Melo CH, Constantinidis TC. The professional core of Occupational Therapy in mental health: practices and strengths in the Psychosocial Care Network. Interface (Botucatu). 2026; 30: e260343 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.260343
Abstract
Occupational therapy has expanded in the field of mental health, highlighting the importance of understanding how its practices constitute a distinct professional core. The field is understood as a dynamic and collaborative space, while the professional core is understood as the body of knowledge that defines the profession’s identity. This study investigated this perspective among 53 occupational therapists working in the psychosocial care network using an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IRaMuTeQ, resulting in five central categories, two of which are presented in this article. These practices are grounded in routine clinical care and public health, with a focus on dialogic care tailored to the needs of individuals and their daily lives. The everyday in this context shapes professional practice and principles such as autonomy, self-esteem, citizenship and public participation guide actions, reaffirming the uniqueness of occupational therapy and its contribution to mental health care.
Keywords
Occupational therapy; Mental health; Professional competence
Access in: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.260343
