Introduction: Mental health remains a growing concern in Bangladesh, often overlooked due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources. Many individuals hesitate to seek help, while the country faces a shortage of rehabilitation professionals and comprehensive treatment facilities. To address this gap, the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) established a Community-Based Mental Health Day Centre. The centre provides occupational therapy, psychiatric consultation, and psychosocial counseling, supporting individuals in regaining independence, developing life skills, and reintegrating into society after hospitalization.
Objective: To support individuals with mental health needs through comprehensive services that enhance daily living skills, social access, and community participation.
Approach: Since 2001, mental health services started through student placements. Expanding its efforts, CRP launched professional OT services at the National Institute of Mental Health Hospital in 2013. In 2018, it developed a Community-Based Mental Health Day Centre following a multidisciplinary team (MDT) structure.
Results: The centre has provided multidisciplinary services to 719 individuals, approaching structured routines, skill development, and social engagement. It has supported individuals with diagnoses with schizophrenia (143), BMD (48), OCD (32), GAD (54), MDD (49), ASD (56), and Conduct Disorder with Behavioral Problems (74), ID (159), others (104). Additionally, 111 individuals received vocational training, and 60 benefited from income-generating support. Notably, 69.93% of service recipients engaged in meaningful activities and enhancing their quality of life.
Conclusion: The Mental Health Day Centre represents a new paradigm in occupational therapy practice, promoting independence and well-being for individuals with mental health needs in Bangladesh.