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