Good Evenining Ms. Hoyle, 

My name is La’ Shandra Russell and I am currently a Masters student in occupational therapy program at Shenandoah University in Leesburg, Virginia. I have less than one year before I complete my degree and my plans are to practice here in Virginia after I graduate. I have an interest in working in mental health with an interest in maternal and infant mental health. My interest in mental health practice stemmed from my experience as a fieldwork student at the Sinclair Medical Clinic in Winchester, VA where OT based mental health services is currently being offered as a part of a 5-year pilot grant program. Through this experience, I was able to see the unique perspective that OT brings to the mental health service delivery process, including addressing those physical, psychosocial and virtual barriers impacting an individual’s ability to engage in occupations (activities) that are both purposeful and meaningful. Providing the individual with the opportunity to successfully engage in occupations that s/he is expected to do, wants to do and needs to do. Contributing to the individual’s ability to cope with his/her stressors while engaging in occupations that supports the development of occupational and social-emotional identity. As a mom who struggled with postpartum anxiety, I have also recognized the role that OTs can serve within the area of maternal-infant mental health. Helping moms understand their sensory needs in relation to their baby and how this understanding can help guide the therapeutic process for improving mental health and developmental outcomes for both mother and baby. It is my belief that the quality of mental health is not only influenced by underlying biological process, but also through sensory experiences afforded through interactions with aspects of one’s environment. As a result of the education and clinical training that OTs receive in the areas of human development, mental health, sensory integration and activity analysis, the profession of OT is in prime position to serve the mental health needs of individuals across the lifespan. 

Occupational therapists have been working in the area of mental health helping clients develop the skills to live healthier, more satisfying daily lives since the profession began over 100 years ago. Occupational therapists have been recognized in federal legislation and by federal agencies as mental health providers and we need to do the same here in Virginia.

I am writing in support of the proposed changes to the emergency regulations for occupational therapists to register as qualified mental health providers for adults and children in the state of Virginia. I support a revision of Part II Requirements for Registration regulation 18VAC115-80-40 B.5. Requirements for registration as a QMHP-A and 18VAC115-80-50 B.4. Requirements for registration as a QMHP-C 

Please consider revising the language to recognize OTs preparation at the graduate level and knowledge and practice experience in mental health. I support a change to:

Licensure as an occupational therapist by the Board of Medicine (§ 54.1-2900 of the Code of Virginia) with a master’s or doctoral degree, and an internship or practicum of at least 500 hours with persons with mental illness or one year of experience in a mental health setting.

Thank you for your time, your service to the Board of Counseling and to the Commonwealth of Virginia and your thoughtful consideration of this request. 

Sincerely,

La’ Shandra Russell, CLVT, OTS

Occupational Therapy Student

Shenanandoah University

Student Liaison 

Virginia Occupational Therapy Association

15 Elm Street

Stafford, VA 22554

lrussell17@su.edu