Occupational Therapy Month – Ways to Strengthen Support for OTs Table of Contents 

“I just want to hold a spoon again.”

That’s what a stroke survivor told his occupational therapist on his first day of rehab. Not walk. Not drive. Not to climb a mountain. Just hold a spoon.

It’s a small goal until it’s yours. And that’s the power of occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy helps people of all ages regain or build the skills needed for daily living, from basic self-care to returning to meaningful work and hobbies. We celebrate National Occupational Therapy Month in April to honor the professionals who turn everyday tasks into life-changing victories. This month recognizes their work in helping people get dressed, return to work, tie their shoes, feed themselves, or simply feel like themselves again.

Despite their vital role, occupational therapists (OTs) often remain behind the scenes, their impact unseen by many. But when given the opportunity to demonstrate their value, the results are clear. Consider findings from a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): before OTs were integrated into primary care, only 13% of healthcare providers believed they were necessary. Just 18 months later, that number soared to 96%. More than 60% of providers now say OT is essential to their care teams. 

The numbers speak for themselves. When people see what OTs can do, they don’t just appreciate them; they rely on them. This Occupational Therapy Month, let’s come together to raise awareness and advocate for policies that support occupational therapists. You can make a difference; here’s how!

Why Occupational Therapists Matter More Than You Think

Consider findings from a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): before OTs were integrated into primary care, only 13% of healthcare providers believed they were necessary. Just 18 months later, that number soared to 96%. More than 60% of providers now say OT is essential to their care teams. 

The numbers speak for themselves. When people see what OTs can do, they don’t just appreciate them; they rely on them. Occupational therapists play a vital role in healthcare, yet many people are unaware of the full scope of their work. They assist individuals of all ages, from infants to older adults.

What sets OTs apart is their focus on real-life functions and activities. These professionals don’t just treat medical issues. They help people return to work, manage school, or handle everyday tasks like getting dressed or making a meal. This shows how essential OTs are becoming in today’s healthcare landscape.

This support makes a real difference in people’s lives. And the need for it is growing. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the demand for occupational therapists (OTs) is expected to grow by 14% from 2019 to 2029, indicating a need for more professionals in the field to meet the increasing demands of healthcare.

Yet despite their impact, many OTs work behind the scenes, rarely getting the recognition they deserve. While you may not often see them in the spotlight, their contributions go far beyond physical rehabilitation. These professionals are instrumental in supporting mental health, boosting self-esteem, and making day-to-day life easier for countless individuals. Whether they’re helping someone regain independence after an injury or working with children who need extra support, OTs help make recovery more personal and more practical.

Challenges Faced by Occupational Therapists

Today, many OTs face growing challenges that affect both their work and personal well-being. According to research published in Scientific Research, approximately 50% of occupational therapists experience moderate to high levels of professional burnout. Let’s look at the main issues that need attention:

Heavy Caseloads and Too Much Paperwork

Many OTs work in places where there aren’t enough staff. This means they have to handle more patients than they reasonably can. Along with high caseloads, they also deal with excessive paperwork, particularly documentation and insurance forms. This cuts into their time with patients and increases stress. As a result, both care quality and therapist satisfaction suffer.

For instance, one OT working in a busy rehabilitation hospital reported having to split her time between 15 patients a day. Because of documentation requirements, she often had only 20 minutes per session, barely enough time to build rapport or implement meaningful interventions. She recalled a young stroke survivor who needed more time for guided hand exercises, but sessions had to be cut short repeatedly due to back-to-back appointments and paperwork deadlines. Over time, this not only impacted the patient’s recovery progress but also left the therapist feeling ineffective and burnt out.

Burnout from Emotional Strain and Lack of Support

Occupational therapy goes beyond physical rehabilitation—it also involves helping patients navigate emotional and psychological challenges. Many OTs work with individuals recovering from trauma, coping with chronic conditions, or adjusting to life-altering injuries. Supporting patients through these struggles requires not just clinical skill but deep emotional resilience.

When therapists lack access to mental health resources or feel unrecognized by their institutions, emotional strain builds up. According to a 2022 survey by the American Occupational Therapy Association, nearly 60% of OTs reported feeling emotionally drained at least once a week. One pediatric OT recalled regularly working with children experiencing developmental delays and behavioral issues, without time to debrief or recharge, the emotional toll quickly became overwhelming. Without proper support systems, this kind of burnout can lead to disengagement, decreased effectiveness, and even early exit from the profession.

Unequal Pay and Resources Across Work Settings

Occupational therapists often face significant disparities in pay and resources depending on where they work. Those in rural or public healthcare settings typically earn less and have limited access to essential tools, support staff, and continuing education, unlike their peers in urban or private sectors. This imbalance doesn’t just affect therapists’ morale and retention; it also compromises patient care. Individuals in under-resourced areas may experience delays, limited therapy options, or inconsistent support.

Telehealth has emerged as a powerful tool to help bridge these rural gaps. It allows OTs to connect with patients remotely, reducing travel barriers and ensuring more consistent, accessible care, especially in regions lacking specialized services.

Addressing this issue requires policy reforms that focus on equitable pay, improved resource allocation, and increased support for telehealth infrastructure. Equal access to tools and compensation is essential to ensure that both therapists and patients receive the support they need, regardless of location.

How to Build Long-Term Support for Occupational Therapists 

Occupational Therapists help people regain independence and improve their daily lives. But despite the impact they make, many OTs face ongoing challenges at work. These can lead to stress, burnout, and even career changes. 

According to research published in Occupational Therapy Commons, burnout is linked to factors such as lack of supervision and limited professional growth opportunities. Here’s how you can build long-term support for OTs, whether you manage a clinic, work in healthcare, or support policy.

Financial Support

Paying OTs fairly helps keep skilled professionals in the field. It shows that their work matters. Without this, many leave for higher-paying jobs elsewhere.

Beyond salary, think about covering costs for tools, training, or licensure. Some states offer loan repayment programs for OTs working in underserved areas, and they’ve seen better retention as a result. For instance, the California State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) offers up to $50,000 in loan repayment for health professionals, including occupational therapists, who commit to working in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). This initiative has helped improve workforce stability in rural and low-income communities.

Workplace Wellness

The job can be emotionally heavy. High caseloads, intense patient needs, and long hours take a toll. That’s why workplace wellness matters.

Give OTs access to mental health resources, offer flexible scheduling, and create opportunities for peer support groups or stress management sessions. Consider introducing mental health days to give staff time to recharge, and use burnout risk surveys to regularly check in on team well-being. These proactive steps don’t just reduce burnout—they build a resilient, supported workforce that’s better equipped to care for others.

Opportunities for Growth

If you want OTs to stay engaged, you need to support their growth. That means giving them access to CEUs, encouraging them to attend workshops or conferences, and connecting them with mentors.

Mentorship can be especially helpful for new therapists. It boosts their confidence and helps them handle tough cases better.

Involvement in Policy

Occupational therapists should have a say in decisions that affect their work. Encourage them to get involved in advocacy groups or professional associations.

Whether it’s about Medicare, Medicaid, or school-based services, policies often determine how occupational therapists can help people. Giving them a seat at the table ensures those policies work better for everyone.

How to Celebrate and Support OTs This April

 According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the demand for occupational therapists (OTs) is expected to grow by 14% from 2019 to 2029, indicating a need for more professionals in the field to meet the increasing demands of healthcare.

Occupational Therapy Month is an opportunity not only to honor the contributions of occupational therapists (OTs) but also to reflect on how we can better support them in the workplace.

Include OTs in Decision-Making

One powerful way to show support is by giving OTs a voice in policy and planning. Research published on ResearchGate shows that peer support interventions positively impact 7 out of 10 occupational therapy process categories—demonstrating the value of OT perspectives. When OTs are involved in shaping policies, those decisions are more likely to reflect the realities of clinical practice and improve patient care.

Ensure Safe, Functional Work Environments

Working in poorly equipped or unsafe settings can lead to frustration, lower morale, and compromised care. OTs need reliable tools and well-maintained spaces to perform at their best. Ensuring access to proper resources is foundational to job satisfaction and high-quality outcomes.

Foster a Culture of Listening and Feedback

Open communication matters. Creating regular, safe channels for OTs to share feedback—and ensuring that feedback is acted upon—builds trust, lowers burnout, and strengthens team engagement. It’s not just about being heard; it’s about being valued.

Support Leads to Better Care

When we invest in occupational therapists, by listening to them, equipping them, and involving them, we improve care for everyone. Building supportive work environments isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart and sustainable path forward.

How OT Peers and Students Can Support Each Other

Occupational Therapy Month in April is a great time to focus on how occupational therapists can support and encourage one another. According to research published in ResearchGate, peer support interventions in mental health care have demonstrated significant positive results in various occupational therapy outcomes. Whether you’re a practicing occupational therapist or a beginner, peer support plays a significant role in creating a healthy and connected occupational therapy community. Here’s how you can take part:

Support Each Other Through Peer Encouragement

Strong peer support can help reduce burnout and improve morale. It also makes the workplace feel safer and more welcoming. A study highlights peer support as a key organizational factor in OT well-being and job satisfaction, emphasizing that team dynamics and supportive personalities are essential for a positive work environment.

Cheering each other on, whether it’s through tough cases, everyday challenges, or small wins, can make a real difference. For example, a simple gesture like a colleague leaving a handwritten note of appreciation after a difficult client session, or a team celebrating a successful discharge together, can go a long way in making someone feel valued. These small acts strengthen team bonds, promote a culture of kindness, and boost mental well-being.

Senior OTs Can Help New Grads Adjust to Practice

Transitioning from school to clinical work can be a challenging process. Senior OTs can guide new grads by reviewing documentation, discussing clinical choices, and offering general mentorship.

Research shows that formal mentorship can improve a new OT’s clinical confidence by up to 60% in the first six months. Mentoring also helps experienced occupational therapists (OTs) develop their leadership skills. To support this transition, institutions could consider formalizing buddy systems or offering structured one-on-one mentorship tracks. It ensures consistent support and smoother integration into the workplace.

OT Students Can Get Involved During April

Occupational Therapy Month is a great time for students to engage in advocacy, public health events, or shadowing opportunities. Volunteering at clinics or participating in outreach events offers valuable hands-on experience while giving back to the community. Students can also amplify their impact by contributing to social media campaigns or writing blog posts that highlight the role of occupational therapy in everyday life, helping to raise public awareness and inspire others. 

Additionally, joining or getting active in AOTA student chapters provides a structured way to network with peers and professionals, access leadership opportunities, and support national advocacy efforts. These experiences not only build skills and connections but also deepen students’ understanding of the diverse career paths within the OT field.

Share Knowledge Through Peer-Led Sessions

Try hosting short, informal knowledge-sharing sessions, such as lunch-and-learns or case discussions. For example, a recent session on managing antibiotic resistance in post-surgical infections sparked insightful debate and led to actionable changes in prescribing habits across departments. These meetings can spark new ideas and build clinical skills. 

Hearing different perspectives helps improve your problem-solving approach and encourages patient-focused thinking. In fact, peer and interprofessional case reviews often lead to better treatment outcomes.

Need Continuing Education Credits for Your OT License?

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are essential members of the healthcare system. They help people regain independence, manage daily activities, and rebuild their confidence after injury, illness, or trauma. Despite their impact, occupational therapists (OTs) often face high caseloads, emotional strain, limited resources, and a lack of recognition. Addressing these issues helps OTs through improved workplace wellness, fair compensation, mentorship programs, and increased visibility. This Occupational Therapy Month, let’s do more than just say thank you; let’s take action. 

Whether you’re an employer, peer, student, or advocate for quality care, you can help amplify OT voices and support better healthcare systems. One impactful way is through proper training and compliance. Explore our certifications—BLS, CPR for Healthcare Provider Course, Bloodborne Pathogens, and HIPAA—to help create a safer, more informed care environment.