Ever wondered about the amazing work Occupational Therapists (OTs) do in CAMHS? These incredible professionals help young people navigate daily life challenges that go hand-in-hand with mental health struggles. OTs bring a unique “whole person” perspective to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, they see how mental health affects every aspect of a young person’s daily life, from getting dressed in the morning to managing friendships at school.
What Makes CAMHS Occupational Therapists So Special?
Occupational Therapists are healthcare professionals who focus on helping people participate in the activities that matter most to them. But what makes CAMHS OTs particularly brilliant is how they understand that mental health challenges don’t exist in isolation, they ripple through every part of a young person’s day.
When a teenager is struggling with anxiety, it’s not just about the worried thoughts. It might affect their ability to concentrate on schoolwork, manage their morning routine, maintain friendships, or even participate in family activities. This is where OTs work their magic, they help bridge the gap between mental health challenges and real-world functioning.
The Heart of What CAMHS Occupational Therapists Do
Holistic Assessment and Understanding: OTs are like skilled detectives, but instead of solving crimes, they’re figuring out why daily activities have become so challenging. They look at everything, from sensory processing and motor skills to cognitive abilities and environmental factors. They might observe how a young person navigates their school environment, manages their bedroom space, or handles social situations.
Practical, Meaningful Interventions: Occupational therapy is intensely practical. Rather than just talking about problems, OTs help young people develop real strategies and skills they can use immediately. They might create a sensory toolkit for a child with autism, design a morning routine for someone with ADHD, or develop coping strategies for managing overwhelming environments.
Environmental Champions: OTs are brilliant at seeing how environments either support or hinder young people’s wellbeing. They might recommend changes to a classroom setup, help families create calming spaces at home, or work with schools to develop more inclusive practices.
The Connection Between Daily Life and Mental Health
Research shows us that when young people can successfully participate in meaningful daily activities, their mental health improves significantly. It’s not just about treating symptoms; it’s about helping young people live full, satisfying lives despite their challenges.
The Confidence Builder: There’s something magical about mastering a skill that once felt impossible. When a young person with anxiety learns to manage their school bag organisation, or when someone with depression develops a sustainable self-care routine, their confidence grows in ways that extend far beyond that specific activity.
Breaking the Cycle: Mental health challenges can create a vicious cycle where difficulties with daily tasks lead to frustration, which worsens mental health symptoms, which makes daily tasks even harder. OTs are experts at breaking this cycle by finding creative solutions that work for each individual young person.
Where Occupational Therapists Really Shine in CAMHS
Supporting Sensory Processing Needs: Many young people in CAMHS have sensory processing differences that significantly impact their mental health. OTs understand how sensory experiences affect behavior and emotional regulation, creating personalised sensory strategies that help young people feel more comfortable in their own skin.
ADHD and Executive Function Support: OTs do incredible work with young people who have ADHD, helping them develop organisational systems, time management strategies, and routines that actually work for their unique brains. They understand that one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work for neurodivergent young people.
Trauma-Informed Daily Living Skills: Working alongside mental health colleagues, OTs help young people who’ve experienced trauma rebuild their sense of safety and control through meaningful activities. They understand how trauma can impact everything from sleep routines to social participation.
School and Education Support: CAMHS OTs work closely with schools to help young people access their education successfully. This might involve recommending classroom modifications, developing movement breaks, or creating strategies for managing school anxiety.
Life Skills and Independence: For young people preparing to transition to adult services or independent living, OTs provide crucial support in developing practical life skills while considering their mental health needs.
When Your Team Might Benefit from an Occupational Therapist's Input
Keep your eyes open for young people who might benefit from occupational therapy support. Here are some signs that might sound familiar:
- Daily routines feel like an overwhelming mountain to climb
- School participation is affected by concentration, organisation, or sensory issues
- They seem to struggle with activities that peers manage easily
- Sensory experiences (sounds, textures, lights) cause significant distress
- Self-care tasks like washing, dressing, or eating have become battlegrounds
- They avoid activities they used to enjoy
- Sleep routines are chaotic and affecting their mental health
- Social situations feel impossible to navigate
- They’re struggling with transitions between activities or environments
Remember, sometimes what looks like defiance or laziness might actually be a young person struggling with the building blocks needed for daily activities.
The Magic of Teamwork
There’s something really wonderful about watching OTs collaborate with other CAMHS professionals. They bring a practical, activity-focused lens that complements other therapeutic approaches beautifully.
Real-World Application: While a psychologist might help a young person understand their anxiety, an OT helps them develop practical strategies for managing that anxiety during their GCSE exams. While a psychiatrist addresses medication needs, an OT ensures the young person can maintain their daily routines and participate in activities that bring them joy.
Family-Centered Approaches: Great CAMHS OTs work closely with families, helping parents understand their young person’s needs and developing strategies that work within the family’s unique context. They might help families create more structured routines or adapt their home environment to better support their child’s needs.
Sharing the Knowledge: Excellent OTs don’t keep their expertise to themselves, they share it with the whole team. They might run training sessions on sensory strategies or offer practical tips during team meetings about supporting young people with specific needs.
The Ripple Effect of Great Occupational Therapy
When young people receive the occupational therapy support they need alongside their mental health care, the changes can be genuinely transformative:
- Daily tasks become manageable rather than overwhelming
- School participation improves as barriers are addressed
- Family relationships become less strained around daily routines
- Confidence grows as skills develop and independence increases
- Mental health symptoms often improve as daily life becomes more manageable
- Future transitions feel less daunting with solid practical skills in place
It’s these positive changes that remind us why addressing practical, daily life needs are such a crucial part of mental health support.
Creating Sensory-Smart and Inclusive Environments
One of the most valuable things OTs bring to CAMHS services is their expertise in creating environments that support everyone’s needs. They might help design waiting areas that feel calming rather than overwhelming, or advise on lighting and acoustics that work better for young people with sensory sensitivities.
This environmental awareness benefits not just individual young people, but makes the whole service more accessible and welcoming for families from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.
Looking for the Right Occupational Therapists for Your Team
If you’re considering bringing an Occupational Therapist into your CAMHS service, you’ll want someone who combines excellent clinical skills with a deep understanding of mental health challenges. The best CAMHS OTs are those creative problem-solvers who can see potential everywhere and who genuinely believe that every young person deserves to participate fully in life.
They’re the colleagues who bring practical solutions to complex problems, who notice things others might miss, and who work collaboratively to ensure that no barrier is insurmountable. They understand that small changes in daily life can lead to big improvements in mental health and wellbeing.
Are You an Occupational Therapist Ready to Make a Real Difference in CAMHS?
If you’re an OT who’s passionate about mental health and looking for an opportunity to transform young lives through meaningful activity, we’d love to connect with you!
At CAMHS Professionals, we understand the unique value that Occupational Therapists bring to mental health services. Whether you’re new to CAMHS or an experienced OT looking for your next challenge, we specialise in matching talented therapists with services that truly appreciate your holistic, practical approach to supporting young people.
Excited to explore your options? Reach out to our team today. We’d love to learn about your passion for occupational therapy and show you some amazing CAMHS opportunities where your skills in helping young people navigate daily life will be genuinely valued and celebrated.
