What is the primary purpose of Occupational Therapy services?

The primary purpose of Occupational Therapy (OT) services is to help individuals engage in meaningful daily activities, which includes dealing with practical tasks of daily living. OT focuses on enabling clients to perform tasks that are essential for their independence and quality of life. This may involve assisting with activities such as self-care, work, leisure, and social participation. Occupational therapists evaluate the individual's needs and devise strategies or interventions to enhance their ability to achieve these tasks, which is critical whether the individual has a physical, mental, or developmental condition.

While providing educational support, assessing mental health, and offering recreational activities can be components of occupational therapy, they are not the central aim. Educational support may be part of addressing occupational performance in specific situations, but it does not encompass the broad scope of OT. Similarly, mental health assessment can be part of a holistic approach, but it is the application of therapeutic techniques to facilitate practical task performance that is the main focus. Recreational activities can also be therapeutic, but they serve to further enhance the individual’s ability to engage in daily life rather than standing alone as the primary purpose of OT.