OTA Mental Health Endorsement Program

The OTA Mental Health Endorsement program provides recognition of the additional knowledge, skills and experience of OTs focusing their scope of practice on mental health. The endorsement program sets a high standard for our profession and provides an important signal to practitioners, funders, and users of occupational therapy services about what the profession considers the foundation for safe and effective practice.

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Applying for the Mental Health Endorsement Program

Essential Criteria for Endorsement

Occupational therapists providing mental health specific services are eligible for endorsement under Occupational Therapy Australia’s (OTA) mental health endorsement program. The endorsement program recognises the additional knowledge, skills and experience of OTs focusing their scope of practice on mental health.

While any person can access privately funded mental health occupational therapy services, the OTA mental health endorsement program enables endorsed occupational therapists to provide mental health services under a range of government funding schemes.

Find out more on the eligibility criteria below.

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Application Process

Step One

Before applying

We strongly encourage you to read OTA's Mental Health Capability Framework before embarking on the endorsement application process. You should also work with your supervisor to identify any potential gaps and to make sure you understand the criteria before applying.

The Mental Health Endorsement is built on the foundations of the capability framework and while not all capabilities are assessed through the endorsement application process, there is a clear set of mental health capabilities which are required for endorsement. The capabilities listed should not be considered exhaustive but rather a minimum set of core mental health capabilities.

To apply:

You must be a current member of Occupational Therapy Australia (to maintain this endorsement you need to keep your OTA membership).
Please read all instructions and documentation carefully and follow instructions accordingly.
Be mindful that you are applying as an individual. Your application needs to be a true and accurate reflection of your individual skills and experience.
Applications will only be assessed using templates provided.

Step Two

Application process

The application consists of two parts and a total of six sections, which must be completed before lodging.

Part One

Your details including a summary outlining reason for applying for endorsement
Clinical experience - clinical focus and evidence of clinical employment history
Prior training and continuing professional development

If an application is submitted which does not meet the essential criteria, the application will NOT be assessed. If you are unsure if you meet the criteria, please contact Occupational Therapy Australia to discuss further before applying.

Part Two

Other prior developmental activities
Demonstrating mental health capability
Supervision and CPD planning

Applicants must also supply an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) and statutory declaration (signed by approved witness) when lodging their application form via info@otaus.com.au.

Step Three

Application form and supporting documents

Members will need to complete two forms to apply for the Mental Health Endorsement Program:

Before filling in the application form, please read the application guide.

It provides prompts and guidance to assist you in completing your application and how you can demonstrate the capabilities and prerequisites required for the endorsement program.

Again, we strongly recommend reading OTA's Mental Health Capability Framework and talking with your supervisor before starting the application process.