Practice Areas and Settings

Practice Areas

Occupational therapy services are provided on the individual, organzation, and population level. People of all ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities can benefit from occupational therapy. The six main practice areas are:

• Children and Youth
• Provides services to infants, toddlers, children and their family.
• Work in collaboration with teachers, special educations, and other medical personnel.
• Pediatric occupational therapists deal with early intervention, mental health disorders, sensory integration, and transition services.
• Children's main occupation is play so that is the primary focus of occupational therapy for children.
• Health and Wellness
• An individuals health is directly related to the physical and emotional well-being.
• There is an increased demand for this area of practice due to an increasing aging population, the growing rates of obesity, the focus of health care disparities, and the effect of technology on health.
• Mental Health
• Treat clients with mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, and many other mental health disorders.
• The main goal for occupational therapy in mental health is to facilitate the development of skills needed for independent, interdependent, and productive living.
• Productive Aging
• Due to the aging population, changing work force, and increased focus of quality-of-life, this is becoming a popular area of practice.
• Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
• Concentrates of the needs of those who have injuries, illnesses, or deficits from other causes that inhibits their occupational performance.
• Help clients return to the activities that they need and want to do.
• Work and Industry
• Services in ergonomics, work rehabilitation, return to work programs, and employment of individuals with developmental disabilities (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2010).

OT Practice Settings

The list of practice settings for occupational therapists is extensive. It includes, but is not limited to:

• Skilled nursing facilities
• Psychiatric hospitals
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Home care
• Assisted living facilities
• Acute rehabilitation
• Day care centers/preschools
• Hospice
• Sheltered workshops
• Wellness centers