Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Adrienne Crim, LPC, LMHC

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

This capstone experience focused on developing and delivering trauma-informed education for patients, caregivers, and staff at an inpatient mental health hospital through the lens of occupational therapy (OT). Conducted at Havenwyck Hospital in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the project aimed to address key needs: trauma-informed care training, improved caregiver education, and the integration of OT principles into inpatient care to reduce readmissions. Using the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) and trauma-informed care frameworks, the project produced two educational resources added to patient discharge packets, three live staff training sessions, and an online educational module for ongoing access. These interventions addressed gaps in post-discharge caregiver support and staff preparedness, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and continuity of care. As the OT field continues to expand its role in mental health, this project demonstrated how holistic, education-based interventions can promote functional independence, self-regulation, and comprehensive patient-centered care. By applying OT’s core principles, this initiative provided sustainable education-based interventions and contributed to a more trauma-informed care environment. It further demonstrated OT’s capacity to support interdisciplinary teams in mental health settings through meaningful, occupation-based strategies.

Download

Share

COinS