This course focuses on the psychosocial foundation of OT practice and emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary for application of psychosocial intervention across all arenas of care. Initial content will focus on reviewing mental health conditions and exploring the impact of mental health on individuals, cultures, and societies. Students will search for and analyze current evidence and have opportunities to apply theories, frameworks, and clinical reasoning skills in assessment and intervention of psychosocial disorders across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on developing professional skills and competencies in assessment and intervention used in psychosocial practice. Application to rural practice will also be emphasized. Cultural acceptance of mental health issues will be explored.
Students in good standing with all previous semester coursework to date will be assigned a Level I fieldwork experience in a psychosocial/behavioral health setting. Students will analyze the impact of psychosocial health on occupational engagement and participation during the Level I fieldwork experience embedded within the course. Level I experience is designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed observation and participation in selected aspects of the OT process