Holistic Care Defines Occupational Therapy Practice

10 April 2026

Students engage in equine-assisted therapy as part of occupational therapy training, learning a holistic approach to care by working with horses to support clients’ physical, emotional, and functional needs. — Occupational Therapy Month highlights learning a holistic approach to care through exploring different therapeutic modalities, such as equine-assisted therapy (pictured above): using horses to help address occupational therapy needs and support meaningful outcomes.

Occupational Therapy Month is celebrated during the month of April. The University of Montana Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program celebrates OT month by sharing about occupational therapy and all the great that it does and celebrating our students and practitioners.

Occupational therapy is a uniquely holistic healthcare profession, which treats the individual as an integrated being rather than a set of symptoms. The holistic focus in occupational therapy is important because it addresses the hidden barriers to recovery that a strictly medical approach might miss. By treating the "entire person" rather than just a specific injury, OTs can achieve better long-term outcomes and a higher quality of life for their clients! The University of Montana’s OTD program teaches a holistic approach by integrating clinical science with social and environmental aspects that may shape a person’s life. Through coursework, students have focused on occupational justice and learned to treat the "whole person" by addressing mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This comprehensive training, paired with unique opportunities, ensures that students feel confident in empowering our clients to find meaning and independence in any environment they desire.