Occupational Therapy (OT) is a client-centred, evidence-informed allied health profession that supports individuals, families, and communities to engage in meaningful daily activities that promote health, wellbeing, and participation. In mental health and wellbeing contexts, occupational therapists work to enhance functional capacity, emotion skills, and social connection through therapeutic engagement in everyday occupations.

With specialised expertise in the interplay between person, environment, and occupation, occupational therapists support children, young people, families, and groups to navigate life transitions, build resilience, and develop skills that support mental health and positive functioning. This includes interventions focused on play, learning, self-care, social interaction, and family routines, as well as group-based programs that foster belonging and emotional wellbeing.

Grounded in theory, and trauma-informed and strengths-based frameworks, OT practice integrates psychosocial, developmental, and behavioural approaches. Occupational therapists collaborate with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to create supportive environments and promote occupational participation, with the goal of enhancing quality of life and wellbeing across the lifespan.

Occupational therapists are experts in the relationship between what people do, their health and their wellbeing. They are guides that help people build knowledge and skills and identify strategies and interventions to enable them to thrive.