Brittany Ferri

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy or talk therapy designed for individuals who experience intense and distressing emotions. DBT is evidence-based, meaning there has been a significant amount of research supporting its benefit for individuals with certain mental health concerns. Dialectical behavior therapy is considered the primary treatment for people with Borderline Personality Disorder, also known as BPD. This type of talk therapy can also be beneficial for peop...

Polyvagal theory is a framework that has gained attention among health practitioners and trauma therapists in the last three decades. It is a trending topic among various health professions, and the evidence base has grown significantly in recent years. Occupational therapists are qualified to treat aspects of their client’s physical and mental well-being, so frameworks such as polyvagal theory can be largely helpful in structuring treatment for patients with a range of health concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective talk therapy modality used to manage a wide range of mental health conditions. Evidence shows CBT has successfully benefited individuals with anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, eating disorders, and more. Its versatility makes it one of the most valuable treatment options used by mental health professionals.
But patients may wonder what exactly makes CBT so beneficial. They may even ask how it’s po...

Social anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition that causes someone to experience significant anxiety from socialization. Social anxiety disorder, previously known as social phobia, stems from a fear of embarrassment, judgment, or other negative responses from people.
When someone develops this fear, their emotional discomfort often leads them to avoid social interactions. Therefore, it is common for someone with social anxiety disorder to withdraw from others around them. This no...

A well-chosen ramp changes lives—learn how to assess and prescribe them effectively.
As an Occupational Therapist, an important part of your role may be to assess for and prescribe ramps.
Through completion of a comprehensive Occupational Therapy functional assessment, barriers to performance can be identified and prescription of home modifications, such as ramps, can be recommended.
This guide will provide you with almost everything you need to know about ramps including the different types ...

Of the many changes trending in the past year, deductible-free health insurance plans are among the most appealing to consumers. A growing number of insurers are attempting to use these member-targeted plans to draw in more enrollees. But other insurers may be wondering how this decision may or may not affect their profitability. What are the cases for and against this type of plan?
Drawbacks to No-Deductible Health Plans
Deductibles have notoriously led members to rethink their need to seek ...

The prevalence of diabetes is projected to increase globally in the next several years, so the likelihood of OTs and OTAs treating patients with this chronic condition is quite high. In order to effectively treat diabetes, occupational therapists must not only understand the mechanisms of the condition and its symptomatology but also assist with a range of interventions for a well-rounded approach. Diabetes requires healthcare intervention in primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. From a rehabilitative lens, OT can intervene in creating healthy habits, managing diabetes symptoms, and more.

There are many reasons occupational therapists must demonstrate cultural competence in the services they provide. Firstly, sexual orientation is one of many personal factors that impact occupational participation as well as someone’s mental health, marginalization, and accessibility. In addition, cultural competence allows healthcare professionals to offer equitable care to the LGBTQ+ community and other diverse populations. Cultural competence intersects quite a bit with a therapist’s ability to address concerns.

As an Occupational Therapist, an important part of your role may be to assess for and prescribe bathroom modifications.
Through completion of a comprehensive Occupational Therapy functional assessment, barriers to performance can be identified and prescription of home modifications, such as bathroom modifications, can be recommended.
This guide will provide you with almost everything you need to know about bathrooms, including general information to be aware of, what to consider when prescrib...

The occupational therapy profession is grounded in equitable, inclusive, and patient-centered care. This extends to individuals who are gender nonconforming or genderqueer. As a result, all of occupational therapy practice should be accommodating of gender-specific needs. Gender-affirming care is also within an OT’s scope of practice, as gender identity is considered a client factor that can impact meaningful occupational engagement.

With 2024 behind us and year-end calculations being shared, many payers found the numbers are not in their favor. In particular, seven major players in the health insurance industry saw their profits decline an average of 3.3% during Q3 of last year.
Several factors have contributed to these higher medical loss ratios, including increased pharmaceutical spending (specifically for specialty drugs), the continually rising cost of medical care, and higher utilization rates – which have steadily ...

Social determinants of health apply to patients across the lifespan, with any medical conditions, and in any practice setting. Evidence shows that social determinants of health have a major impact on a person’s well-being and quality of life. For this reason, OTs and many other healthcare professionals are trained to assess the social determinants of health that pertain to each of their patients. By looking at social determinants of health in all situations, therapists are better equipped to understand and address the full scope of their patient’s health concerns.

With the new year upon us, many people are focused on weight loss and weight management. This is an apt resolution for many, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found obesity rates are over 39% in each adult age group. Understandably, many insurers are striving to expand covered services for weight loss due to their role in preventing many chronic health conditions such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
Weight loss drug coverage
Reimbursement for drugs such as GLP-1 agonist...

Many lay persons may assume occupational therapists and other rehabilitation providers don’t have a place in a practice area such as palliative care. And, even within the healthcare field, the work OTs do within palliative care is often misunderstood. However, OTs have an essential role in palliative care: improving quality of life and continuing to promote independence as well as occupational engagement for individuals with life-limiting conditions. Occupational therapists may use remediatory and compensatory approaches for individuals who receive palliative care OT services.