Physical Activity in Mental Health Treatment: Clinician Perspectives and Practices

TL;DR

This study explores how mental health clinicians use physical activity in treatment and highlights their need for more training in this area.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into clinicians' practices and training needs regarding physical activity in mental health treatment.

Findings

Clinicians recommend physical activity and use in-session strategies to incorporate it into treatment.

Most clinicians gain their knowledge about physical activity from informal sources.

There is a strong interest among clinicians for further practical training on integrating physical activity into mental health care.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health and well-being are well established. The integration of physical activity into psychotherapeutic treatment for mental health difficulty holds promise as an avenue to reduce symptoms and support well-being. Mental health clinicians have previously indicated an interest in the use of physical activity in treatment, but it is unclear to what extent physical activity interventions are implemented in clinical mental health care. The present study aimed to understand mental health clinicians’ practices related to physical activity, as well as to investigate their related training and knowledge. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health clinicians, including registered psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers. Inductive content analysis was performed to identify key themes related to practices, training experiences, and training interests. Results: Clinicians reported making recommendations for physical activity and using a range of in-session strategies to include physical activity in mental health treatment. Clinicians reported that their knowledge and training about physical activity was obtained primarily from informal sources. Clinicians indicated an interest in further training, with an emphasis on practical strategies. Conclusions: Mental health clinicians demonstrated an interest in the use of physical activity as part of psychotherapeutic treatment. Some clinicians routinely integrate physical activity into treatment, while others express a need for further training in this area.