Non-Members - $20

Members - Free

Date & Time: April 16th, 7:00pm-8:00pm EST

Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Please note - These sessions are not recorded for future viewing.

REGISTER HERE

Number of Contact Hours: 1.0

Summary of Event: 

Title: Advocacy for OT in Mental Health 
Join us for an engaging conversation on the evolving role of occupational therapy in mental health!
We’ll dive into:

• Where occupational therapy practitioners are making an impact in mental health settings.
• The challenges we face in providing and billing for mental health services.
•  How gaining Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) status could open new doors for
  occupational therapy in Connecticut.
• Advocacy strategies to strengthen our role and drive meaningful change

This is more than just a policy discussion—it’s about making sure people get the care they need, with occupational therapy as a key part of the solution. Let’s collaborate, share ideas, and take steps toward a stronger future for occupational therapy in mental health!

Presenters:  

Joyce E Rioux, EdD, OTR/L, SCSS, FAOTA

Bio/Background of the Speaker:

 I’m Joyce Rioux, and I serve as the Co-Chair of Government Affairs for the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association (ConnOTA). In this role, I advocate for policies that support and advance occupational therapy practice in our state. As an occupational therapy practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that OT can have on mental health—yet, in Connecticut, our profession remains under-recognized in behavioral health.

Learning Objectives Attendees Should Achieve:

1. Understand the current role of occupational therapy in mental health settings and the unique contributions occupational therapy practitioners bring to behavioral health.

2. Identify key barriers preventing occupational therapy practitioners from fully participating in mental health services, including billing limitations and lack of formal recognition.

3. Explore advocacy strategies to advance occupational therapy’s role in mental health care, including efforts to achieve Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) status in Connecticut.

A Zoom Conference link will be available after registering for the event through CONNOTA.