(NDOTA) Mental Health OT Task Force
2025 Annual Summary
2025–2026 Focus & Accomplishments
Provided education to 1915(i) care coordinators on OT’s role in mental and behavioral health
Shared a statewide Behavioral Health outpatient OT referral list to support appropriate access to services
Contributed to 2026 NDOTA conference planning with a focus on burnout, compassion fatigue, and provider wellbeing.
Began exploring outcome tracking for 1915(i) participants benefits from skilled OT intervention.
Partnership with local Universities for OT/OTA student involvement to support future advocacy efforts
Medicaid clarification: Continued documenting statewide confusion and implications related to Tier 2 vs. Tier 3 classification and behavioral health rehab services.
Looking Ahead
Continue advocating for OT’s role in mental and behavioral health through education and role clarification.
Support evidence-informed advocacy by identifying feasible outcomes to demonstrate OT’s impact and support future systems inclusion.
Contribute to professional development and workforce sustainability through NDOTA conference involvement.
Foster collaboration and student involvement where capacity allows.
Get Involved
NDOTA members interested in mental health practice, advocacy, education, or research are encouraged to connect and support this work.
Get involved (open roles)
Secretary (documentation/minutes/communications) NDOTA MHOT Task Force – Meeting…
Advocacy & Research Committee (additional members) NDOTA MHOT Task Force – Meeting…
Education & Training Committee (entirely open)
Upcoming Meeting
〰️ Jan 13th, at 7PM
Upcoming Meeting 〰️ Jan 13th, at 7PM
Objectives
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Advocate for Policy Changes
Lobby for legislative and healthcare policy reforms to include occupational therapy as a key component in mental health services.
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Enhance Professional Development
Provide training and resources to occupational therapists to ensure they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in mental health care.
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Promote OT's Role in Mental Health
Increase awareness among healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public about the benefits of occupational therapy in mental health.
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Improve Service Delivery
Identify and address gaps in mental health services and work towards integrating OT interventions effectively.
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Support Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Encourage and disseminate research on the efficacy of occupational therapy in mental health to strengthen evidence-based practices.
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Foster Collaborations
Establish partnerships with mental health organizations, healthcare providers, and community services to enhance OT services' reach and impact.
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Advocate for Client-Centered Care
Ensure that mental health services are inclusive, addressing the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan with a focus on enhancing daily living and participation.
Vision Statement
“To envision a future where every individual in North Dakota has access to comprehensive mental health services including occupational therapy. Our vision is a community where occupational therapy is recognized as a cornerstone in mental health treatment, offering innovative, person-centered care that empowers individuals to live fulfilling lives through meaningful engagement in their occupations and daily activities”
Mission
Our mission is to elevate the practice of occupational therapy in mental health care within North Dakota. By advocating for the integration of our unique therapeutic approaches and demonstrating their effectiveness, we aim to bridge the current gap and establish occupational therapy as a critical component of mental health services in our state.