In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC, a vestibular therapist with a background in treating conditions related to anxiety, dizziness, and pain. Sarah shared her journey, starting from her early career in the late 1980s, working in acute neuro care, to her current practice, which focuses on chronic vestibular issues. She highlighted the evolution of vestibular therapy and the increasing recognition of conditions like vestibular migraine, 3PD (persistent postural perceptual dizziness), and Mal de Débarquement syndrome.

We delved into the intricate connections between the vestibular system and mental health, discussing how dizziness can trigger anxiety and other autonomic responses due to the close interplay between the vestibular system, the autonomic nervous system, and brain structures like the amygdala and hypothalamus. Sarah emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in treatment, incorporating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies to help patients manage their symptoms.

Sarah also shared her personal journey with anxiety and how it has influenced her practice. She employs a range of tools, including mindfulness practices, thought reframing, and expressive writing, to assist her patients in developing a sense of safety and acceptance regarding their symptoms. We also touched on the role of spirituality in healing, with Sarah explaining how she gently explores this aspect with her patients to support their overall well-being.

To learn more about Sarah's work, visit her at dizzycoach.com

Visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com for more information and CEU courses on pain and mental health for physical therapists.

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT, speaks with Dr. Sarah Case-Morris, assistant professor at the University of Michigan–Flint, to explore how mental health, pain science, and health and wellness promotion are being woven into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Dr. Case-Morris shares her inspiring journey from teaching assistant to shaping the next generation of PTs, and we dive into her research on how early-career therapists—trained in the biopsychosocial model—approach pain and mental health differently than those rooted in a more traditional biomedical lens.

We also talk about the real-world challenges of implementing clinical practice guidelines, especially when it comes to screening for psychosocial risk factors in back pain. Sarah gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she's integrating pain science, mental health, and health and wellness into her teaching—right as CAPTE requirements are evolving to highlight the mental, psychological, and emotional dimensions of health.

This is an important conversation about the future of physical therapy education and how preparing students with a whole-person approach can change the way we care for individuals and communities.

For more information, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com

For CEU courses on pain and mental health, visit integrativepainscienceinstitute.com/course/

Thank you for listening,

Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO, Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta explores the emerging and expanding roles of physical therapists in mental health. The focus of this episode is to identify where PTs are needed, how to approach stakeholders, and how to position yourself as a credible and collaborative provider in integrative mental care settings. Dr. Tatta highlights multiple healthcare environments in need of PTs trained in mental health, including primary care, addiction recovery, pain clinics, psychiatric hospitals, school-based programs, community mental health centers, and digital health platforms.

Listeners learn who decision-makers are—such as medical directors, behavioral health managers, and rehabilitation leads—and how to communicate their value. Dr. Tatta emphasizes using function-focused, psychologically-informed language and demonstrating impact through outcomes like improved pain, mood, and patient satisfaction.

The episode concludes with a call to action: identify one local setting, reach out to one stakeholder, and begin the conversation. PTs are encouraged to step into new roles as resilience-builders, nervous system specialists, and whole-person care providers.

Learn about training as a Mental Health Physical Therapist here.

Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO: Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, we delve into how physical therapists are uniquely positioned to treat trauma. We highlight how trauma—whether physical, emotional, or social—can influence recovery and how physical therapists can play a pivotal role in helping patients feel safe, seen, and supported. Through real-world examples and clinical insights, we demonstrate how simple practices, such as consent before manual care, understanding the nervous system, and recognizing signs of trauma, can transform patient care.

Rather than seeing trauma as a barrier, we reframe it as an opportunity for physical therapists to lead with compassion, confidence, and clinical excellence. This episode offers practical strategies, introduces emerging innovations like psychedelic-assisted therapies, and encourages meaningful collaboration with mental health professionals. If this resonates with you, share it with your colleagues and let us know how you are treating trauma as a physical therapist.

Learn about training as a Mental Health Physical Therapist here.

Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO: Integrative Pain Science Institute

In today's episode, we explore the concept of whole-person mental health delivered by a physical therapist. We explore what whole person health means, its various forms, and how it shapes physical therapist practice. My cohost, Jeremy Fletcher, PT, DPT, shares his experience with whole person care during his time as a physical therapist on active duty, highlighting the Performance Triad initiative by the U.S. Army, which focused on sleep, activity, and nutrition.

I'll recount key parts of my journey into whole person health, starting with a mindfulness course and later publishing research and delivering integrative and lifestyle medicine interventions for people with chronic pain and co-occurring mental health conditions. We discuss the importance of understanding holistic health, which encompasses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects, and how these elements interact to influence both physical and mental health outcomes that consider the whole person.

Learn about training in psychologically-informed physical therapy and becoming a Mental Health Physical Therapist here.

Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO: Integrative Pain Science Institute

In this episode, we dive deep into the intriguing intersection of physical therapy and mental health, exploring the often-blurred lines between the two fields. We kick off the discussion by reflecting on a common sentiment expressed by patients: that their physical therapy sessions feel akin to psychotherapy. This leads us to consider the role of physical therapists in addressing mental and behavioral health issues, and the importance of understanding our scope of practice in this area.

Learn about training as a Mental Health Physical Therapist here.

This episode also outlines three key scopes relevant to physical therapy: the professional scope defined by the American Physical Therapy Association, the jurisdictional scope determined by state practice acts, and the personal scope that each therapist develops through education and experience. We provide insights into the APTA's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, which outlines a physical therapist's responsibilities in managing conditions that encompass biopsychosocial factors, including mental health.

Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO: Integrative Pain Science Institute

Welcome to the first episode of the Mental Health Physical Therapist Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Joe Tatta and Dr. Jeremy Fletcher trace the history and evolution of mental health physical therapy, from WWI reconstruction aides to today's integrative, mind-body approaches. We highlight milestones like psychosomatic medicine, psychologically informed care, and the formation of the IOPTMH. The episode underscores the growing role of physical therapists in addressing mental health through screening, education, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. We also discuss APTA's recent policy steps and the need for continued advocacy and collaboration.

Subscribe for future episodes on scope of practice, whole person mental health care, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

Learn more about mental health physical therapy here.

Thank you for listening, Joe Tatta, PT, DPT CEO: Integrative Pain Science Institute