Adolescents with mental health disorders often struggle with engagement in daily occupations. Traditional therapy for mental health disorders focus on cognitive-based approaches. Occupational therapy is in an excellent position to bridge the gap between cognitive-based therapy and participation in daily occupations. Evidence supports engagement in purposeful activity as a means to improve mental health and overall daily functioning. An occupation-based program with a focus on participation and engagement in meaningful activities for promotion of self-esteem and self-efficacy was designed using current evidence. The purpose of The Olivia Project (TOP) is to provide after-care that supports engagement in occupations following partial hospitalization at community based mental health centers. This program promotes the use of skills learned during partial hospitalization through engagement in daily occupations while transitioning the adolescent back to their previous routine.
