Occupational therapy practice in the child and adolescent day ward at the Geha Mental Health Center during the Coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

This case-study describes telephone-based interventions conducted by occupational therapists in the child and adolescent day ward at the Geha Mental Health Center in Israel, which was partially closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Most patients stopped coming to the ward in compliance with Health Ministry regulations to remain physically distant. Without intervention, however, these youngsters have difficulties functioning. Thus, in order to maintain treatment continuity, interventions were conducted by telephone. This imposed reality taught the staff that it is possible to provide functional-psychological assistance to children and adolescents via telephone conversations and to achieve desired treatment outcomes, ranging from psychological support to functional change.