Occupational therapist
Kaihaumanu tūroro
Occupational therapists working in the mental health sector use occupation as the primary way to restore health and wellbeing.
Mental illness can impact on people's ability to involve themselves in the things they like to do and need to do to make their lives meaningful and satisfying. Occupational therapists in mental health believe participation in life assists and maintains good mental health and promotes recovery for people experiencing mental health problems. Occupational therapists use the term occupation to describe the things people want or need in terms of self care, work and leisure.
Occupational therapists working within the mental health sector gain employment with DHBs, private practice, NGOs and primary health services.
Within DHBs, occupational therapists can progress their career from an occupational therapist role into senior and consultant roles, or move into roles such as employment consultancy. Some DHBs have occupational therapists in leadership roles including clinical leader, professional advisor and chief executive.
Find out more about the most common occupational therapy roles.