Establishing Community-Based Mental Health Services
The Role of Occupational Therapists and Key Challenges
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13775548 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Špela Mihevc (0000-0001-9372-6764, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, corresponding author), Katarina Galof (0000-0002-8644-6104, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 62 |
| Pages | 469580251336902-469580251336902 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-13 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0046-9580 • E-ISSN: 1945-7243 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00469580251336902 |
| PMID | 40514793 |
| OpenAlex | W4411329387 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 26 |
Slovenia is following the World Health Organization's guidelines for the development of community-based services by establishing interdisciplinary teams in mental health centres. The literature indicates that occupational therapy in these teams actively contributes to promoting engagement and participation in meaningful occupations that support well-being in the community. The purpose of this study is to highlight the early stages of the development of these teams and the role of occupational therapy in this process. This qualitative study explored occupational therapists' perspectives on the challenges and their role in practice in community-based mental health (CbMH) centres. Three occupational therapists participated in the first focus group and 4 in the second. Two occupational therapists participated in semi-structured interviews. In total, 9 occupational therapists from 14 menthal health centres participated in the study. The results underline the importance of developing CbMH centres that provide services within clients' living and working environments. These centres enable occupational therapists to practice in community settings, presenting both opportunities and challenges in integrating occupational therapy into the deinstitutionalisation process. Data analysis identified 3 key thematic areas: the role of the interdisciplinary mental health team in CbMH centres challenges faced by occupational therapists within these teams, and the development of an occupational therapy service model. This study highlights the need to expand CbMH centres across Slovenia and secure additional funding to strengthen existing teams. Key steps for better integration of occupational therapists include advocating for financial recognition, adapting successful international programmes, improving education and training and ensuring the participation of occupational therapists in all interdisciplinary mental health teams
Computer security · Key (lock · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Computer Science · Family and Disability Support Research · Occupational Therapy · Occupational Therapy Practice and Research · Psychology
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq)
The transition towards community-based mental health care in the European Union
Une réforme globale des soins en santé mentale basée sur une approche communautaire
Thematic Analysis
Understanding what it means to be socially included for people with a lived experience of mental illness
Participant Outcomes and Facilitator Experiences Following a Community Living Skills Program for Adult Mental Health Consumers
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |