Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Dr. Breann Lamborn
Second Advisor
Dr. Karrianna Iseminger
Abstract
Purpose. Primary care settings often serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns. However, occupation-based and function-focused interventions remain underutilized in these settings. The purpose of this Doctoral Experiential Capstone (DEC) was to implement an Occupational Therapy Mental Health Toolkit designed to support holistic and integrative mental health care in primary care settings.
Methods. This project was guided by the ecology of human performance (EHP) model. Methods included a literature synthesis, development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and structured learning objectives, contextual needs assessment through stakeholder collaboration and site observation, and a product design, which included universal design recommendations, with formative feedback from interdisciplinary providers.
Results. The result of this project is a mental health toolkit that includes organized interventions that target emotional regulation, cognitive and executive functioning, lifestyle supports, and structured skill development in the primary care setting. A provider implementation guide was designed to facilitate the integration of the toolkit into the existing workflow at the primary care clinic. Evaluation strategies include stakeholder feedback, observation of implementation, and staff satisfaction surveys to better understand the feasibility and clinical relevance of the product.
Summary. This project contributes to the advocacy of integrating occupational therapy (OT) into primary care to address functional mental health needs. Through the emphasis of occupation-based interventions and interprofessional collaboration, the toolkit supports client-centered and accessible services that expands the role of OT in integrated healthcare models.
Recommended Citation
Upton, Amorelle, "THE ROLE OF OT IN ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS" (2026). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 699.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/699