Jessica Richman

Programs and Courses Taught

Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy

OT 601/701 & 601L/701L: Integrative Seminar in Occupational Therapy Practices I Lecture and Lab 

OT 615: Scholarly Writing 

OT 616L/716L: Therapeutic Media, Materials and Processes Lab 

OT 626L/726L: Psychosocial Dysfunction Lab 

OT 628: Administration and Management 

OT 632/632L: Advanced Clinical Practice (pediatrics) 

OT 723: Capstone Project Exploration 

OT 735 & 735L: Capstone Project Development Lecture & Lab 

OT 754: Final Capstone Project 

OT 755: Capstone Project Report

About Me

Jessica Richman (she/her), OTD, MPH, OTR/L, is currently an Assistant Professor and the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator (DCC) at SMU. In her DCC role, Dr. Richman oversees SMU’s Entry Level OTD program, in which students pursue advanced skills in clinical practice, research, program and policy development, leadership, advocacy, administration, education and/or theory development. Her passion for this role centers around a commitment to provide collaborative, innovative approaches to occupational therapy while reaching diverse communities, both locally and globally. 

Dr. Richman also currently serves as an occupational therapist at John George Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Richman has been fortunate enough to combine her love for OT practice, program development and advocacy in multiple settings throughout her career. Prior to her appointment at SMU, she has in multiple mental health settings, serving underserved communities in Southern California. She has worked internationally for the National Health Service in London, United Kingdom as a school based, pediatric clinician. Finally, in 2022, Dr. Richman graduated with a Masters of International Public Health from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. During this year-long intensive program, she worked alongside colleagues from sixteen countries, learning about the world’s public health challenges and opportunities.

Education

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) University of Southern California, 2014 Master of Arts Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy University of Southern California, 2013 

Master of Arts International Public Health The Hebrew University of Jerusalem- Hadassah Medical Center, Israel, 2022 Bachelor of Arts- Psychology San Diego State University, 2010

Teaching Interests

Student centered learning that incorporates the diversity of local communities 

Capstone courses Mental health/psychosocial scope of practice

Scholarly Interests

Mental health practice and outcomes 

Community based practice 

Health and wellbeing of graduate students 

Self directed learning of OTD students

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Action Coalition- Chair 

American Occupational Therapy Association- Member 

California Occupational Therapy Association- Member

Community Service

Dr. Richman is the current Chair of the Psychiatric OT Action Coalition (POTAC), a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the practice of psychiatric occupational therapy through education, information, and advocacy for consumers, health care providers and the community.