Occupational therapists have an essential role to play in supporting people with mental ill health helping them to engage in work and study and empowering them to lead active and fulfilling lives however more needs to be done to fully unlock these benefits and ensure that occupational therapy is at the forefront of holistic mental and physical health care this important report . Occupational therapists or ots are essential to addressing mental health issues with extensive skills and knowledge that are relevant and needed for the toll that this pandemic is exacting from canadians during the crisis and in its aftermath ots are poised to take action on overcoming the disruption that covid 19 has brought to everyday lives and emotional well being occupational therapy is a low cost high impact solution that needs inclusion and funding as canada starts its long . Role of occupational therapy in mental health the roles of occupational therapy in mental health are make the patient independent in daily living skills help to improve social interaction and participation help to improve behavior ot uses occupation activities to promote wellness and quality of life occupational therapist engages the patients through activities to help people overcome . Series occupational therapy essentials most recent volume volume occupational therapies without borders published 11th november 2016 authors dikaios sakellariou nick pollard the new edition of this landmark international work builds on the previous two volumes offering a window onto occupational therapy practice theory and ideas in different cultures and geographies it emphasizes . Occupational therapists always have believed in treating the whole person whether the primary problem relates to physical or mental health they practice in diverse settings including hospitals