School-based occupational therapy and mental health interventions: synthesis of knowledge

Abstract

Considering the high prevalence of mental health problems among youth and the challenges of accessing the services and treatments required, it is important to expand the possibilities of action for services providers in schools, including occupational therapists. In order to better understand their contribution in this area of ​​practice, a scoping study was carried out. Twenty-four scientific articles were selected and analyzed. The occupational therapy interventions identified were primarily addressed at students with behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges, and were primarily axed on participation and based on sensory integration. The review allows proposing effective and promising occupational therapy interventions in the field of mental health in schools. The implementation of a multilevel model, such as the Response to the intervention, is recommended to offer a continuum of services, including universal, differentiated and individualized interventions.