Occupational Therapy Program Offers Free Services

Samuel Merritt University’s Occupational Therapy (OT) program offers a rigorous education in both the basic science and in occupation-based practice, including working in multiple clinical labs with clients. The OT program was introduced 29 years agon in 1994, and three years later SMU’s first Community Participant Lab (CPL) was established.

This year, SMU’s CPL is offering free OT services to adult community members. Participants will receive free occupational therapy to gain increased independence in activities of daily living, while OT students gain skills by applying their prior years of training. All OT students operate under the direct supervision of licensed occupational therapists and SMU faculty. 

“By offering free occupational therapy to the community members, we are able to give back to the community and to have a richer educational experience for our master’s and doctoral students.”

— Kate Hayner, SMU Chair of Occupational Therapy

Sessions will take place every Monday afternoon from January 30 through April 3, 2023. These services are offered to adult community members (over 18) free of charge and can be conducted in a hybrid of virtual and in-person visits based on participants’ needs. Those interested can enroll by emailing OTlab@samuelmeritt.edu before January 20, 2023.

What: Occupational therapy services
Who: Adult community members (must be over 18)
Where: Samuel Merritt University – 3100 Telegraph Ave., Oakland
When: Every Monday starting January 30 through April 3, 2023 (excluding Presidents’ Day)

Depending on local and federal regulations, participants may be asked to wear a mask.