OTD Capstone: Supporting Student Mental Health in Schools

My occupational therapy doctoral capstone focused on understanding the impact that occupational therapists can have on adolescent mental health within school settings. This project explored how occupational therapy can be integrated into schools to better support students’ emotional well-being, daily functioning, and participation in meaningful activities. By examining both student experiences and systemic factors, the capstone aimed to highlight practical ways therapists can contribute to mental health support in educational environments.

One of the key findings from this work was that stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier for adolescents. Many students are hesitant to openly discuss their own struggles due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Interestingly, students were much more willing to report concerns about their peers rather than themselves, suggesting a need for approaches that normalize help-seeking and create safe, supportive environments. Another important finding was the strong impact of early intervention. When students receive support earlier, they are more likely to develop consistent routines, coping strategies, and emotional regulation skills that positively influence both academic performance and overall well-being.

This capstone also emphasized the unique role occupational therapists can play in fostering these routines and promoting mental health through occupation-based interventions. By embedding services within the school day, therapists can meet students where they are and address challenges in real time.

This course would be beneficial for occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals interested in school-based mental health. Additionally, teachers and school counselors could gain valuable insights from this work, as it provides practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to support adolescent mental health in educational settings.