Occupational Therapy Services

Mary Beth Brock MHS OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

"Occupational Therapy is the therapeutic use of purposeful activity to help people live as fully and as independently as possible within their own environment and the limitations of their illness or injury."

Evaluation

As a consultant to the various programs of the Institute of Psychiatry, the Occupational Therapist is available provide an evaluation of those areas of function necessary for everyday living. Some examples of these evaluation areas are:

• Task Skills
• Kitchen Skills & Safety
• Fine Motor Coordination
• Time Structuring and Activity Configuration
• Independent Living Skills

Referral from the treatment team is the first step in this process.

Recommendations

Following an Occupational Therapy evaluation, the referral source is provided with a written report of the findings as well as recommendations for ways to maximize the patient’s functional independence.  Standardized as well as informal assessments are used to determine the level of function of the patient before making these recommendations which could include home modification, use of adaptive equipment, changes in living arrangements,  referral to community services,  potential for return to work, and many others.

Treatment

Direct Occupational Therapy patient care is provided as part of the Treatment Plan to appropriate patients from the Adult General Inpatient Units.  OT intervention is usually in groups but can be requested by consult on an individual basis by any IOP program. Areas of OT treatment at IOP include:

• Stress Awareness & Education
• Coping Skills
• Self Awareness
• Communication Skills
• Anger & Conflict Management
• Problem Solving Skills
• Self Esteem Building
• Basic Living Skills
• Leisure Interest Development
• Relaxation Techniques
• Grief Counseling

Pet Therapy

One very successful treatment technique used by Occupational Therapy at the IOP is Animal Assisted Therapy. Hugs is a 15 year old domestic tabby who has lived in the OT clinic since he was 8 weeks old. His is amazingly laid back and loving, has never met a stranger, and is a part of all OT groups involving appropriate patients. His services are often utilized by staff and interns as well on an “as needed” basis.

Education

The Institute of Psychiatry provides clinical education internships for student Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants from all over the United States as well as the State of  South Carolina.  The IOP Occupational Therapist is actively involved in the education of students from other health professions who receive their clinical training in Psychiatry at MUSC.  Occupational Therapy offers education in Stress Management, Assertiveness, and Coping Skills to the community through Health Fairs, Workshops, Seminars, and other Wellness activities.