AOTA

Susan M. Cahill, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Associate Professor and OT Program Director

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Brad E. Egan, OTD, MA, CADC, OTR/L

Associate Professor and OT Program Site Coordinator

Lenior-Rhyne University

Columbia, SC

Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)

Abstract

School is a critical access point for services for many youth. Occupational therapy practitioners can collaborate with educational teams to identify youth with mental health concerns and conditions who would benefit from these services. This article examines the growing population of adolescents who are diagnosed with mental health conditions, the impact of mental health conditions on school performance, and ways that occupational therapy practitioners can collaborate with educational team members to identify adolescents with mental health concerns and conditions at school.

Learning Objectives

1.  Identify the symptoms of mental health issues

2.  Define subjective well-being

3.  Define prodromal symptoms

4.  Recognize opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners to collaborate with other school personnel to address student mental health issues

5.  Distinguish between internalizing and externalizing behaviors that may negatively impact occupational performance