Jessica Pulis
Senior Mental Health Clinician and Occupational Therapist
Mackay Hospital and Health Service
Occupational therapists
Occupational therapy is a holistic approach to healthcare that helps individuals improve their ability to carry out meaningful daily activities, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. Discover the critical role occupational therapists play in mental health, the qualifications needed, and the diverse settings where they provide support, from mental health clinics to community care services.
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist is a healthcare professional who works with patients to improve their ability to function day to day. This could involve working with patients through physical rehabilitation, cognitive assessments, and quality of life improvements like pain management and organising accessibility devices.
When it comes to mental health, occupational therapists focus on helping patients pursue activities that provide meaning to their lives. They can improve a patient’s mental health by using cognitive techniques to help people understand and find satisfaction in their daily productivity.
Occupational therapists working in mental health concentrate on a practical, recovery-focused approach, which may include their ability to work, manage household responsibilities, participate in schooling, sleep, personal care or engage with others.
Become an Occupational Therapist in Queensland
What qualifications do I need?
If you would like to get started in occupational therapy, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is one of the fastest ways to become qualified. If you have completed a different degree, you could pursue a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. This may require you to complete certain prerequisite subjects, depending on the university.
Once you have completed your degree, you need to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia to be qualified to practice. This process includes an application fee and an annual registration fee. For graduate occupational therapists wishing to work within mental health, there are a number of pathways to upskill, including programs such as Occupational Therapy Australia’s OTA Mental Health Endorsement program and courses in becoming an Authorised mental health practitioner, to name but a few.
Where do occupational therapists work?
Occupational therapists can work in a broad range of environments. Hospitals, health centres, clinics and rehabilitation centres are common places to find them, whether for mental or physical health services.
Likewise, occupational therapists can work in home-care services, independent living centres, schools, and pharmacies. If working in these industries is not for you, occupational therapists often run their own private practice. This allows for additional control over their business to meet the unique needs of their patients in a way they prefer.
The daily life of an occupational therapist in Queensland
The daily experiences of an occupational therapist depend on their specialisations and current responsibilities. Many occupational therapists spend time assessing patients’ needs, tailoring unique treatment plans and organising and conducting treatment sessions.
With occupational therapy, it is important to carefully track a patient’s improvement so that treatments can be adjusted as they progress. This ensures that they are receiving the help they need as they develop. Likewise, depending on the patient, an occupational therapist may work with other healthcare professionals to find the right support.
When it comes to improving a patient’s mental health, occupational therapists will utilise techniques to improve problem-solving skills, build routines and challenge limiting thought processes.
Meet Jessica
Senior Mental Health Clinician and Occupational Therapist
“I love that every day is different.
Compared to physical injuries, there are so many more variables to consider with regard to treatment options. I love that it can be challenging, not one size fits all, and ultimately, I love working with a diverse group of people.
Many of the roles in mental health are multi-disciplinary, meaning we work very closely with nurses, psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists, and there are so many learning opportunities from working so closely with all these skill sets.”
Common questions about occupational therapists
OT is a shortened version of Occupational Therapy or Therapist.
Occupational therapy is the process of helping patients realistically meet their personal goals regarding their ability to complete daily activities and improve their quality of life.
As of 2020, there was an average of 89 occupational therapists per 100,000 people in Queensland. While this is a continually growing industry, there is a consistent and expanding need for patients to have an occupational therapist.
As of 2024, occupational therapists earn an average of $95,000 a year. Entry-level positions begin at around $85,000 and experienced occupational therapists earn up to $115,000.
Occupational therapists help patients engage in meaningful activities to improve their mental health. Psychologists help patients manage issues and overcome mental challenges through therapy and counselling.
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