Occupational Therapy for Mental Health.
Practical Strategies for Everyday Living
Living with a mental health condition can make daily routines, work and social activities feel overwhelming. Our occupational therapists at Optimum Health Solutions focus on the practical side of recovery. We help you build skills and strategies that make everyday life more manageable.
With 13 clinics and a team of mobile practitioners across NSW and Tasmania, our team works with people experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health conditions. Every unique treatment plan is individualised and focuses purely on what matters most to you.
Patients & Families
For referrers and Support Coordinators
Funding Options for Mental Health focused Occupational Therapy
We also accept private health insurance, DVA and self-funded appointments. Our team can help you work out which funding option suits your situation.
What Can an Occupational Therapist Do
to Help Improve My Mental Health?
OT's Understand Mental Health & Daily Function
Mental health conditions affect more than how you feel.
Depression can make it hard to get out of bed, prepare meals or maintain personal hygiene. Anxiety can make leaving the house, attending appointments or starting tasks feel impossible. These are daily living skills that an occupational therapist is trained to address.
Occupational therapy takes a practical approach. Rather than focusing only on thoughts and feelings, an occupational therapist looks at how your mental health affects what you do each day.
The goal is to help you participate in the activities that give your life meaning and structure.
Routine building:
Graded activity:
Sensory strategies:
Workplace support:
Social skills development:
Goal setting:
Common approaches our
occupational therapists use include:
OT vs Psychology for Mental Health
People often ask about the difference between seeing an occupational therapist and a psychologist for mental health. Both are valuable, and many people benefit from seeing both.
People often ask about the difference between seeing an occupational therapist and a psychologist for mental health. Both are valuable, and many people benefit from seeing both.
The two approaches work well together. Our occupational therapists regularly collaborate with psychologists, psychiatrists and GPs as part of your broader care team.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Get in touch
Book online on our Booking Directory, or call us, fill in an Appointment Request Form or ask your Support Coordinator or GP to send a referral. We will confirm we have received your enquiry within one business day.
We match you with an Occupational Therapist.
Based on your needs, location, and availability, we will connect you with the right clinician. Hydrotherapy, is available at our four pool locations (Blacktown, Croydon Park, Campbelltown, or Mornington).
Initial Assessment
There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with. The focus is on understanding how your mental health affects your day-to-day life so your therapist can create a plan that works for you.
After the initial assessment, sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes. Frequency depends on your needs and funding. Most people attend weekly or fortnightly.
Conditions We Work With
Our occupational therapists work with people experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions. These include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorders.
We also support people going through major life transitions such as returning to work after a mental health episode, adjusting to a new diagnosis or rebuilding daily routines after a hospital stay.
Medicare Mental Health Care Plans
You can access Occupational Therapy for mental health through Medicare with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. This provides up to 10 allied health sessions per calendar year with a Medicare rebate.
Ask your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan referral to an occupational therapist. Your GP can refer you directly to our team at Optimum Health Solutions.
NDIS Occupational Therapy for Mental Health
NDIS participants with a psychosocial disability can access Occupational Therapy as part of their plan. Treatment falls under the Improved Daily Living or Increased Social and Community Participation categories depending on your goals.
Our team has experience working within the NDIS framework for mental health. We provide detailed reports for plan reviews and collaborate with your support coordinator, LAC and other providers to make sure your supports are coordinated.
Get In Touch
For All Appointments, Referrals, Questions And Feedback, Please Fill Out The Form Below
Referrer's Hub
Whether you’re a new referrer or you’ve used our services before, the Optimum referrers hub has all your needs. With one click you can make enquiries, make referrals and check all of our clinics’ service capacities.
Where We Offer Mental Health Focused Occupational Therapy
We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day. If you need to speak with someone now, call us on 1800 678 647.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mental health occupational therapist do?
A mental health occupational therapist helps you manage the practical impact of your condition on daily life. This includes building routines, developing coping strategies, workplace support and gradually increasing your participation in meaningful activities.
Can an occupational therapist help with anxiety?
Yes. Occupational therapists use practical strategies like sensory approaches, graded exposure to challenging activities and routine building to help you manage anxiety in daily life. The focus is on what you do, not just how you feel.
Is Occupational Therapy covered by Medicare for mental health?
Yes. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you can access up to 10 Medicare-rebated allied health sessions per calendar year. This includes Occupational Therapy. Ask your GP for a referral.
What is the difference between OT and psychology for mental health?
A psychologist focuses on understanding and changing thought patterns through talk therapy. An occupational therapist focuses on the practical side, helping you with daily routines, work, social participation and functional goals. Many people benefit from both.
How many OT sessions will I need for mental health?
This depends on your needs and goals. Some people attend 6 to 10 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term support. Your occupational therapist will discuss a plan based on your situation at your first appointment.
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How Can We Support You Today?
Our Core Services
A team of caring health professionals working together around you.
From physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation to speech pathology, dietetics, podiatry and more, your care is coordinated not fragmented.
NDIS Disability Services
Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.
As a registered NDIS provider, we align therapy with your plan and help map out a clear and sustainable pathway so funding works for you.
Careers at Optimum
Do meaningful work without burning out.
Join a supportive multidisciplinary team where mentoring, collaboration and professional growth are part of everyday practice.