Mental health care: perspective of an occupational therapist intern in physical rehabilitation outpatients

Abstract

Introduction: Health literature shows that physical illness can cause mental suffering to those who experience it. However, several health professionals have difficulties in offering integrality in healthcare to those patients, considering the psychic sphere in the care process. In the author's experience, throughout the occupational therapy internship in physical rehabilitation outpatient clinics, integrality in healthcare processes were carried out proposing treatments for the physical and mental illness of service users. Objective: Report through the experience process the importance of mental health care during the physical rehabilitation process with integrality in Health. Methodology: We highlighted experiences during the internship period, selected according to the need for expanded mental health care. These findings were discussed based on health literature, with emphasis in legislation and public policies, as well as in the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement. Results and Discussion: Three experiences were reported and their impact was debated in the light of literature: User Embracement, Occupational performance and Mindfulness. Conclusion: Comprehensive care achieved positive results in the health of the public served, favoring acceptance, self-perception, emotion management and occupational involvement.