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Pioneering Mental Health Occupational Therapy in Oregon

Embark on a rewarding journey with Oregon’s sole Mental Health Occupational Therapy practice, where compassionate care meets innovation. Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering individuals through personalized, holistic approaches that foster mental well-being.

Where Passion Meets Purpose

At our practice, you’ll play a pivotal role in pioneering therapeutic solutions, transforming lives through the intersection of mental health and occupational therapy. Be part of an inclusive environment that values diversity and prioritizes professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we pave the way for comprehensive mental health support in Oregon.

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Case Vignettes: Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Practice

This collection of case vignettes showcases the unique role of occupational therapy in mental health, illustrating our functional, action-oriented approach to care.

Designed for both occupational therapists and providers from other disciplines, these cases highlight how OT interventions address challenges in executive function, sensory regulation, habit formation, and daily participation.

Through clinical reasoning and evidence-based strategies, we demonstrate how occupational therapy supports meaningful, long-term change for clients navigating mental health conditions.

Case 1: Executive Function Support and Academic Advocacy for a Graduate Student with ADHD

A graduate student diagnosed with ADHD sought support for managing the overwhelming demands of their research-intensive program. Executive function challenges, combined with the additional stress of navigating ableism in academia, significantly impacted their ability to stay organized and complete tasks efficiently.
With ongoing support, the client developed a structured approach to their research, increased their confidence in managing academic challenges, and ultimately felt empowered to navigate systemic barriers within their program. Their progress was so transformative that they chose to acknowledge the therapeutic support they received in their final thesis.

Case 2: Cognitive Remediation and Executive Function Support for a Client with Schizoaffective Disorder

A client with schizoaffective disorder entered therapy in a state of acute crisis, struggling with executive dysfunction, cognitive disorganization, and difficulties in adaptive self-regulation. Over a two-year treatment period, the clinician implemented consistent therapeutic presence, structured interventions, and functional cognition strategies to foster long-term stability and autonomy.

By the end of working with us, the client demonstrated marked improvements in executive functioning, self-regulation, and adaptive routine management. They successfully transitioned from therapist-guided scheduling to independent use of a structured planner, resulting in increased cognitive organization, self-efficacy, and engagement in daily activities. Their ability to articulate and track weekly activities in therapy sessions reflected a higher level of insight, self-monitoring, and personal agency—critical milestones in their long-term stabilization process.

Case 3: Case Management & Employment Support for a Client Facing Eviction

A client experiencing housing insecurity due to financial distress sought therapeutic support while navigating the overwhelming uncertainty of potential eviction. The clinician integrated crisis intervention, resource connection, and employment support strategies to stabilize the client’s immediate needs and facilitate long-term self-sufficiency.
With immediate housing stability secured, the client successfully attended multiple promising job interviews, improving their prospects for long-term financial independence. By integrating case management with therapeutic support, the clinician helped the client transition from crisis mode to proactive self-sufficiency, reinforcing both practical stability and emotional well-being.

Case 4: Sensory Regulation for Phone Anxiety with a Vocational Rehab Client

A vocational rehabilitation client experiencing severe anxiety and heightened startle response related to answering the phone at work sought support in meeting job expectations while accommodating their sensory and emotional needs. The clinician implemented sensory regulation strategies, graded exposure, and environmental modifications to help the client gain confidence in their role.
By implementing sensory regulation techniques and graded exposure strategies, the client successfully developed the ability to answer workplace calls with reduced anxiety and increased confidence. These improvements not only enhanced job performance but also fostered a greater sense of self-efficacy and control over workplace stressors.

Case 5: Advocacy and Systems Navigation for a Client with Physical Disabilities

A client with complex medical needs and physical disabilities sought support in overcoming administrative barriers to obtain essential medical equipment and specialist care. The clinician implemented advocacy-based interventions, healthcare system navigation training, and problem-solving strategies to ensure the client received the necessary support.
Through persistent advocacy and structured intervention, the client successfully obtained essential medical equipment and specialist referrals, improving their functional independence and quality of life. Additionally, self-advocacy skills gained during the process equipped the client with long-term strategies to navigate future healthcare challenges with greater confidence and autonomy.

Case 6: Cognitive Rehabilitation & Functional Support for a Client with ADHD, PTSD, and Post-Aneurysm Cognitive Impairment

Sandy (name changed for privacy) is a client with a history of ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive changes following a medical event. After being discharged without follow-up care, she struggled with executive function challenges, organization, and daily self-care while managing the demands of self-employment.

Upon initial evaluation, she reported difficulty staying on task, frequent forgetfulness in daily routines (e.g., eating, taking medication), and heightened anxiety. She also expressed difficulty balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being, leading to stress and burnout.

Standardized screenings indicated significant areas of concern in anxiety regulation, executive function, and daily living skills, reinforcing the need for structured intervention.

  • Introduced structured task management techniques to improve organization and reduce cognitive load.
  • Implemented environmental modifications and visual cues to assist with medication adherence and self-care.
  • Provided education on cognitive changes and strategies to compensate for executive dysfunction.
  • Recommended guided breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to support stress management.
  • Introduced structured pacing strategies to help sustain focus and energy throughout the day.
  • Facilitated values-based self-care planning, supporting the client in identifying realistic wellness strategies.
  • Provided coaching on effective communication strategies to express needs in both personal and professional settings.
  • Assisted in goal setting for sustainable work-life balance, preventing burnout and enhancing daily functioning.
  • Encouraged collaboration with other healthcare providers to support comprehensive care.

Through structured interventions and personalized cognitive strategies, Sandy developed:

  • Improved executive function, with more consistent organization in both personal and professional tasks.
  • Better adherence to daily routines, including more reliable self-care and medication management.
  • Increased self-awareness and self-advocacy skills, allowing for better communication of needs and boundaries.
  • More effective stress management strategies, leading to reduced anxiety and greater daily stability.

Case 7: Care Coordination & Functional Support for a Client with Chronic Illness and Medical Trauma

Cicely (name changed for privacy) is an adult with a history of chronic health conditions, postural instability, and medical trauma. They experience fatigue, cognitive fog, and difficulties with daily activities due to their complex medical needs. In addition to physical challenges, past medical experiences have contributed to mistrust in the healthcare system, making self-advocacy and care coordination critical to their success.

When beginning OT services, Cicely’s primary concerns included:

  • Accessing durable medical equipment (DME) for daily living tasks.
  • Managing cognitive challenges, fatigue, and activity tolerance.
  • Optimizing caregiving support to meet functional needs.
  • Navigating medical appointments and advocating for care.
Assessments indicated functional limitations related to executive function, energy conservation, and self-care management.
  • Assisted in navigating insurance coverage for DME, securing essential home modifications.
  • Provided collaboration with healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care.
  • Facilitated preparation for medical consultations, including coaching on effective self-advocacy.
  • Implemented task structuring and external memory aids to support daily organization.
  • Conducted hybrid sessions (virtual & in-person) to improve care coordination and home accessibility.
  • Developed structured task prioritization strategies for efficient caregiving assistance.
  • Explored additional community-based resources to supplement home support.
  • Provided education on medical self-advocacy to improve provider communication.
  • Integrated values-based wellness planning, helping the client set realistic self-care goals.

Through comprehensive care coordination, functional interventions, and advocacy, Cicely has:

  • Gained access to critical home supports, improving safety and independence.
  • Developed structured caregiving plans, optimizing available resources.
  • Strengthened executive function skills, improving task sequencing and self-management.
  • Increased self-advocacy confidence, leading to better engagement in medical care.

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