Frequently Asked Questions

When should Mental Health Occupational Therapy be engaged?

Early intervention is a good indicator for successful management.  Mental Health Occupational Therapy can be used at different points of rehabilitation management with improvement levels correlating with time to referral.

 

Will MHOT assist an injured worker to return to work?

The injured worker’s motivation to be engaged in services to assist them to return to work is always a factor of a successful return to work.  Mental Health Occupational Therapy empowers the client to be engaged in a program where skills are developed to increase confidence in relating effectively with others in a range of settings.  This increased confidence and ability to relate to others, assists in the transition back to work.

 

How much will it cost?

The Mental Health Occupational Therapist provides a structured treatment plan with a specified number of sessions. The gazetted rate is charged as per the WorkCover SA Occupational Therapy Fee Schedule and Guidelines (these are detailed later in this document).

 

Can the service be ceased at any time?

Yes, the service can be ceased by the treating medical expert, case manager or Mental Health Occupational Therapist if the client is non-compliant and not participating and/or the program is not assisting the client to make gains and progress.

 

How do I know Mental Health Occupational Therapy works?

Mental Health Occupational Therapy is an evidenced based intervention which has been used effectively for many years in both community settings and hospitals for persons with mental illness.

Medicare recognises Mental Health Occupational Therapists that meet the Australian Competency Standards for Occupational Therapists in Mental Health as developed by the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, with provider status allowing them to provide mental health programs for private patients in the community. 

 

Do Mental Health Occupational Therapists work with other health providers or do they work alone?

Both - Mental Health Occupational Therapists are able to work alone or alongside other health professionals. They are able to collaborate with the treating medical expert or psychologist to reinforce the strategies to empower the client.

Mental Health Occupational Therapists in the community work with a General Practitioner or a Psychiatrist to provide the services outlined on this website. 

 

Can I use any Rehabilitation Provider?

Yes - back on track mental health occupational therapy is a treatment program and sits outside vocational rehabilitation. You can engage any Rehabilitaiton Provider to deliver rehabilitation management services.