Roles in CAMHS
Occupational therapist
About the role...
CAMHS occupational therapists (OTs) help children and young people with challenges linked to mental health difficulties, and work with them to improve their physical, psychological, and social wellbeing and look to improve their ability to manage everyday tasks.
CAMHS OTs might see patients on a one-to-one basis or within a group. They can help with issues such as clumsiness or poor coordination, sensory processing difficulties, poor concentration or attention problems and controlling impulses.
What qualifications do I need?
To become an occupational therapist, you’ll need a degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes three years full time or up to six years part time. In postgraduate studies, it’s possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years. Once you’ve successfully completed your degree, you will need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practising. The other option is to apply for an apprenticeship degree which is found in Zone F of Career Pathways.
Requirements for an undergraduate course are typically two or three A levels, five GCSEs, including science or equivalent qualifications such as a BTEC, HND or HNC, including biological science, a relevant T level, a relevant NVQ, a science-based access course and equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.
What experience do I need to bring?
CAMHS occupational therapists will need to have relevant post-graduate experience. Ideally this will be in a mental health environment and/or children’s services, although both elements may not be essential.