DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/36973661
Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0008-2457-4849
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2024
Degree Type
Capstone Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Laura Jane Miller
Second Advisor
Kinsuk Maitra
Abstract
Georgia faces a significant pediatric mental health crisis, with an estimated 126,000 out of 900,000 children aged 0–6 years old needing mental health services (IECMH State Issue Brief #1, 2021; IECMH State Issue Brief #2, 2023). The detrimental impact of toxic stress, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on a child's developing brain is well documented (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2005/2014; Nelson et al., 2020). Early exposure to trauma and toxic stress can lead to behavioral and emotional difficulties, developmental delays, and deficits in executive function, affecting occupational performance (Nelson et al., 2020). Despite the proven efficacy of early interventions in mitigating brain architecture damage and fostering resilience, there exists a knowledge gap concerning the role of occupational therapy in addressing ACEs and toxic stress during childhood. (Kingsley et al., 2020; National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2005/2014). While studies emphasize the importance of early support for infants and families affected by trauma, occupational therapy remains notably absent from intervention discussions (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2021; Kingsley et al., 2020). This capstone project aims to address this gap by outlining the utilization of occupational therapy services within an interdisciplinary team and identifying billing strategies and funding sources to fund the establishment and delivery of occupational therapy services within the novel infant and early childhood mental health clinic. This project seeks to set the foundation for creating comprehensive mental health services within Georgia's infant and early childhood population, ultimately enhancing the well-being of young children and their families.
Recommended Citation
Bidwell, Allyssa, "Developing a Practice Guide for Occupational Therapy Services Within a Novel Interdisciplinary Infant Mental Health Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia." , Georgia State University, 2024.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/36973661
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