Getting Started with OT
Occupations are how you "occupy" your time including classes, research, sleep, leisure, self-care, and more!
Popular topics include:
- Time management and productivity
- Planning and organization
- Study and learning strategies
- Procrastination and low motivation
- Getting better sleep
- Building healthy habits
Occupational therapy focuses on:
- Implementing practical strategies
- Finding routines that work for you
- Feeling capable about what you do
An occupational therapist offers guidance by:
- Creating beneficial habits and routines
- Implementing data-driven strategies to meet your goals
- Setting realistic goals
A counselor, on the other hand, can help you:
- Learn how to cope with stressful situations and difficult emotions
- Become more flexible and responsive in how you see yourself and others
- Understand yourself better
What we have in common:
- Individualized and client-centered
- Scientifically driven, evidence-based
- Defined goals
Remember, you are not limited to one therapy or the other. You may utilize both services to address the same problem as the different frameworks and methodologies of each profession can complement each other. We encourage students to take advantage of all the resources Caltech has to offer!
Self-Guided Resource: Overwhelmed to Organized
Starting October 7th, students can access the Overwhelmed to Organized online course on their Canvas page. This self-paced resource offers modules on key topics frequently addressed in Occupational Therapy:
- Stress and time management
- Getting better sleep
- Building better habits
These modules provide foundational information and practical tools that students have consistently found beneficial. Each module is equivalent to a single occupational therapy session or workshop. You may find that completing these modules and applying the strategies is sufficient to meet your goals. For questions about the content, you can message the Occupational Therapist, Grace Wong, via Canvas.
If you need more support, reviewing the course materials before booking an individual appointment will allow you to optimize the meeting and focus time on developing customized strategies that integrate into your daily routines.
Individual Support: Making an Appointment
Occupational therapy meetings are available through Zoom or in-person at Student Wellness Services North (1245 Arden Rd.). You will be able to pick between a Zoom or an in-person visit when booking your appointment.
Meetings are focused on collaboratively identifying strategies and plans that fit your personal goals, habits, and routines.
Online
- Log onto the Student Health Portal.
- Select Appointments.
- Select Schedule an Appointment and Productivity and Habits with OT when prompted.
Phone
Call (626) 395-8331 to request an appointment during business hours.
In-Person
Visit 1239 Arden Rd. (Student Wellness Services South) during business hours.
What to Expect
Zoom Appointments
Please check the Appointments section of your Student Health Portal on the day of your appointment. Click the "Appointment Check In" button found underneath your appointment details and complete any forms as prompted. At the time of your appointment, click the "Join Meeting" link. You may need to refresh the page.
Student Wellness Services uses a HIPAA-compliant license for Zoom that adds additional security features. You will need to sign into Zoom using the "Sign in with SSO" option. Please reference the instructions if you are having trouble signing in.
If you do not join the Zoom meeting within 15 minutes of the agreed-upon start time, you will have missed the appointment and need to use the Student Health Portal or contact the front desk at (626) 395-8331 to schedule another appointment.
In-Person Appointments
Please come to Student Wellness Services North at 1245 Arden Rd. at the time of your appointment and knock or ring the doorbell.
If you do not arrive within 15 minutes of the agreed-upon start time, you will have missed the appointment and need to use the Student Health Portal or contact the front desk at (626) 395-8331 to schedule another appointment.
Goal Design and Planning Session
- Identify concerns and goals
- Discuss topics and strategies for reaching your goals
Follow-up OT Session
- Check-in to review progress
- Reflect on and troubleshoot strategies as needed
- Discuss additional topics and strategies to sustain healthy change