Occupational Therapy support for people living with mental health challenges that affect daily routines, participation, confidence and independence.
Our approach begins with a functional assessment to understand the person, their goals, current challenges and the support that may help.
At Total Health Choice, our first step to providing mental health support is conducting a functional assessment to gain insight into a client’s mental health status and overall functionality.
We then collaborate with the client to identify their specific challenges and the support they require. The mental health concerns we encounter can include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, among others.
Many of our clients are NDIS participants, with support coordinators assisting them to explore, arrange and access suitable support services.
People living with mental health concerns can experience difficulty with motivation, planning and organising daily activities.
Our Occupational Therapists work with clients to develop practical strategies that can support motivation, improve daily planning and encourage active participation in routines that matter to them.
The aim is to provide comprehensive support that helps clients work towards improved wellbeing and everyday functionality.
Our approach begins with a functional capacity assessment, which can be relevant to people living with mental health concerns and people living with disability.
For mental health clients, the assessment focuses on mood, motivation, thought processes and overall wellbeing, helping identify the factors limiting participation in daily tasks.
The initial assessment is informal and conversational to help create a relaxed environment. This can help reduce anxiety around meeting a therapist for the first time.
Depending on the client’s response and needs, standardised assessments may be used in the initial session or arranged as a second session to gather further information.
Goals vary from person to person. They may relate to personal care, domestic tasks, community participation, returning to work or study, or other meaningful parts of daily life.
During a mental health assessment, the Occupational Therapist explores relevant areas of daily life, including personal care, domestic tasks and community participation.
Recommendations may include:
The report can then be used by the support coordinator to assist with NDIS planning and ongoing support.
Ongoing sessions usually begin with collaborative goal setting. Once goals are established, we break down the tasks involved and create short-term goals that support the larger outcome.
For example, where a client hopes to return to employment, we first identify the barriers involved. This may include reduced motivation or difficulty concentrating in overwhelming environments. We then work through strategies that address these smaller goals step by step.
Communication with the client, family and support workers can be important throughout the process, helping ensure support remains aligned with the client’s needs and priorities.
Standardised assessments and checklists may also be used to monitor progress and support ongoing adjustments to the intervention plan.
OT Team Leader
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Total Health Choice often works with people who have varied diagnoses, including mental health concerns alongside physical or neurological disability.
For example, some clients may initially present with a physical disability and then experience depression because daily tasks have become difficult to manage independently.
Our caring approach considers the relationship between mental health and physical wellbeing, helping us provide tailored assessments and practical interventions that support everyday life.
Our team is equipped to provide compassionate care and holistic support to improve health and wellbeing.
“Very happy with Julia’s work. Her report was incredibly detailed, with recommendations that covered all my needs and more supports than I would have asked for. She also provides great follow-up, making sure I get everything I need and know how to use it. Definitely recommended.”
Itai T
Client
“I am so happy to have a wonderful Occupational Therapist. She is working with me and my family and helping me with my disability and I cannot thank her enough for her help.”
Brendon H
Client
“Winnie is friendly, polite and very good at her job. She has been a great help with making me independent.”
Travis B
Client
Speak with Total Health Choice about Occupational Therapy assessment, functional support and goal-led strategies for everyday life.
