• You help people reclaim their lives: Whether it's getting back to work, managing daily routines, or rebuilding relationships, your work helps people regain hope, purpose, and independence.

• Every day is different: No two clients are the same! You might work with someone managing anxiety one day and help another person develop life skills after a crisis the next.

• You see real progress: Watching someone grow stronger, more independent, and more confident over time is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

• You work as part of a supportive team: OTs in behavioral health collaborate with social workers, counselors, nurses, and others to provide holistic, person-centered care.

• You use creativity to solve problems: From designing calming routines to adapting home environments, you get to think outside the box to meet each person’s unique needs.

• You support the whole person: OT isn’t just about mental health or physical health—it’s about helping people thrive in all parts of their lives.

If you like a job that entails working on teams to blend the needs of the mind and body, being an OT is right for you!

With an associate’s degree or higher:

• Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. They help people practice daily skills and follow their therapy plan. OTAs may lead exercises, help with activities, and track progress. They play an important role in helping people live fuller, more independent lives.

With a master's degree or higher:

• Occupational Therapist (OT)

Occupational Therapists help people build or regain the skills they need for everyday life, like getting dressed, cooking, working, using transportation, or attending school. OTs who work with patients or clients with behavioral health needs often help individuals, educators, families, and teams modify environments to reduce over-stimulation and promote self-regulating behaviors. OTs also educate individuals how to better understand the signals within their body (e.g., hunger, discomfort, anxiety, or stress). They can work with children or adults who have physical, mental, or developmental challenges by creating personalized plans to help each person reach their goals and become more independent. OTs frequently use visual images as part of their plans to support those who may not be able to read or remember their skills when stressed. 

Other job titles you may see: 

• Mental Health OT Specialist

• OT Clinical Specialists

There are many different jobs where you can support people’s mental health and wellness through Occupational Therapy!

• Help people manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives.

• Explore ways to minimize over-stimulation and support sensory-processing needs. 

• Teach coping skills for handling emotions or trauma.

• Support people with mental health needs to live independently.

• Develop routines that support mental health and wellness.

• Work with people who have both mental health and physical health needs.

They help people feel more in control, safe, and successful in their everyday lives.

• Mental health centers

• Hospitals and medical rehab centers

• Schools and youth programs

• Drug and alcohol treatment centers

• Homeless shelters and community housing

• Veterans programs

• Private therapy practices

You’ll find OT professionals wherever people need support with their mental health and daily life skills.

• Children and Teens:  Help young people manage emotions, behavior, or daily routines

• Adults: Use therapeutic activities to support mental health, build routines, and improve daily life skills

• People with Disabilities:  Provide assessments and specialized therapy, often related to sensory-processing needs, for those with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities

• People in Recovery: Support individuals in building routines and coping strategies that promote sobriety

• Veterans with PTSD: Help manage triggers, reduce stress, and support daily functioning

Occupational therapists and their assistants support people of all ages as they work toward healthier, more independent lives.

There are two different paths depending on whether you want to be an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) or an Occupational Therapist (OT):

• To become an OTA: You’ll need an associate’s degree from an accredited OTA program. This usually takes about 2 years.

• To become an OT: You’ll need a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. This can take 2–3 years after earning a bachelor’s degree (6 to 7 years after high school graduation).

For both careers, you’ll also need to complete a supervised clinical placement—this means getting hands-on training in a real-world setting, like a clinic, hospital, or school. On-site training helps you build the skills you’ll use on the job.

• Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

• Occupational Therapist (OT)

To work as an OT or OTA in Ohio, you must pass the national NBCOT exam and get licensed through the Ohio OTPTAT Board.

You must renew your license regularly and take continuing education classes to stay current.

Ohio OTs will soon be able to practice across state lines as they gain license portability once the OT Compact system is ready!

Click here to learn more about licenses, credentials, and certifications.