The role of the occupational therapist in adolescent mental health : a critical review of the literature

There are substantial bodies of literature focusing on mental health and the mental health of young people. There is also a growing body of knowledge relating to the professional role of the occupational therapists in mental health. However, there is a marked gap that brings these areas together. Adolescence is a time of heightened stress, with as many as one in four young people experiencing a mental health problem; appropriate care is required to reduce the impact of mental illness on their transition into adulthood and subsequent adult life. Whilst the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary team in providing interventions has been well demonstrated in this client group, the roles and impact of the individual health professionals are less well understood. A review of the literature was conducted to better understand the current and potential role for occupational therapists working with young people with mental health issues.