Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Mandy Meyer
Abstract
Title: The WYld Outdoors: A Community-Based Occupational Therapy Program to Address Mental Health Strategies in Rural Wyoming
Background: Globally, there is an expressed need to address mental health promotion and prevention strategies in community-based settings (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). To work toward meeting these needs it is important to start at a local level. Statewide initiatives in Wyoming have risen in recent years with goals to expand upon mental and behavioral health, but culture and lack of environmental means significantly impact accessibility to these resources (State of Wyoming [SOW], 2023). Based on literature findings there are even fewer local resources for parents, caregivers, and children to learn strategies to benefit mental health in a community setting (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2022; National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI], 2021; Shermetzler, 2023; SOW, 2023; Sublette BOCES, 2021).
Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to devise a community-based program tailored to rural Wyoming, focusing on the promotion of mental health strategies that can in turn prevent future difficulties related to mental health. The program titled The WYld Outdoors is intended to promote the overall health and well-being of group members by promoting positive mental health strategies, accessibility to meaningful occupations, creating a larger sense of community and purpose, as well as fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
Methods: A comprehensive needs assessment and literature review were conducted to identify community needs, available resources, funding opportunities, and evidence-based approaches to support and promote positive mental health alongside the incorporation of meaningful outdoor occupations. To guide the development of this project the Person, Environment, and Occupation model was utilized along with frames of references which include cognitive behavioral theory, vii social learning theory, social cognitive theory, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (Bandura, 1985; Bandura 2001; Baptiste, 2017; Beck, 1976; Segal et al., 2002).
Results: The novel program is an eight-session, evidence-based group protocol combining mental health education with participation in area-specific outdoor occupations. The program facilitates the integration of mental health strategies throughout daily life and supports community and family connections to enhance overall health and well-being. The product is intended to be co-led by an occupational therapy practitioner as well as a local community expert. Additionally, it can be adapted for use by interprofessional team members and serve as a model for other community entities and occupational focuses.
Conclusion: This program addresses the identified local needs related to community-based mental health resources. By reducing stigma related to addressing mental health, offering individuals the necessary tools to address potential mental health risk factors, and providing a sense of community through meaningful outdoor occupations.
Recommended Citation
Ray, Emily, "The Wyld Outdoors: A Community Based Occupational Therapy Program To Address Mental Health Strategies In Rural Wyoming" (2024). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 644.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/644