Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dianne Shaffer

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

The goal for this capstone project was to advocate for occupational therapy services to be provided within a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). The concentration areas of my capstone project were occupational therapy program development and advocacy. CCBHCs provides a variety of medical, mental health, and substance use/abuse services to persons, groups, and populations living in the community. Currently, only qualified mental health professionals (QMHP) can provide skilled services to individuals significantly impacted by their challenges. This limits the number of trained professionals that can effectively treat and provide services to individuals in this setting. Occupational Therapists (OT) are trained health professionals that are skilled in treating individuals across the lifespan, regardless of injury, illness, or disability. Providing OT services within this setting would close many of the gaps posed by the lack of trained professionals. To demonstrate the need for OT services to be provided in this setting, the objectives of this capstone were to identify the gaps in service, identify a specific population, and advocate to interdisciplinary teams how OT services can benefit all stakeholders involved. Through collaboration with the individuals served, families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals, OT services supports the person-centered approach to enrich the lives of those served.

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