What is a QMHP?
Qualified mental health professional means an individual possessing a license, permit, or limited permit from the New York State Education Department who is qualified by credentials, training, and experience to provide direct services related to the treatment of mental illness… (14 CRR-NY 596.4NY-CRR)
“Mental Health is a component of all occupational therapy interventions. Occupational therapy practitioners provide mental health treatment and prevention services for children, youth, the aging and those with severe and persistent mental illness, with a focus on function and independence” (AOTA, 2019).
Currently, occupational therapy practitioners do not have QMHP designation in NYS.
Across New York state, occupational therapists provide mental health interventions. There needs to be a change! Currently, occupational therapists in New York state are not classified as Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP), even though you may see many occupational therapists practicing in the mental health field. Without this important designation, many occupational therapy practitioners are ineligible for certain positions and this limits the public’s access to important services that can help to support and promote mental health.
Occupational therapy practitioners need to be identified as qualified mental health professionals. Please follow our blog and subscribe to our social media pages!
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For more information, click on the links below:
QMHP for NYS OT 