Introduction:
Occupational therapists’ competencies are crucial for high-quality mental health practice. While some countries have established occupational therapy competency frameworks, Japan lacks a standardized model, particularly in mental health practice. Given the cultural influences on occupational therapy, identifying the specific competencies required in Japan’s context is essential.
Objective: This study aims to identify the competencies required for occupational therapists delivering community-based mental health interventions in Japan.
Methods: A qualitative approach was employed. Four occupational therapists who facilitated a three-month time-use intervention participated in individual and group interviews. They reflected on their experience and skills throughout the process. Content analysis was conducted, and the findings were reviewed in collaboration with researchers from Canada and Taiwan for triangulation and validation.
Results: Three key competency themes emerged: (1) Building Effective Partnerships (receptivity, equality, trust, autonomy, and holistic understanding); (2) Supporting Safe Participation in a Group (rule-setting, group dynamics, enabling skills, and evaluation); (3) Facilitating and Promoting Individual Change (activity grading, feedback, goal setting, and connection.).
Discussion: Compared to Canadian frameworks, Japanese occupational therapy practice emphasizes group-based interventions and support skills, whereas theoretical applications, such as the recovery model, are less prominent. These findings reflect Japan’s medical-model-based occupational therapy development and the influence of collectivist culture. This study provides insights for establishing a competency framework for mental health occupational therapy in Japan.