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Description
Adverse mental health outcomes in collegiate athletes are on the rise in the United States, prompting concerns about the impact of external surroundings on their well-being. Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession that specializes in environmental- and occupation-centered intervention, approaches to mental health care not currently being utilized in collegiate athlete populations. Despite these potential benefits, OT practitioners (OTPs) are not an established member of the care team in current athlete mental health care structures, likely because many stakeholders do not understand the unique services OTPs can offer. Walker and Avant’s eight-stage concept analysis was employed to examine the role of occupational therapy in addressing mental health problems in collegiate athletes with the aim of increasing the understanding of OT’s role in mental health care among athletes, athletic department staff, and OTPs. A literature search using PRISMA scoping review guidelines was conducted and a critical analysis of the 13 articles that passed the screening process demonstrated that OTPs often become involved in athlete mental health care after a physical injury or disability onset. However, an emerging area of OT involvement includes areas such as identity crisis prevention and transition from sport assistance as the primary focuses of treatment. Before OTPs can be fully maximized in this capacity, the profession must address issues of practice practicality, stakeholder buy-in, and policy. OTPs must also refine population-specific treatment approaches, such as identifying barriers to the occupational basis of mental health, to prove professional necessity and bolter interprofessional acceptance on the team. OT has the potential to broaden and deepen the collegiate athlete mental health care team’s repertoire if the role can be realized.
Publication Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Publisher
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Keywords
Occupational therapy, College athletes, Mental health
Medical Subject Headings
Mental health, Occupational therapy, Athletes, Sports, Patient care team
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Recommended Citation
Arnett, J., & Khan-Farooqi, L. (2025, April 24). Exploring the Role of Occupational Therapy in Collegiate Athlete Mental Health Care: A Concept Analysis. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/28
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Comments
Poster presented at the in-person OTD Capstone Symposium, held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, TX on April 24, 2025.