Psychoeducation in Acute Mental Health Settings: Is There a Role for Occupational Therapists?

Abstract

Acute mental health facilities have been under scrutiny in recent years. One of the results of government directives was the creation of a 12-bed women's ward in an acute mental health unit. After concerns about a lack of female-specific treatment, a psychologist and an occupational therapist sought to establish a group specifically for the ward. They used a psychoeducational model to facilitate a ward-based group. A psychologist, an occupational therapist and a staff nurse devised and ran the programme. This paper describes the aims, challenges and outcomes of the group. It discusses the role of the occupational therapist in delivering this intervention based on observations and relevant literature. The paper concludes by suggesting that occupational therapists, with their knowledge of group processes and activity, are well placed to deliver psychoeducational interventions.