Behavioral Health Occupational Therapy
UMCF occupational therapy services center around the ability of one to participate meaningfully in occupations (education, play, leisure, work, social participation, activities of daily living, sleep and rest) within a variety of environments, such as school, home, and the community. We use a strength-based and trauma-informed approach to meet every client where they are at.
Contact our therapist directly with questions
Olivia Tipsword, OTD, OTR/L
Graduated from The Ohio State University with her doctorate in Occupational Therapy
Trauma-informed therapist
One year of doctoral research conducted in sensory healing after developmental trauma
Our Approach:
“The actual “doing” of occupations is believed to be transformative, promoting adaptation, creating personal and social identities, connecting people to their communities, and enabling ongoing personal growth and development.”- AOTA
We use:
Our Approach
“The actual “doing” of occupations is believed to be transformative, promoting adaptation, creating personal and social identities, connecting people to their communities, and enabling ongoing personal growth and development.”- AOTA
We use:
- Evidence-based treatments
- Trauma-informed practices
- A strength-based, nonjudgemental approach centered on each client’s unique needs
Who We Serve
- Youth and teens (4-18) who have an Ohio Medicaid provider
- Must have a completed Mental Health Assessment prior to starting OT
Where We Serve
- In office (Columbus only)
- Home-based (if qualifications are met for home therapy. Must be decided by the therapist)
Core Services Include
- Full Mental Health Occupational Therapy Evaluation
- Standardized Sensory Processing Assessment
- Individualized Treatment Planning
- Parenting Support
- Personalized Sensory Diets
- Sensory Strategies/ Tools
What We Help With
- Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) (as it relates to a mental health diagnosis)
- Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Executive Functioning (as it relates to a mental health diagnosis)
- Emotional Regulation (impulsivity and increase emotional awareness with brain-body connection)
- Primitive Reflex Integration (as it relates to a mental health diagnosis)
- Sensory approach for self-harm
- Stress and Life Transitions
- Difficulty focusing or initiating tasks
- Fine motor skills (as it relates to a mental health diagnosis)
*Currently, our occupational therapists do not address physical developmental milestones or feeding therapy*
FAQs
How does an Occupational Therapist support mental health in children?
OTs take a holistic approach to treatment, considering the child’s environment, social support network, and family dynamics. They use various therapeutic techniques, such as play-based interventions, sensory interventions, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to support children’s mental health. OTs also work with families and caregivers to provide education and support around strategies to support the child’s mental health needs.
What does Occupational Therapy look like in Mental Health?
At UMCF, occupational therapy focuses on helping children and teens build the functional skills they need for daily life by addressing challenges like emotional regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning, routines, and independent living. OT works along side couciling and other mental health services offered here to create a holistic approach for the client. OT helps clients translate progress from therapy into real-world success by enhancing independence, confidence, and overall well-being.
What happens during the first appointment?
At UMCF, a full occupational profile is conducted to asses psychiatric history, presenting concerns, strengths, barriers to participation, coping strategies (negative and positive), sensory preferences and triggers, presence of primitive reflexes, and functional performance in age-appropriate ADLs. The occupational therapist then determines the goals and needs of service.