Date Presented 04/04/19 The purpose of this descriptive, mixed-methods study was to examine perceived impacts of participation in a financial management program for those with mental-health or substance-use disorders. Data from 17 participants included demographics, overall well-being from the PHS-WB scale, and perceived impact of a financial management account program. The research findings can guide OT practitioners in assessment and intervention in this area of occupation. Primary Author and Speaker: Jennifer Gardner Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarab Rodar Contributing Authors: Michal Ben-Baruch, Amy Beronio, Jennifer Malinak, Lisa Pignataro, Margaret Swarbrick, Stephen Olker

National behavioral health care efforts have opened opportunities to reignite occupational therapy mental health practice and research. The profession’s person-centered and occupation-based practice fits well with the growing needs of people with serious mental illness (SMI) served in community-based settings. The nine articles in this special issue provide a growing body of evidence to support the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for adults with SMI to enhance health management skills and promote independence in living a balanced and satisfying life. However, much more high-level research is required to explicitly investigate the contributions of occupational therapy in all areas of occupation for adults with SMI and to broaden the available evidence base to inform occupational therapy practice.