Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Today: A Survey and Some Reflections

Abstract

Information regarding the profession of occupational therapy in mental health from a global perspective can support understanding of the profession’s contribution to this area and support its development, which would increase the possibility for clients to obtain service from the profession. WFOT has circulated a questionnaire aimed at collecting this information and has received responses from twenty-five countries. The figures are not conclusive due to the lack of responses from many countries, but a trend can be identified which sees occupational therapists in mental health as decreasing in number. A discussion of the findings, explores both global trends in mental health according to the WHO and proposals for actions by the profession of occupational therapy.

Keywords:

• professional status
• global perspective, WHO
• Atlas project