If you are looking for a mental health occupational therapist in Melbourne, it helps to know what an OT can and cannot offer. Occupational therapy looks at everyday life: the routines, roles and activities a person needs or wants to manage. For someone living with a mental health condition or psychosocial disability, that might mean getting a morning routine started, keeping on top of meals and household tasks, attending appointments or taking part in a community activity again.
Ergo Therapy Group provides in-home occupational therapy across Melbourne, including functional capacity assessments and practical support with activities of daily living for people whose mental health affects day-to-day function. OT works alongside a person's treating team. It does not replace a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist or crisis service, and it does not provide counselling or diagnosis.
What OT can focus on
Mental health conditions affect people differently, and the same diagnosis can look very different from one person to the next. An OT starts with what the person says matters to them, rather than a fixed program.
Areas an OT may explore include:
- Daily routines, such as getting up, personal care, sleep habits and structuring the day.
- Household tasks, including shopping, cooking, cleaning and managing bills or paperwork.
- Getting out of the house, using transport and taking part in community activities.
- Study, volunteering or work-related routines, where these are a goal.
- How the home environment and current supports help or get in the way.
The aim is to understand where things break down and what has helped before. For example, someone may manage cooking well on a good day but find planning meals for the week overwhelming. That points to a different response from someone who has stopped cooking because the kitchen feels unsafe or the task takes too much energy.
Functional capacity assessments and NDIS evidence
Many referrals relate to NDIS planning. A functional capacity assessment describes how a person manages daily activities, what support they currently use and where they need help. For people with psychosocial disability, it is important that the report reflects how function can change over time, including good and difficult periods, rather than a single snapshot.
The NDIS describes a recovery-oriented approach for participants with psychosocial disability, focused on the person's own idea of a meaningful life and connection with their community. An OT report can describe the person's goals and functional needs in their own words, with consent. It cannot guarantee a funding decision; the NDIA decides what is funded.
In-home support in Ringwood, Berwick and across Melbourne
We receive mental health OT enquiries from across Melbourne, including Ringwood in the east and Berwick and Dandenong in the south-east. Seeing a person at home can show how routines actually work in their own space, which is often more useful than describing them in a clinic.
Coverage, clinician fit and wait times vary by address and by the type of support requested. Please include the visit suburb in your enquiry so we can confirm whether a suitable OT can see you. Our Ringwood page and Berwick page have more local information.
Working with the person and their supports
The person decides who is involved. Family members, support workers, support coordinators or a psychosocial recovery coach may contribute useful information with consent. With permission, the OT can also coordinate with the treating team so recommendations do not conflict with clinical advice.
Appointments can be paced to suit the person. Some people prefer shorter sessions, a support person present or written notes afterwards. Tell us what makes appointments easier.
Preparing an enquiry
Include:
- The main everyday activity or assessment question.
- Whether a report is needed and who it is for.
- The visit address and any access or safety notes.
- Current treating professionals and supports.
- Funding arrangements to confirm, such as NDIS plan management.
People who also have ADHD may find our ADHD page helpful, and our ongoing OT services page explains regular in-home support.
If you need help now
OT is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). Lifeline is available on 13 11 14. For free advice on finding mental health support, the Australian Government's Medicare Mental Health phone service is on 1800 595 212 on weekdays.
Common questions
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to see an OT?
Not always. The enquiry can focus on the everyday difficulty. Funding bodies may have their own evidence requirements, so check what your plan or referrer needs.
Can an OT help with an NDIS application or plan review?
An OT can assess daily function and write a report about support needs. The NDIA makes access and funding decisions.
Is mental health OT the same as counselling?
No. OT focuses on daily activities, routines and participation. Counselling and treatment come from your treating team.
Do you visit Dandenong?
Send the address and your main goal. We will confirm whether a suitable clinician can visit before booking.
Make a referral with the visit suburb, the everyday activity that matters most and any report you need.