Occupational Therapy Pediatric Mental Health Fellowship
St. Scholastica’s OT Pediatric Mental Health Fellowship is a premier one-year program that elevates occupational therapy practitioners with advanced skills and expertise. With our specialized program, you can transform your career and profoundly impact children’s mental health.
In today’s healthcare landscape, understanding and addressing mental health early is crucial, and the OT Pediatric Mental Health Fellowship at St. Scholastica is designed to equip practitioners with comprehensive education, mentorship and practical training. You will refine your understanding and skills in many topics, including:
- general pediatrics
- sensory processing
- lifespan development
- family/caregiver support and interaction
- social determinants of health
- trauma-informed approaches
- the impact of environmental stress and trauma on child development
This foundational knowledge will help you to develop advanced skills specific for addressing mental health needs in a pediatric population in any practice setting.
In addition to participating in research and evidence-based projects, each fellow will be placed within school settings to provide direct supervision to Level II fieldwork master’s students as well as have the opportunity to carry their own caseload while in the schools. You will also supervise and mentor students as you work with clients at the on-campus pro-bono clinic, as well as participate in academic teaching of pediatric and mental health content for the Master’s of Occupational Therapy program.
By focusing on promoting mental well-being, assessing children and delivering necessary interventions, you will be prepared to make a profound impact on your youngest clients’ daily lives. Join the fellowship to develop the skills you will need to engage meaningfully with this diverse and challenging community.
Fast Facts
- The only AOTA-approved pediatric mental health fellowship program in Minnesota
- Complete many of the required hours for board certification in pediatrics or mental health
- Opportunity to learn about and gain experience in an emerging area of practice
- Obtain practical experience in the on-campus maurices Community Clinic and area schools
- Get vital mentorship for this specialized focus area that is often lacking in the field
- Receive a stipend for your work as a part of the program
Contact Us
Kaisa Syvaoja OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor
Pediatric Mental Health Fellowship Coordinator
ksyvaoja@css.edu
Program Details
Fees and Compensation
Fellowship Cost
$2,000 for administrative fees
Compensation
Fellows will receive a stipend based on 15-30 hours of clinical practice and site supervision, and 10-15 hours unpaid for didactics, research/project development and teaching experiences.
Fellowship Program Overview
Program Description
Occupational therapists recognize that mental health spans a continuum of well-being. The OT Pediatric Mental Health Fellowship program at St. Scholastica equips OT practitioners with the education, mentorship and training to promote mental well-being, assess at-risk children and provide direct services to those with identified concerns. This approach supports mental health for all children, enhancing their engagement and enjoyment of life activities.
Program Goals
- Cultivate culturally responsive practitioners able to provide mental health services within the scope of occupational therapy to children and those who support them
- Foster practitioner’s ability to apply clinical reasoning to complete occupation-based evaluations, interventions, and plan of care recommendations to address the mental health needs of children within the Multi-tiered Systems of Support framework
- Promote ability to advocate for occupational therapy’s distinct value to support children and youth with mental health needs in a variety of settings
- Promote evidence-based inquiry, exploration, and engagement in practitioners through participation in evidence-based projects and research
Professional Affiliation
The St. Scholastica OT Fellowship Program is an approved fellowship program through AOTA.
The Health Science Center at BlueStone: A Beautiful Place to Learn
This program is located in the Health Science Center (HSC) at BlueStone, approximately one mile from the main St Scholastica campus in Duluth. The BlueStone development includes retail, restaurants, and housing in addition to the HSC. BlueStone Lofts, The Vue at BlueStone and BlueStone Flats offer convenient high-end housing options for students. The HSC includes state-of-the-art classroom space, a research laboratory, meeting rooms, faculty offices, and student lounge areas overlooking Lake Superior. The maurices Community Clinic is also located in the HSC, providing students with mentored hands-on learning opportunities and interdisciplinary training. The maurices Community Clinic serves uninsured and underinsured individuals from the Duluth community.
The Convenience of BlueStone Living
Connect with a BlueStone housing representative about on-site housing options.
Admission Information
Eligibility
- Graduated from an Accredited Occupational Therapy Program (Master’s or Doctorate) at least 1 year prior to Fellowship start date (may consider less than 1 year of experience)
- Current NBCOT certification
- License or license eligible in Minnesota and Wisconsin
- Applicant is in good standing with the NBCOT and AOTA licensing boards
- Recommended completion of a Level II Fieldwork, Doctoral Capstone Experience or practice experience in pediatric and/or mental health practice settings
Application Information
Program dates: July 1-June 30
Applications accepted: Sept. 1-Dec. 31
Application fee: $50.00
Interviews begin in January for the upcoming fellowship year.
Application Process
- Submit online application including responses to essay questions
- Upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume in the electronic application
- Provide three professional references
- Submit your Occupational Therapy academic transcript
Selection Process
Upon review of the application by the review panel, select applicants will be chosen for a virtual interview. The process will consist of an overview of the Fellowship, formal interview by Fellow selection committee and informal opportunity for applicant to ask questions.
Fellows will be selected by Feb. 1 of each year or on a rolling basis based on applicant submission dates after the initial selection process is complete.