Over the course of three semesters, I explored a range of interests and identified gaps within the field of occupational therapy. Building on an initial interest developed during my Level II fieldwork experience, I further examined the role of occupational therapists in addressing mental health within inpatient acute care settings. Through extensive review and exploration, it became evident that this area remains both under-researched and under-addressed. Recognizing its significance and having observed firsthand the impact of mental health on therapy participation, I identified this as a key area of professional interest.

I was fortunate to partner with Portsmouth Regional Hospital (PRH) to bring this project to life. In collaboration with my site mentor, Beth Liakos, I engaged in ongoing research, planning, and coordination to develop objectives that aligned with the needs of the rehabilitation department. In addition, I independently conducted research to contribute to the existing body of literature, with a focus on understanding the factors underlying discrepancies between therapists’ perceived confidence/competence and their clinical practice.

During my 14-week capstone experience, I conducted a national survey to gather perspectives from occupational therapists working in inpatient settings across the country. I also collaborated with interdisciplinary team members at PRH to develop programming that is appropriate for inpatient environments and designed to be accessible, practical, and easy to implement in clinical practice.

The purpose of this project was twofold: to contribute to the literature by highlighting the discrepancy between occupational therapists’ comfort in addressing mental health and their actual clinical practice, and to develop programming that better equips practitioners with the tools and resources needed to effectively address mental health needs in their patients.