Client Perceptions of an Occupational Therapy Program in a Community Rehabilitation Residence

Abstract

Occupational therapy programs in mental health community rehabilitation residences (CRRs) are unrecognized in occupational therapy literature. This study utilized a prospective observational cohort design with a mixed method approach to answer the question: what are clients’ perceptions of OT in a mental health CRR? Participants completed a researcher developed Likert scale survey and semi-structured interview. The results indicated positive views for occupational therapy services received and the desire for expansion of services. Most participants reported meeting goals through learning a skill or improving performance in known tasks. Limitations included a small sample size, a singular site, and the study design.

Keywords:

• Occupational therapy
• mental health
• community rehabilitation residence
• strengths based

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge Teresa May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA at Widener University for her expertise, wisdom, and guidance for this project and future endeavors.

Disclosure statement

The authors reported that they have no competing interests to declare.

Funding details

The authors reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexandra Nichols

Alexandra Nichols, OTD, OTR/L was a graduate student at the Institute of Occupational Therapy Education at Widener University at the time of this study. She will begin her new role as an occupational therapy practitioner working as a travel therapist.

Ashley Seiver

Ashley Seiver, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and founder of Mental Health Matters, LLC, a clinic that provides outpatient mental health services, offers mental health training for helping professionals, and implements mental health programming in various settings. Ashley runs a program to provide occupational therapy services at Resources for Human Development, the nonprofit where this study is based.

LaRonda Lockhart-Keene

LaRonda Lockhart-Keene OTD, OTR/L, CLA is an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Occupational Therapy at Widener University. She is an OT of 26 years providing OT services in various settings. She has 10 years of experience in academia serving in the roles of Academic FW Coordinator and Program Director. She has published articles related to adjunct faculty preparation and clinical reasoning in OTA students.

Kristen Meyer

Kristen Meyer, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCP is an Assistant Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in the Institute of Occupational Therapy Education at Widener University in Chester, PA, USA. She is an experienced Occupational Therapist board certified in pediatrics with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Occupational Therapy, Program Development, Teaching, Higher Education, and Leadership.