Occupational Therapy and Its Roots in Mental Health
By Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L
Honoring Our OT Roots on World Mental Health Day
Today, in honor of World Mental Health Day, we’re reflecting on something many people don’t know: occupational therapy began in mental health care—not in hospitals or schools, but in therapeutic spaces centered on healing the mind and body together.
OT’s roots go back to the 18th century, when therapists used arts, crafts, and meaningful activities to support emotional well-being. The focus was on restoring dignity, self-esteem, and participation through hands-on tasks—connecting creativity with healing.
A Shift Toward Community-Based Support
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act—a pivotal moment for occupational therapy. This legislation helped shift mental health care from large institutions to community-based models, opening up new ways for OTs to support individuals outside of hospital settings.
Just like we’re seeing today, OT has continued evolving—from a purely medical model toward a recovery-based model that centers the whole person: their goals, values, and lived experience.
Mental Health Is Still at the Heart of What We Do
Many OT graduate programs (including the one Erin, our CEO, and I attended) still include dedicated clinical rotations in mental health. Whether working with adults, teens, or children, occupational therapists are uniquely trained to recognize how mental health and everyday function are deeply connected.
At SUNRISE Therapies, we honor those roots every day. Whether it’s through sensory-based regulation, mind-body connection, or supporting emotional safety, we believe therapy should address the whole person—nervous system, relationships, and all.
Supporting Mental Wellness for Every Family
We remain committed to building awareness, encouraging honest conversations, and supporting access to mental health care for all—especially neurodivergent children and families.
Today and every day, we stand with those working toward better mental health support—in schools, in homes, and in our wider communities.
Helpful Links
If you found this post helpful, you’ll love our therapy resources! Whether you’re a parent or therapist, our apraxia and autism courses are here to offer practical tools, compassionate guidance, and real-world strategies you can use every day.
👨👩👧👦 For Parents & Caregivers: Autism Training | Online Course for Parents and Caregivers
🧑🏫 For Therapists: Therapist Course for Apraxia and Autism | Mentorship for OTs and Therapists
🏥 Work With Us: In-Person Occupational Therapy (San Diego & Long Beach Areas) | Virtual Coaching
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