Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Oral Presentation/Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Health Science
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Mackenzie Feldhacker, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Keywords
Rural mental health, adolescent mental health, occupational therapy, MTSS, trauma-informed care, school-based intervention, social-emotional learning, emotional regulation, mental health promotion
Subject Categories
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
In the United States, 20% of the population lives in rural areas, with many experiencing mental illness, including adolescents facing increased risks from unemployment, obesity, and limited mental health services (Berryhill et al., 2021; Morales et al., 2020). Rural youth also have a suicide rate twice as high as non-rural areas, highlighting the need for mental health interventions (Berryhill et al., 2021). This capstone project addressed the mental health needs of students in a rural school system through an occupation-based, multi-tiered intervention. Using a trauma-informed Occupational Therapy (OT) Public Health Approach aligned with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the project promoted mental health through skill-building sessions and teacher education. Programs such as Nurture Groups, Social-Emotional Learning sessions, and Study Hall groups focused on emotional regulation, peer relationships, and stress management. Teacher resources and informational interviews enhanced educator preparedness for addressing student mental health needs. Outcomes indicated improvements in students' emotional regulation, coping strategies, and peer interactions, as well as increased teacher confidence in supporting mental health. The project highlights the effectiveness of OT-facilitated mental health promotion in rural schools and emphasizes trauma-informed, tiered interventions to create a more resilient and supportive school environment.
Recommended Citation
Butterfield, Caitlin A. and Feldhacker, Mackenzie OTD, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, "An Occupation-Based Intervention Program to Address the Mental Health Needs of Students in Rural School Systems" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations. 142.
https://red.library.usd.edu/ot-capstone/142