Occupational therapists in mental health settings treat mentally ill, mentally retarded, or emotionally disturbed individuals. To treat these problems, therapists choose activities that help people learn to cope with daily life. Activities include time management skills, budgeting, shopping, homemaking, and use of public transportation. They may also work with patients suffering from alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, eating disorders, and stress related disorders. Recording a patient's activities and progress is an important part of an occupational therapist's job.
Accurate records are essential for evaluating patients, billing, and reporting to physicians.
Working Conditions Occupational therapists in hospitals and other health care settings generally work a regular 40-hour week. Those in schools may also participate in meetings and other activities, during and after the school day. In large rehabilitation centers, therapists may work in spacious rooms equipped with machines, tools, and other devices that may generate noise. The job can be tiring because therapists are on their feet much of the time. Those providing home health care may spend several hours a day driving from appointment to appointment.