Outlines of the professional core of occupational therapy in mental health based on its objects, objectives and instruments

Abstract

Introduction: In scientific meetings there has been a need to discuss occupational therapy practices in mental health from the professional core. Objective: To outline the professional core of occupational therapy in Mental Health in Brazil, through its objects, objectives and instruments, verified in scientific production on the practice of this professional. Method: This is a bibliographical search to survey occurrences of themes related to the elements object, objective and instruments. 71 articles were analyzed from a previous study, which approached articles until 2018, adding the search update for 2022. Results: Among the elements analyzed, it is worth noting that most studies point to activity as a professional object. Daily life, which is also addressed as an object, supports knowledge that, when applied to professional practice, presents specificities in the approach and intersections with the field of mental health. The objective element presented as main themes social participation, autonomy, inclusion and social emancipation, which are interrelated with the principles of Psychosocial Care in Brazil. The instruments of greatest expressiveness were the activity, the group and the workshop. Conclusion: While for other professionals working in the field of mental health, activity is a resource — a support or aid in their interventions —, for occupational therapists, it constitutes a fundamental instrument for achieving objectives, which are inseparable from the field of psychosocial care. The performance of occupational therapists in territorial, intersectoral and interprofessional work in the field of mental health stands out.