The Developing Role of Occupational Therapy in Psychiatric Intensive Care

Occupational therapy has an established role in the delivery of mental health services. Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) are a development found in many psychiatric inpatient facilities and their numbers are increasing. The introduction of occupational therapy to a recently established PICU is examined. A comparison is made between PICU and forensic client groups, and the developing need for PICUs as a distinct service and the client group they serve are described. An example of successful service delivery of occupational therapy in a PICU is offered, and the challenges to the therapist working in this demanding and rewarding setting are outlined.