Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Kelly Dornbier

Abstract

Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to create an evidence-based toolkit for caregivers of adolescents currently completing partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Adolescents enrolled in PHP have experienced severe disruption in their daily functions. Adolescent mental illness is a public health concern due to its prevalence, early onset, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities (Ghandour et al., 2019). Mental health disorders during adolescence can affect development by interfering with the ability to function in daily settings and achieve social, emotional, cognitive, and academic milestones (Ghandour et al., 2019). Many adolescents are also exposed to risk factors, including abuse, violence, harsh parenting, bullying, trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and poverty. These risk factors can lead to adolescents becoming more vulnerable to mental health issues (Das et al., 2016 & World Health Organization, 2021).

Methodology: An extensive literature review was completed, and the main findings showcased that both the adolescent and caregiver experience a disruption in their roles, routines, and function when an individual in the family unit is struggling with mental illness, making proper education and resources beneficial for all. The author used the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and the Recovery Model as a framework to guide and develop this product. MOHO guided this toolkit based on the assumption that when changes in personal factors or the environment occur, these changes can elicit a shift in performance and behaviors (Kielhofner, 2002). The Recovery Model provides a guiding structure based on hope, self-determination, and the ability to manage mental illness (Petersen et al., 2023). Due to the vulnerability of this population, caregivers must be provided with evidence-based mental health resources and education to assist with transferring skills learned in programming back into the home and community.

Results: The Caregiver’s Compass: Navigating Adolescent Mental Health is a comprehensive toolkit developed to support caregivers of adolescents with mental health conditions, as well as healthcare professionals working with these caregivers. This resource aims to assist caregivers through the various transitional phases that occur when an adolescent is undergoing mental health treatment, while also equipping healthcare providers with the necessary tools to deliver thorough education, resources, and guidance to caregivers. These efforts are especially focused on aiding caregivers as adolescents reintegrate into the community and resume their daily activities. The toolkit covers a range of topics essential to promoting adolescent mental health and well-being. These include skills related to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), strategies for coping with trauma, time management, and organizational techniques, an understanding of sensory processing, the use of The Zones of Regulation, advocacy skills for caregivers, tools for goal setting, available mental health resources, and guidance on implementing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). The overarching objective of this toolkit is to empower caregivers to manage their own well-being while effectively supporting their adolescent’s mental health recovery journey.

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