Emerging Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Practice in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Occupational therapy (OT) services within mental health (MH) in Saudi Arabia are not well documented. This qualitative study investigated the factors influencing MH-related OT practice in the KSA from psychiatrists' and occupational therapists' perspectives. Data collection was conducted with nine participants including occupational therapists and psychiatrists using semi-structured interviews. Four themes emerged: perceptions about MH-related OT practice; OT’s professional identity in Saudi Arabia; challenges toward implementing OT services in psychiatry; and the promotion of OT services within Saudi MH. The findings suggested that awareness about MH-related OT practice is essential to enhance the profession’s presence within MH field.

Keywords:

• Occupational therapy
• mental health
• Saudi Arabia
• qualitative study
• barriers to practice