6 Ways Occupational Therapists Support Mental and Emotional Wellness

Posted on by imorris
A woman examines another woman's hand.

Mental and emotional well-being shapes how people get through everyday life. When it’s out of balance, even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

That’s where occupational therapy (OT) makes a measurable difference. It offers practical strategies for managing daily life, whether that means getting out of bed, returning to work, or reconnecting with family and community when emotional challenges make things harder.At University of Western States, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program teaches students to follow a function-first, whole-person care approach. Mental and emotional wellness are woven into clinical reasoning across all settings and populations.

Michele Tilstra, Ph.D., founding program director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States, emphasizes OT’s unique role in helping people attend to their mental and emotional needs with doable, day-to-day routines.

Here are six ways occupational therapy professionals support mental and emotional wellness.

1. How Occupational Therapists Build Daily Routines to Support Mental Health Stability

When mental health feels fragile, routines unravel. Sleep schedules begin to drift, meals become inconsistent, and responsibilities seem to pile up.

Why Daily Routines Matter in Mental Health Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help people rebuild those daily structures in ways that feel realistic and manageable. This work involves practical adjustments, such as creating concrete routines that reduce anxiety or breaking daily tasks into more feasible steps.

Ultimately, the goal is to create consistency. Over time, these routines provide a sense of predictability, grounding people in their own lives.

Occupational therapy tools might include:

  • Visual schedules and checklists
  • Timers and reminders
  • “Micro-routines”
  • Energy planning

Dr. Tilstra notes that in many settings, your routines become major barriers.

“A lot of times it’s not the actual physical act of doing the task that is difficult. The challenge is incorporating it into a consistent routine, because people may forget or get easily distracted.” Dr. Tilstra says, “so we use visual schedules and timers, depending on the client.”

By relying on these practical, personalized methods, occupational therapists rebuild routines step by step.

2. How Occupational Therapists Collaborate in Mental Health Care Teams

Occupational therapists frequently collaborate with psychologists, counselors, physicians, and social workers. Their unique perspective focuses on how mental health shows up in daily life, bridging the gap between emotional experience and functional ability.

By working with interdisciplinary care teams, occupational therapists are prepared to manage patient symptoms and support individualized interventions.

OTs and Counselors Work Together in Mental Health Care

Dr. Tilstra emphasizes that this collaboration works best when the roles are clear and complementary. For example, in her clinic, more than half of the clients attend both occupational therapy and counseling. “We try not to step on each other’s toes, but we’re very collaborative,” she says.

In this dynamic, counselors focus on processing trauma and emotional experiences, while occupational therapists focus on how those experiences affect daily life.

With these kinds of interdisciplinary teams, OTs contribute insight that bolsters more holistic and coordinated care, reflecting a growing understanding that mental health care works best when providers address the whole person.

3. How Occupational Therapy Supports Patients Through Life Transitions and Trauma

Life transitions destabilize even the strongest routines. Major changes like a new diagnosis or losing a loved one deeply impact coping skills, directly affecting mental health in ways that feel uncontrollable.

OTs Support Patients During Life Transitions

Occupational therapists help people adjust to new routines and responsibilities to align with their new reality following a life transition. They create environments that allow patients to redefine roles and reconnect with what is most important to them during difficult life stages.

Dr. Tilstra describes how routine work shows up across many scenarios.

“The rebuilding of routines happens with clients that have had some kind of catastrophic injury or debility,” she notes.

Similarly, when grief changes the structure of an entire household, occupational therapy restores structure and direction and highlights a clear path forward.

“In OT, we’re acknowledging that deep grieving process, but we’re also looking at how this person’s entire life has changed,” says Dr. Tilstra. “That’s when an OT could say: Let’s take this piece by piece and really look at everything that needs to be accomplished in the day.”

Dr. Tilstra says that as routines stabilize, patients feel the effects of this immediately. They begin caring for themselves, managing the household, or reengaging with community in ways that fit their new reality.

4. How Occupational Therapists Teach Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression create barriers to participating in daily activities. Many people can describe what anxiety feels like, but they struggle to manage where it shows up most: workplaces, social events, medical appointments, or even simply stepping outside.

Occupational therapists work with coping strategies that fit within everyday life.

OTs Manage Anxiety and Depression

OTs support coping strategies by:

  • Identifying triggers that affect daily functioning
  • Practicing grounding techniques in real-world scenarios
  • Building step-by-step plans for stressful situations
  • Using tools like breathing exercises and sensory supports
  • Use planners or digital tools to build social activities into routines

Before stepping into stressful situations, mental health occupational therapy sessions involve planning routes and practicing coping strategies along the way. This attention to detail is a key differentiating factor in occupational therapy, providing a unique path forward for those struggling to cope with anxiety and depression.

This approach allows individuals to build confidence through their own personal experiences, even when symptoms feel difficult to manage.

5. How Occupational Therapy Promotes Social Participation and Community Reintegration

Mental wellness is closely tied to a sense of social connection. Occupational therapists work with clients to rebuild active social participation when anxiety or life changes make relationships feel difficult to maintain.

Occupational Therapy Supports Work, Community, and Social Reintegration

The OT approach varies, tailored to the client’s individual experiences and needs. Whether it means returning to work or engaging with the community, occupational therapists meet patients where they are as they overcome these changes.

This work involves teaching clients to identify their own barriers to connection and working collaboratively to create pathways back to healthy interactions.

“What do you need to be able to do to take care of yourself when you get out of here?” Dr. Tilstra asks clients. “But also, what are safe social activities versus harmful social activities?”

Occupational therapists support social participation by helping clients:

  • Practice conversational and social skills
  • Build routines that support connection
  • Identify safe spaces and supportive relationships
  • Use stress management tools before or during social interactions

This work supports healthy social participation that fits the client’s life.

6. How Occupational Therapists Use Mindfulness and Sensory Tools to Reduce Stress

Mindfulness and sensory-based approaches are central to occupational therapy care, especially for clients who feel overwhelmed by their environment. With these tools, clients recognize of their internal experiences and respond with greater self-compassion and awareness.

Starting With Foundational Needs: Regulation and Emotional Safety

Dr. Tilstra emphasizes starting with basic needs and context to ensure patients feel safe and supported.

“The first thing I’m going to ask is, have they eaten? Do they need to go to the bathroom? Are they tired?” she says.

Understanding what the body needs reveals why stress or agitation is escalating. Through mindfulness practices, individuals notice stress responses before they escalate, offering a way to pause and reset. For many clients, these approaches make emotional regulation feel more accessible.

Sensory-Based Interventions for Emotional Regulation in Occupational Therapy

Sensory tools allow clients to feel safer and more grounded by aligning the sensory input to what their nervous system needs in that moment. Dr. Tilstra notes that sensory rooms and sensory-based supports are effective across age groups.

Occupational therapists use sensory tools and strategies, including:

  • Movement-based tools
  • Tactile supports
  • Deep pressure or compression
  • Environmental supports
  • Comfort items

Dr. Tilstra described the use of sensory rooms across age groups, from children to older adults. These spaces include calming environments or tactile supports that reduce agitation. In assisted living settings, modifying the environment changes behavior by lowering sensory demands.

“In pediatric settings, we have entire sensory room spaces,” Dr. Tilstra says. “There are swings, climbing things, balance boards, but there’s also bubble tubes and different soft things.”

Using these sensory tools intentionally, occupational therapists work with clients to reduce overwhelming feelings, building stronger emotional awareness and self-regulation.

Advance Whole-Person Mental Health Care With a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree at University of Western States

At University of Western States, mental and emotional wellness are woven into future occupational therapy professionals’ training. Our programs prepare students to help people move from simply coping to actively participating again. Whether that means rebuilding routines or collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams, occupational therapy professionals offer practical support.

As mental health needs continue to grow, so does the need for providers who understand the connection between emotional well-being and everyday living. The best OT programs recognize that occupational therapy plays an essential role in grounding individuals in their own lives.

For those drawn to integrative, patient-focused care, the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at University of Western States offers a pathway to meaningful, purpose-driven practice.

Discover our occupational therapy program today. Fill out the brief form below for more information.

How UWS Trains Future Naturopathic Doctors for Community Impact

Posted on by imorris

Two women in white doctor's coats reviewing a file

Explore naturopathic medicine training at University of Western States, including hands-on labs, early clinical experience, and community-focused care.

 

At University of Western States (UWS), based in Portland, Oregon, learning how to become a naturopathic doctor is deeply tied to developing the curiosity, compassion, and critical thinking needed to care for the whole person. Students in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program gain exposure to diverse health conditions, learn how to think diagnostically, and practice evidence-informed care that bridges science and humanity. For many, the experience shapes not just their professional competence, but also their philosophy of healing.

“After 30 years of practice, I can say we offer something really profound,” says Jennifer Means, NMD, faculty member and naturopathic physician. “Our ability to sit down and listen, and really figure out what’s going on with patients, is special.”

What Does Naturopathic Medicine Training Look Like at UWS?

The Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program is a graduate-level degree that integrates biomedical sciences with clinical training. The training emphasizes hands-on laboratory instruction and evidence-informed clinical reasoning from the start of the program.

From the beginning, UWS students are immersed in hands-on learning that builds both confidence and capability. Courses like Lab Diagnosis bring scientific principles to life through active participation.

“In my Lab Diagnosis class, we work on each other. We draw blood on each other. It’s very much a hands-on class,” explains Dr. Means.

Beyond memorization, students learn how each test connects to patient outcomes. “By the end of their second term, I want them to be able to draw blood, process blood, and think differentially about what kinds of labs to run,” she says. “If someone’s fatigued, are you checking for anemia, thyroid, or adrenals?”

The analytical skill of linking symptoms to evidence is essential to clinical success. It’s what separates memorization from knowledge and ensures graduates are ready to practice with both precision and empathy.

When Do Naturopathic Medicine Students Begin Clinical Training?

Students in the Naturopathic Medicine program begin clinical education near the end of their second year, progressing from observation to supervised patient care.

How UWS Integrates Classroom Learning and Clinical Practice

Coursework at UWS is intentionally aligned with clinical experiences so students can apply diagnostic and therapeutic concepts in real patient settings.

Clinical education at UWS begins earlier than in many programs. Students transition from observation to supervised patient care around the end of their second year, allowing them to apply coursework to real clinical situations.

“As they’re going into their third year, they’re coming into the clinic,” Dr. Means explains. “They start off observing advanced students then move into hands-on practice under faculty supervision.”

These experiences prepare students for the demands of patient care, including managing schedules and navigating complex health presentations. “You’re managing people,” she says. “You’re managing your time but also learning how to enter into that relationship with focus and care.”

Why Communication Is Central to Naturopathic Training

Effective communication is a core clinical competency in naturopathic medicine, supporting individualized, patient-centered care.

Dr. Means emphasizes that learning to communicate effectively is just as critical as mastering medical skills. “Communication plays a huge role,” she notes. “We’re doing individualized medicine, not just treating depression but treating that person who has depression.”

In the clinic, students learn to listen deeply, convey empathy, and educate patients about their own health. These are all vital traits for a successful naturopathic career.

How UWS’ Teaching Clinic Supports Community Health

UWS’ teaching clinic provides no-cost appointments, expanding access to naturopathic care while giving students experience with diverse patient populations.

The on-campus clinic is central to its support of community health. “The cost of coming into the clinic is zero,” says Dr. Means. While patients may pay for supplements or lab work, appointments themselves are free, making naturopathic care accessible to a wide range of people.

This approach benefits both students and patients. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program gain exposure to a broad spectrum of conditions (from mild digestive issues to complex chronic illnesses) while patients receive personalized care that addresses the root causes of their health concerns.

That variety teaches adaptability and empathy. “You’ve got to meet people where they’re at,” she says. “Sometimes it’s getting someone to eat one vegetable a day, and for someone else, it’s exercising 180 minutes a week.”

This philosophy of meeting patients where they are lies at the heart of UWS’s approach. It reflects the belief that healing starts with understanding, not assumptions.

What Whole-Person Care Means in Naturopathic Medicine Education

Whole-person care in naturopathic education involves addressing physical, emotional, and environmental factors that influence health and healing.

The focus on whole-person health is a defining aspect of UWS’s naturopathic medicine program. This translates to treating the individual, not just the symptoms. Students learn to look beyond the surface to explore physical, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to well-being.

“As naturopaths, we get a lot of people that fall outside the box of standard medical care,” Dr. Means explains. “They’re told, ‘Your labs look fine, there’s nothing wrong with you,’ but they still don’t feel well.”

In these cases, students learn how to use labs and patient histories to confirm or rule out possibilities, and to create care plans that combine clinical evidence with natural therapies. They’re trained to think critically, ask questions, and design interventions that consider both data and the patient’s lived experience.

How Students Learn Professional Boundaries in Clinical Training

Clinical training at UWS teaches students how to balance empathy with professional boundaries to support patients without overextension.

Students learn how to care deeply without carrying the emotional burden of every patient. “It’s not my job as a clinician to carry that but to help them navigate it and support them,” says Dr. Means. “That takes practice and inner work.”

These lessons, both scientific and emotional, shape how graduates approach their future patients and communities.

Licensure note:
Completion of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program does not automatically confer licensure. Licensure requirements and scope of practice vary by state and are set by regulatory authorities.

Begin Your Naturopathic Medicine Path at UWS

For those exploring how to become a naturopathic doctor, the UWS Naturopathic Medicine program offers a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice, early clinical training, and a commitment to community wellness. Students develop both the clinical skills and human understanding needed to deliver thoughtful, whole-person care.

Through faculty mentorship and real-world observation, students gain insight into professional practice beyond the classroom. “I have some students who come in every semester to observe what I do in my actual private practice,” Dr. Means shares. Through these experiences, UWS prepares students to serve patients from every background with skill and empathy.

Explore the UWS Naturopathic Medicine program to begin pursuing your career as a naturopathic doctor. Fill out the brief form below for more information.

Training in the US, Leading in Canada: How UWS Equips Future Health Care Providers

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Photo of Canadian flag against a blue sky

Explore how Canadian students thrive in UWS chiropractic programs that meet U.S. and Canadian licensure, offering support, training, and global career prep.

Each year, Canadian students enroll at University of Western States (UWS) to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree that prepares them for professional practice in both the United States and Canada. With an accredited curriculum aligned to cross-border regulatory standards, UWS offers a practical pathway for students planning to complete licensure and build careers in Canadian health care systems.

UWS’ Doctor of Chiropractic program emphasizes evidence-informed, patient-centered care while meeting the educational requirements necessary for Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) licensure. For Canadian students seeking broad clinical training and professional flexibility, this approach supports long-term career readiness across jurisdictions.

Explore how UWS empowers Canadian students to turn their goals into meaningful chiropractic careers.

Why Canadian Students Choose UWS for Chiropractic Education

Canadians make up 35% of the UWS student population, choosing to study at UWS due to a combination of program accessibility, licensure alignment, and professional preparation. UWS’ Doctor of Chiropractic program provides a more efficient pathway to licensure, allowing students to complete the program in three years. Canadian programs typically are designed to be completed in four years.

Geographic Access and Program Availability

For students from Western Canada, UWS’ location in Portland, Oregon offers a practical alternative to Canadian chiropractic programs, which are largely concentrated in Eastern Canada. Combined with cross-border accreditation, this proximity allows students to train in the U.S. while preparing for Canadian practice requirements. Additionally, the DC program at UWS has two intakes every year, allowing students more flexibility and access to the program.

Small Cohorts and Faculty Instruction

UWS delivers chiropractic education in small class and lab settings, supporting direct faculty instruction and applied learning. Coursework is grounded in evidence-informed care, with a focus on diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision-making, and patient management. This structure allows students to consistently apply foundational science to clinical scenarios encountered later in training.

“It is a great privilege to be a graduate from such an esteemed educational institute,” says. David Peeace, DC, a 1996 graduate of UWS. “This has instilled in me to give back to our esteemed profession.”

Proven Exam Success and Career Flexibility

UWS has a strong reputation for high board exam pass rates, reflecting the academic rigor and personalized support that prepare students for success. The ability to train in the United States while preparing for licensure in both countries offers unmatched flexibility after graduation. Some students return to Canada to care for their communities, others stay in the U.S. to gain experience, and some go on to practice internationally. See where UWS graduates are practicing around the globe.

A Cross-Border Alumni Network

UWS graduates benefit from a cross-border alumni network in the United States and Canada. For Canadian chiropractors, the network provides practical support during licensure, early career transitions, and practice development. These connections help graduates build professional relationships that support long-term career mobility on either side of the border.

Meeting Canadian Chiropractic Licensure Requirements with UWS

Preparing for licensure in two countries requires early planning and regulatory alignment. UWS’ Doctor of Chiropractic program is structured to support Canadian students throughout this process.

  • UWS’ program meets the standards of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board (CCEB) as well as U.S. regulatory boards, ensuring students are ready for licensure on either side of the border.
  • Accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the program meets educational requirements across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories.

For Canadian students, this means their academic training aligns with CCEB exam content and competency expectations.

  • Core coursework includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, and diagnostic imaging
  • Program structure supports eligibility for both U.S. and Canadian licensure exams
  • Advisors familiar with Canadian regulatory requirements assist students with exam timelines and documentation

Because licensing requirements vary by province, UWS encourages students to stay informed and connected with their local regulatory bodies. The university’s admissions and advising teams are always available to help interpret requirements and ensure a smooth path to professional practice.

Curriculum and Testing Support

The UWS curriculum is designed to prepare students for clinical practice and board examinations simultaneously.

Students progress through foundational sciences before advancing into technique labs, diagnostic training, and clinical education. All coursework emphasizes evidence-informed practice and clinical applicability.

To support licensure readiness, UWS offers:

  • Individualized academic advising
  • Small-group exam preparation sessions
  • Faculty mentorship for CCEB exam planning and scheduling, helping students stay on track while balancing coursework and clinical training

This combination of rigorous academics and personalized support helps students develop effective study strategies, clinical reasoning skills, and exam readiness prior to graduation.

Hands-On Clinical Training That Prepares Canadian Students to Practice

UWS’s approach to chiropractic education is rooted in experience. Students start gaining practical skills early: first in technique and simulation labs, then through direct patient care.

From Labs to Clinics

Early lab work allows students to build confidence with adjustments and assessments in a low-pressure setting. As they advance, they transition to the university’s on-campus clinic and affiliated health care sites, where they work with real patients under faculty supervision.

Real-World Learning

During clinical training, students treat a wide range of patient presentations under faculty supervision. These experiences support the development of communication skills, diagnostic confidence, and treatment planning, which are essential for independent practice.

Preparation That Travels

Clinical training reflects interdisciplinary and preventive care models common in Canadian health care systems, supporting graduates as they transition back into practice environments across provinces. Canadian students may be able to complete part of their clinical training in Canada. Depending on the province, their clinical training in Canada could be up to nine months.

Resources and Support for Canadian Students at UWS

UWS provides structured support services that address the logistical and regulatory needs of Canadian students.

Admissions, Advising, and Licensure Guidance

Admissions and international student teams assist with visa processes and relocation planning. Academic advisors support course sequencing, exam preparation, and licensure planning specific to Canadian requirements.

Financial Aid and Cross-Border Planning

Financial aid counselors help Canadian students navigate government loan options, UWS scholarships, and external funding sources, providing clarity around tuition and cost planning.

Housing and Student Life Resources

UWS assists students in identifying housing near campus and encourages participation in professional and academic organizations that support networking and career development.

Alumni Network in Canada

Canadian alumni remain engaged with the university through mentorship and professional networking, offering guidance on licensure, clinic development, and career transitions after graduation.

How UWS Graduates Succeed in Canadian Health Care

UWS graduates return to Canada prepared to integrate into a range of chiropractic practice settings. With a strong foundation in evidence-informed practice and patient-centered care, UWS alumni transition smoothly into professional life, whether opening private practices, joining interdisciplinary clinics, or pursuing further research and specialization.

For example, Jennifer Forbes, DC, a 2000 graduate, opened her own clinic in 2002 and now oversees a multidisciplinary practice in British Columbia.

Canadian alumni consistently demonstrate strong CCEB exam performance and report confidence entering practice due to extensive clinical training and academic preparation. Many graduates contribute to community health through patient education, clinic leadership, and professional service.

By combining accredited U.S. training with Canadian licensure preparation, UWS graduates bring adaptable clinical skills and cross-border perspective to the Canadian health care system.

Grow Your Future in Chiropractic Care

For Canadian students, University of Western States offers a clear and practical pathway to chiropractic practice. Through accredited education, structured licensure preparation, and hands-on clinical training, UWS prepares graduates to meet professional standards in both the U.S. and Canada, helping to strengthen access to chiropractic care.

Explore our resource hub for Canadian students at UWS, or learn how UWS can help you prepare for a chiropractic career in Canada and the United States.

For more information, complete the brief form below.

Chiropractic Student Brings Portland Lessons Home to Canada

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UWS Chiropractic student Mallory MacDonald smiles for the camera in front of a building on campus.

UWS’ Community-Based Clinical Education program allows students to gain experience wherever they wish to practice.

University of Western States has earned an international reputation and welcomes students from around the world. Over the years, many of those international students have come from Canada. Among the more recent graduates from our neighbors to the north is Mallory MacDonald from the Maritime province of New Brunswick. Like a lot of other Canadian UWS graduates, MacDonald took advantage of UWS’ Community-Based Clinical Education (CBCE), which uses a distributed network to allow students to engage in clinical immersions in many different health systems and geographic regions. MacDonald has returned to her home province to complete her preceptorship and begin her career. “I couldn’t imagine practicing anywhere else,” she says.

Growing up in a small town of 600 people, MacDonald was an avid athlete until a severe knee injury in high school ended her rugby career.  “I saw different physiotherapists for years, and I wasn’t getting the results I wanted,” she says. Ultimately, she found she got the best results from chiropractic care. The experience inspired her to pursue chiropractic as a profession.

A Lifetime of Athletics Led to a Career Helping Them Heal

When choosing among chiropractic schools, she considered a program in Toronto but preferred UWS because it offered a more condensed program, which meant that she could complete her training and begin practicing sooner. After a drive across North America, MacDonald arrived in Portland to find herself to be one of a large percentage of her classmates in the Chiropractic program who were Canadian. “I was the only one from the East Coast,” she says, “but it made for a better transition.”

Now, MacDonald is in her 12th and last quarter of the chiropractic program. “I did get very good clinical experience at University of Western States,” she says. “It prepared me well to practice, and I’m excited to start working professionally.”

Serving the Folks Back Home

For her preceptorship, MacDonald is working in a private multidisciplinary health care clinic in Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital. Her chiropractic training, including her work in the UWS Health Center, gave MacDonald the experience necessary to work independently in her current setting.  “I see my own patients. I have my own schedule,” MacDonald says, and each day I have rounds with a different clinician at the clinic where I can ask them anything.” 

She hopes to practice in the same clinic in which she is currently working, as her educational journey comes full circle and likes the idea of giving back, especially among the athlete population. “When I was growing up it was hard to find the proper health care that I needed,” she says.

“We have students placed across Canada, including many in British Columbia and Alberta,” says Patrick Battaglia, DC, associate vice president of CBCE. “These placements highlight the CBCE program’s flexibility and commitment to serving students where they are.”

MacDonald agrees. The quality of the classroom instruction combined with hands-on experience in the school clinic, the presence of so many fellow Canadians in her cohort, and the opportunity to begin practicing in her home province straight out of chiropractic school all contributed to her positive educational experience. “The University of Western States did a really good job and was very welcoming to Canadian students,” she says.

Letter From the President

Posted on by pciampanelli
University of Western States President Dr. Nathan Long smiles for the camera in an official headshot photograph.

Dear University of Western States Community,

As I reflect on my first year as president of this remarkable institution, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the enduring spirit and commitment that define University of Western States. For 121 years, our university has stood as a beacon of excellence in chiropractic education and care, and it is with renewed energy that we nourish our roots, celebrating and supporting our Doctor of Chiropractic alumni who have carried our mission into communities near and far.

At the same time, UWS is embracing growth and innovation. The launch of our new naturopathic and occupational therapy programs stands as a testament to our dedication to whole-person health and our vision to expand the university’s impact. These additions not only diversify our academic offerings but also reinforce our commitment to advancing integrative health care education. This issue’s cover story captures the relationship between naturopathic medicine and the natural world from which the practice derives. And Michele Tilstra, Ph.D., explains the expertise behind the creation of our new hybrid, two-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in a wide-ranging Q&A.

In a time when higher education faces significant challenges, it is the strength of our community—our alumni, faculty, staff, and friends—that positions UWS to thrive. Your engagement, whether through time, talents, or treasure, is more vital than ever as we continue to build on our legacy.

I am also delighted to announce the revitalization of our continuing education program under the leadership of Patrick Battaglia, DC. Our upcoming Summer in December event in Maui exemplifies the spirit of renewal, professional growth, and opportunity that defines UWS today. As we look to the future, I invite each of you to stay connected and engaged, ensuring that our university remains a place of excellence, innovation, and community for generations to come.

Sincerely

Nathan Long, Ed.D.
President
University of Western States

UWS Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Director Shares Vision for Hybrid OTD Training

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Dr. Michele Tilstra, director of UWS’ new two-year hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, works with a student.

Michele Tilstra, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L, leads UWS’ new two-year hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, blending clinical expertise with innovative teaching.

Michele Tilstra, Ph.D., OTD, OTR/L, program director of Occupational Therapy at University of Western States, has been a practicing occupational therapist for more than 30 years and is also an eight-year veteran of the higher education classroom. Dr. Tilstra blended her clinical and academic experience to create an innovative new two-year hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. We spoke with Dr. Tilstra to learn more about what this new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program offers students, graduates, and the communities they serve.

What is occupational therapy, and what do occupational therapists do?

Dr. Tilstra: The American Occupational Therapy Association’s definition is helpful: “Occupational therapy is a health care profession focused on helping clients maximize their independence and/or quality of life through participation in occupations that make their lives meaningful and purposeful.”  All of the individual activities you do during the day are your occupations, including self-care, household tasks, health management, rest and sleep, education, work, leisure, and social participation. Occupational therapy practitioners collaborate with clients to develop goals and treatments focused on quality of life and based on individual preferences, values, and beliefs. 

What makes the UWS Doctor of Occupational Therapy program unique?

Dr. Tilstra: A traditional program requires students to come to campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. It’s their full-time job. They’re expected to be fully engaged in the program. They can’t have other commitments during that time.

We’ve found that doesn’t work for a lot of students, especially now, when people are using remote access to work around their life, home, and work schedules. An important part of the program’s design was to make the courses accessible across time zones, which means using prerecorded lectures or content videos that students can access whenever and as often as they want.

Occupational therapy is a hands-on career, so you can’t have a program 100% online, but we looked at how we can efficiently use every minute that students are on campus to make sure they are doing something with their hands.

When they come to campus, they will come about six days every semester during their first year. We call those six days “intensives” on purpose: It’s intense, hands-on training. They’re working with each other and faculty practicing clinical skills, using assessments, and different modalities that we have tried to refine as much as possible.

Who is the ideal student for the UWS two-year hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy program?

Dr. Tilstra: We are looking for individuals who are compassionate, curious, and committed to helping others, regardless of academic background. We value the diverse experiences that applicants bring. Typical applicants include junior undergrad students interested in a holistic health care profession; occupational therapy assistants working in the field who want to advance their practice; working adults who have a bachelor’s degree in another field but are looking to change careers. I have worked with students who previously studied education, dance, fashion design, nursing, psychology, exercise physiology, and construction. They have gone on to thrive in the occupational therapy profession.

How does the UWS Doctor of Occupational Therapy program teach mental health and whole-person care?

Dr. Tilstra: A key pillar of occupational therapy is mental health. it’s a specialty area, but it’s also integrated into every interaction that we have. Students have to complete a mental health course related to evaluation and intervention in mental health practice. That’s taken during their first semester because we integrate it throughout all the other courses.

In my hand therapy practice, I may be the first person who’s asked my patient who had a traumatic hand injury, who got their hand caught in a machine at work, “How are you sleeping?” I’ll ask, “How’s your relationship with your spouse who isn’t used to you being home for six weeks? How’s your anxiety?”

I might be working on the physical part of trying to improve their motion and their strength and the scar tissue in their hand, but I’m also having this ongoing conversation to provide them with mental health support. We teach students how to do that. It’s an important part of occupational therapy practice, no matter what area of practice they choose.

What is fieldwork in the UWS Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, and how does the capstone prepare students?

Dr. Tilstra: Fieldwork is broken down into two sections. There’s level one fieldwork that is required and built into the coursework when students are on campus. They will complete their level one training during that time. Their level two fieldwork comes in semesters four and five. Those are full-time clinical experiences that can be done anywhere in the U.S., plus we have a few in the Virgin Islands and other areas.

Semester six is the capstone. We call it a “project and an experience” because the experience must be 14 weeks during which they’ll complete a project. It may be a research project,  teaching a course, or running an innovative group treatment program. They get the opportunity to  experience research and academic presentations. That’s important because it gets their names out in the OT community.

What are the most common work settings and career paths for occupational therapists?

Dr. Tilstra: One of the most common areas that students go to are in the school system. They’re doing pediatric occupational therapy, working on handwriting skills, the ability to sit still, emotion regulation, social skills, anger management, those types of things.

Some go to a skilled nursing facility with a geriatric population to work with  someone who’s had a total hip surgery or a new onset of Parkinson’s but who wants to maximize their level of independence. Some graduates work in inpatient rehab that focuses on patients in the first 20 days after a stroke or a motor vehicle accident.

Other options are inpatient rehab for pediatrics, outpatient pediatric or hand therapy, neonatal intensive care, acute care hospitals, and behavioral health or mental health.

Why is demand for occupational therapists growing, and what population trends are driving it?

Dr. Tilstra: It’s our aging baby boomers. A large majority are going to need some kind of therapy services, and we don’t have enough occupational therapy practitioners to service all the people that need therapy. Most areas of the country are understaffed and desperate for occupational therapists. We’re seeing an upswing in demand, and I foresee that will continue, because there are just not enough OT practitioners graduating right now.

The Community Solution and Camosun College Sign Memorandum Expanding Learning Opportunities Internationally

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Partnership expands international academic pathways, enabling Camosun kinesiology students streamlined entry into UWS’s Doctor of Chiropractic program.

The Community Solution Education System has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Camosun College opening opportunities to develop academic pathways for Camosun students to all six institutions within the nonprofit system.

“The Community Solution was founded with the belief that cooperation among colleges and universities benefits both students and institutions,” said Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “This partnership with Camosun bridges educational opportunities internationally, allowing students to advance their professional goals and contribute to their communities in a meaningful way.”  

The first of these is a formalized pathway for Camosun kinesiology students to access the Doctor of Chiropractic program at University of Western States (UWS).

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Camosun to develop pathways for students to further explore the field of chiropractic care,” said Nathan Long, Ed.D., president of UWS. “This partnership showcases our shared commitment to advancing whole-person health both in the U.S. and in Canada. As a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, we understand the critical role strategic relationships like this have in the advancement of student success and community impact. I look forward to seeing the relationship between UWS and Camosun blossom.”

The MoU will help establish a pathway for undergraduates to further their studies in chiropractic health care. The agreement creates a framework of benefits and collaborative offerings including the exchange of materials, joint research agendas and collection of data, and access to interdisciplinary grant opportunities. Additionally, Camosun kinesiology students enrolling in the chiropractic doctoral program at UWS are eligible to receive transfer credits for three courses (8.5 credits).  

“We’re pleased to partner with The Community Solution to promote academic cooperation and provide opportunities for further education for Camosun College students,” said Carly Hall, Dean of Health Sciences and Human Service at Camosun College.

The Bachelor of Kinesiology program at Camosun is a four-year applied degree program that prepares students with the knowledge and skills to work in the fields of exercise physiology, kinesiology, exercise therapy, fitness, high-performance sport, adapted physical activity, health and community recreation.

The UWS Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program is a rigorous, 12-quarter doctoral program designed to be completed in three years. Students learn from experienced faculty with practice experience and clinical training at the UWS campus in Portland, Ore. The UWS DC program qualifies graduates with the coursework required for licensure in the U.S. and Canada.

The Expanding Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care

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Two women in white lab coats talk with female patient

Explore how occupational therapists are redefining mental health care through practical, person-centered support.

Table of Contents

Occupational therapy professionals (OTPs) have long been associated with physical rehabilitation, but their expertise increasingly plays a vital role in psychiatric care. From managing the impact of trauma to helping individuals rebuild disrupted lifestyles, the role of occupational therapists has become essential, offering personalized support that helps people function in their daily lives.

At University of Western States (UWS), this intersection of mental and functional health is core to the institution’s philosophy. Guided by a whole-person approach to health, UWS prepares occupational therapists to understand the full complexity of a person’s life, environment, and goals, training them to restore practical function.

Learn more about the impact OTPs are making within the field of mental health.

 

 

A Whole-Person, Function-First Philosophy

When mental health conditions take hold, even simple routines can unravel. Getting out of bed, showering, preparing a meal, or sticking to a sleep schedule can feel like monumental tasks. Through trauma-informed care practices, occupational therapists learn to see people as more than diagnoses. Their focus on function helps them empower patients to rebuild routines and reestablish confidence in their ability to navigate life.

“Think of it as the doing therapy instead of the talking therapy,” says Michele Tilstra, OTD, Ph.D. The founding program director for the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at UWS, Dr. Tilstra has more than 30 years of OT experience, having practiced in hand therapy, home health, skilled nursing, and mental/ behavioral health. To her, an OTP’s work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through meaningful activity, helping patients reconnect with who they are and what they can do.

By focusing on function, not just symptoms, OTs empower people to rediscover balance and purpose in their everyday lives.

 

What Does It Mean To Be Function-First in OT?

In occupational therapy, every goal connects back to one thing: the functions needed for a patient’s daily life. “Function-first means everything we do has to apply to a daily activity,” says Dr. Tilstra. “Everything you do in your life counts as a function. Sleeping, getting dressed, showing up on time for work or school, sitting at a desk, grocery shopping: These are all functional tasks or your occupations.”

Being function-first means focusing on what people need to do: helping them adapt, stay engaged, and live with purpose each day. For clients living with depression, anxiety, or major life changes, OT care might involve rethinking routines that suddenly feel impossible. For example, “If someone loses a spouse, counseling helps with grief, while OTs look at how that loss affects daily life,” explains Dr. Tilstra. “Was the spouse responsible for paying bills, buying groceries, or keeping track of appointments? How can the patient maintain functioning while still working through their grief? In OT, we step in to help them build systems that make everything more manageable.”

This lens also aligns with the University of Western States commitment to whole–person health, which recognizes how physical, mental, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors intersect to impact well-being.

Collaboration and Care Teams: Why Occupational Therapists Belong in Mental Health

Imagine someone facing depression who can’t get out of bed to take their medication or prepare a meal, or a trauma survivor struggling to focus at work. OTPs step in to help rebuild routines, adapt environments, and create strategies that make daily life more manageable and meaningful.

This practical, person-centered approach reflects the values of University of Western States where collaboration is at the heart of the educational experience. Students in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program learn to think across disciplines, combining evidence, empathy, and real-world understanding to support whole person health. This prepares students for the collaborative nature of occupational therapy. OTPs often collaborate with other mental health providers to create integrated treatment plans that center both clinical and functional recovery.

 

How Is an Occupational Therapist Different From a Counselor, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Social Worker?

Occupational therapy and counseling often go hand in hand: one helps people understand their struggles, while the other helps them live differently because of that understanding.

“Counseling is where you go deep into the ‘why,’ while OT is about the ‘how,’” explains Dr. Tilstra. “We’re always applying what we talk about to daily life.” She notes that more than half of her clients see both a counselor and an OT.

While counselors help clients explore and process trauma, OTPs focus on how those experiences show up in everyday routines. “OTPs are trauma-informed and aware of factors that contribute to behaviors, but we focus on the day-to-day activities people are struggling to accomplish.”

For example, when a client experienced anxiety after being attacked in a grocery store, counseling helped her process the trauma. Occupational therapy focused on the next step: rebuilding confidence to return to the store. “We looked at what was stopping her and created small, practical goals to help her get back to doing what she needed to do,” Dr. Tilstra says.

 

What Does OT Care Look Like for Different Age Groups?

Occupational therapy is a valuable resource for patients across ages and backgrounds. In community-based practice, Dr. Tilstra serves a wide range of neurodivergent clients with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or depression, from toddlers to adults in their 60s. “With the little ones, it’s a lot of sensory regulation: teaching families about sensory needs and how to meet them in healthy ways,” she explains. “For adults, it might be about organization, task initiation, or giving them permission to find strategies that actually work for them.”

Dr. Tilstra recalled working with a college student newly diagnosed with ADHD who struggled with organization and self-doubt. “We went through his syllabi, mapped out his schedule, and built in time for work, exercise, and socializing. It was the first time he had seen his whole life in one view,” she says. “He left with strategies that worked for his brain, and permission to do things differently.”

In school settings and nursing homes, OTPs will sometimes create dedicated sensory rooms (depending on state and institutional resources). For pediatric patients, these rooms might feature climbing features, bubble tubes, swings, soft textures, compression vests, and compression tunnels to help with calming. In assisted living facilities, these rooms might have quiet music, calming scents, bubble tubes, soft textures, and baby dolls.

Beyond the sensory room, environmental modifications benefit patients of all ages, creating comfort and preserving dignity. Dr. Tilstra shares an example of an elderly patient who is hesitant to shower: “Sometimes it’s because they’re embarrassed, cold, or just don’t understand what’s happening,” she says. “It’s amazing what lowering the lights and putting a robe around them to keep them warm can do to reduce agitation and improve some behaviors.”

No matter the age or diagnosis, the goal is the same: helping clients understand themselves, build practical coping tools, and move toward greater balance and independence.

 

What Mental Health Conditions Are Supported by Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy professionals in mental health settings support clients across a wide range of diagnoses. While the specifics vary, here are some of the most common conditions and the functional strategies OTs bring to care:

  • Depression: Reestablishing routines, increasing engagement in activities, and overcoming fatigue and low motivation
  • Anxiety Disorders: Grounding techniques, calming routines, and trigger management
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Trauma-informed safety strategies, sensory regulation, and gradual reentry into community
  • Substance Use Disorders: Healthy-lifestyle routines, relapse-prevention strategies, and reintegration into work, school, or community
  • Serious Mental Illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder): Independent-living skills, medication management, social participation, and vocational readiness
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Organizational strategies, time management tools, and sensory regulation techniques

For example, in patients with schizophrenia, OT interventions have been found to improve social functioning and cognitive performance, reducing the duration and rate of rehospitalization. By focusing on function and context, OTPs help clients carry therapeutic progress into daily life.

 

Where Do Occupational Therapists Serve?

Occupational therapy professionals make a difference wherever people need help finding their strength and independence. While many work in hospitals or clinics, OTs serve across a variety of settings. UWS graduates will go on to serve in roles within skilled nursing facilities, transitional housing programs, nonprofit agencies, and more.

 

Inpatient and psychiatric settings

In hospital and psychiatric environments, OTPs lead practical, hands-on sessions that help patients reestablish daily routines like cooking, nutrition, hygiene, and budgeting.

“It’s not always about the physical act itself,” Dr. Tilstra says. “Sometimes it’s about helping someone remember to take care of themselves: bathing, dressing, or preparing meals.”

These activities build life skills patients can carry into everyday life after discharge.

 

Community and Outpatient Clinics

In community-based care, therapy becomes highly individualized as OTPs help clients navigate real-world challenges.

“If someone has panic attacks, it might take us three weeks to work toward going to the grocery store,” Dr. Tilstra says. “We plan together, build familiarity, and practice coping strategies, breaking big fears into manageable steps.”

These sessions combine emotional awareness with real-world problem-solving to rebuild confidence and independence.

 

Creative and Group-Based Therapies

OTs use shared, purposeful activities (such as crafts, cooking, or team projects) to build emotional regulation and social skills in safe, engaging ways.

Occupational therapy has deep roots in creative, activity-based interventions, and those methods are making a comeback. Participating in activities (such as crafts, cooking, or team projects) builds emotional regulation and social skills in safe, engaging ways.

“I might have a group of four adolescent boys building birdhouses,” Dr. Tilstra says. “While they’re working, we’re talking about anger: what happens when you start to feel it, and what you can do differently.”

Using the birdhouse example, Dr. Tilstra emphasizes how activity-based interventions help cultivate problem-solving skills. “If there aren’t enough materials for everyone to make their birdhouses, for example, they learn to share and work together,” she says. “Those are real social skills, and it all falls under the OT umbrella,” Dr. Tilstra says.

 

Forensic and Correctional Settings

In state hospitals, youth detention centers, and forensic units, OTPs often focus on long-term independence and reintegration.

“We work on transitional living skills,” explains Dr. Tilstra. “That is, what it takes to care for yourself, make safe choices, and build friendships that lead to healthier outcomes.”

These sessions often include anger management, stress management, and social skill development, all of which are critical tools for stability and self-sufficiency.

 

Looking Ahead: Why the Mental Health Field Needs More Occupational Therapists

The demand for mental health professionals is rapidly outpacing supply, especially in community-based and rural settings. At the same time, the field continues to broaden its understanding of what effective care looks like.

Effective mental health care extends beyond talk therapy or crisis stabilization. It also requires structured, everyday support that allows individuals to rebuild their lives.

Occupational therapy professionals address such needs. Their training in function, context, trauma, and daily living makes them essential members of any modern mental health care team.

And the workforce need is only growing: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% increase in demand for occupational therapists through 2032, much faster than average job growth. This is driven by aging populations, increased attention to chronic illness, and expanding recognition of OTP’s role in mental and behavioral health. “There’s a big gap in care,” Dr. Tilstra says. “Currently, there aren’t enough OTPs to serve the aging population.”

 

Why Should Someone Pursue a Degree in Occupational Therapy?

For Dr. Tilstra, the beauty of a career in occupational therapy lies in its remarkable variety. “In more than 30 years, I’ve worked in acute care, inpatient rehab, psychiatry, home health, hand therapy, and even pediatric occupational therapy, something I never thought I’d do,” she shares. “The best part is, I’ve always been an OT.”

Whether working with clients for hours each day in a rehab setting, traveling to patients’ homes, or treating children in a playful, creative environment, Dr. Tilstra found that occupational therapy offered endless opportunities to grow. “If you ever feel stagnant, you can take a continuing education class, attend a conference, or develop a new skill set,” she says. “You can completely change your trajectory and still stay within this field.”

 

How UWS Prepares Occupational Therapists for the Future of Mental Health Care

University of Western States is preparing students to meet this need with the launch of its new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, a flexible, hybrid occupational therapy degree designed with working professionals and career changers in mind. Students complete most of their coursework online with limited on-campus residencies, making the program accessible without requiring relocation.

“As the first occupational therapy program within our system, this launch represents a significant step in expanding our ability to impact health care delivery,” says Michael Horowitz, Ph.D., chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “By offering a flexible and forward-thinking pathway into occupational therapy, UWS is preparing a new generation of practitioners to provide care that addresses not just physical needs, but the overall well-being of the individuals and communities they serve.”

 

Snapshot of the Occupational Therapist Program

From the very first semester, students take a four-credit mental health course designed to establish a foundation in mental health that runs through every subsequent part of the curriculum. “We wanted students to start with mental health because it’s the foundation for the remaining coursework in the program,” Dr. Tilstra says. “Mental health is woven into everything: our adult and geriatric courses, pediatrics, and even anatomy.”

Early fieldwork experiences reinforce this foundation. The first Level I fieldwork focuses entirely on mental health, giving students experience interviewing clients, writing evaluations and treatment plans, and leading group therapy sessions. “They plan and run social skills or anger management groups—seeing firsthand how people work through challenges together,” Dr. Tilstra explains.

Students also train through video simulations of challenging client behaviors to build confidence for real-world situations. Just as importantly, they’re encouraged to develop self-awareness and understand their own emotional triggers. “Part of mental health is knowing yourself,” emphasizes Dr. Tilstra. “If you haven’t dealt with your own trauma, it’s going to be difficult when you’re sitting with someone else’s pain.”

This holistic approach extends to advising, too. Each student is paired with both a faculty and a student affairs advisor who check in on academics and overall wellness. “They’re not just students,” Dr. Tilstra says. “They’re whole people. When they graduate, we want them emotionally intact and ready to care for others.”

By combining evidence-based training with a whole-person health approach, the OTD program at UWS equips future occupational therapists to support recovery.

 

Join the Next Generation of Occupational Therapy Leaders

University of Western States prepares students to become thoughtful, evidence-informed practitioners who honor the complexity of human health. Through programs grounded in rigorous science and compassionate understanding, UWS equips future occupational therapists to support recovery with excellent care.

By blending function and research with empathy, today’s OTs are making mental health care more practical and effective.

Learn more about our Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.