Great news for future, current, and past Doctor of Occupational Therapy students! The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act (HR6) was signed into law this fall (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2018). This Act supports the role of occupational therapy (OT) in treating pain through nonpharmacologic interventions.
Current practitioners and occupational therapy students who have an interest in acute and chronic pain management, along with teaching adaptive strategies for engagement in performance skills and patterns conducive to healthy living, may find new and exciting opportunities in the areas of behavioral and mental health.
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants provide a fundamental service to clients across the continuum of care. Since the inception of the profession, occupational therapy has worked to support the mental health needs of pediatric, adult, and senior populations.
The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) Behavioral & Mental Health Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Elective Track and Certificate programs offer a wonderful opportunity for practitioners to enhance their knowledge of occupational therapy’s role in combating the opioid crisis and other behavioral health needs in our country.
For more information about RMUoHP’s OTD Elective Track and Certificate program, please visit https://rmuohp.edu/academics/doctor-of-occupational-therapy/.
Michelle L. Webb, OTD, OTR/L, RAC-CT, CAPS
Program Director, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Education Elective Track Director
Assistant Professor
