This page was copied directly from Old RefHelp 2016 content and is under review, however this is the latest available content.
Occupational therapists facilitate people back to meaningful routines of self care, productivity (including work and education) and leisure. At least one occupational therapist is based within each of the Primary Care Mental Health Teams in Edinburgh.
Services
Occupational therapists conduct mental health and specialist occupational therapy assessments to explore individual’s current circumstances and past / present functioning in relation to their health and wellbeing. This enables the occupational therapist to identify areas of strength and difficulty. They then work collaboratively with the patient to identify and prioritise goals for treatment.
The following could be examples of what the occupational therapist would focus on:
- Occupational identity: sense of self, motivation, choices, and roles.
- Occupational competence and confidence: Skills, education, ability to perform tasks, problem solving / practical solutions and modification of behaviours
- Occupational engagement: engagement with work, education and other productive roles, signposting and community engagement
- Onward referral: where appropriate referral on to other appropriate agencies or services
- Occupational Therapists within Primary Care Mental Health Teams work from health clinics located in each sector.
Who to refer
Patients requiring primary care mental health input, whose functional abilities (e.g.: in performing domestic, social, leisure, work, or education activities) are compromised by their condition.
Who not to refer
Clients are too unstable in their mental state/physically aggressive to be able to engage in individual/group work. Clients who do not want OT assessment or intervention.
How to refer
Referrals can be made by the GP directly to Occupational Therapy via SCI gateway. Referrals from GPs to the Primary Care mental Health Team might also be triaged to Occupational Therapy at referral meetings.
Resources
(these are non-linked suggestions /No link to up to date leaflets)
Occupational Therapy guidelines for prioritising caseloads
Occupational Therapy services Leaflet This leaflet explains to a member of the public what is Occupational Therapy and what will happen when they meet an Occupational therapist.
Occupational Therapy and Depression -This booklet explains how an Occupational Therapist can help people with depression.
Advice on how to overcome work related stress – This leaflet explains what is stress and its causes in the workplace before outlining how Occupational Therapists can help.
Working is good for you – This leaflet explains the value of employment and explains how Occupational Therapists can help you remain in or return to work.
