Occupational therapists (OTs) help people to recover and stay well by supporting them in engaging in the meaningful occupations and activities they need or want to do in everyday life. OTs support engagement in meaningful activities, roles and involvement in community life because OTs believe that engagement in occupations contributes towards one’s health and well being. OTs believe that when all people are able to participate in occupations a more just and inclusive society is possible.

There are currently 45 OTs hired in different capacities at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). OTs are integral members of wide range clinical interprofessional teams. OTs at CAMH are also employed in a range of management, teaching and leadership capacities.  OTs also work closely with our partners at the the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.  Several therapists are involved in curriculum development, research and training.

What occupational therapy placements are available in your discipline?

OT student placements are available in all clinical program areas at CAMH. OT students have also enjoyed non-traditional OT placements including working in the Community Support and Research Unit in both clinical and non-clinical capacities.

Am I able to do a block placement?

Yes, block placements are the norm for OT students.

Am I able to do my placement hours in the evenings/weekends because I work?

No, OT student placements occur during the work week hours of the supervising OT.

Am I able to split my placement between 2 programs (i.e., Addictions Program and MAUI)?

Not presently.

What qualifications are required for placement in the OT discipline?

CAMH provides clinical placements for occupational therapy students from graduated programs approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy across Canada as well as international locations. An affiliation agreement must be established between your academic institution and CAMH.

Is CAMH affiliated with my educational institution?

CAMH has affiliation agreements with:

• University of Toronto
• McMaster University
• Queen’s University
• University of Western Ontario
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• D’Youville University
• University of Dublin

I’m not from Canada. Can I still do an OT placement at CAMH?

You will need to have your fieldwork Education Coordinator contact the Discipline Chief of Occupational Therapy to determine if it is a possibility. An affiliation agreement must be established between your academic institution and CAMH. It is strongly encouraged to arrange this one year in advance of desired placement and recommended to have two students.

How are placements organized?

Placements are organized through academic institutions and our Fieldwork Education Co-ordinators.

For non-University of Toronto students, requests need to be routed from your university fieldwork coordinator who has information about  the National Fieldwork Placement Service (NFPS). NFPS will then contact CAMH Fieldwork Education Coordinators.

How do I apply for an OT placement at CAMH?

Apply through your academic institutions field work education coordinators. With unaffiliated Canadian universities it is important to arrange 4 to 6 months in advance.

What mandatory trainings are required prior to placement?

A valid mask fit testing certificate will be required in advance.

Do I require any immunizations before coming to CAMH?

Valid Mumps Measles Rubella immunizations, Tetanus, Diptheria, Hepatitis B series and provide proof of negative TB tests. In the case of a positive TB test, the requirement is to submit an x-ray result.

Will I require a police check?

Not at this time

Contact information

Please initiate this process exclusively through University of Toronto Department of OT & OS procedure, please contact your university student coordinator.

Other Canadian universities work through National Fieldwork Placement Service.