupational therapy in mental health

Christine Craik

About the Author

Dr Elizabeth McKay is Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Limerick, Ireland. She has published previously on narratives and mental health practice.

Christine Craik is Director of Occupational Therapy at Brunel University, UK. She has contributed extensively to mental health policy and to the evidence base.

Kee Hean Lim is Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Brunel University, UK, and Education Officer of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section: Mental Health.

Gabrielle Richards is Professional Head of Occupational Therapy at the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK, and past Chair of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section: Mental Health.