OTAC Special Topics Forum - Mar. 14, 2024 | Special Treatment Programs (STP)

---

---

---

Site Search

---

---

Event Information

---

OTAC Special Topics Forum | Virtual Webinar

When: March 14, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Presenters:
Annamarie Sughair, OTD, OTR/L, Director of Rehabilitation and
Meriah Martin, COTA, STP Program Director

This special topic forum will outline the important role that occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants have within Special Treatment Programs (STP). STPs are mental health programs licensed by the Department of Public Health and are housed within skilled nursing facilities. Join Annamarie and Meriah to learn more about the functioning of these programs, the individuals they serve, and their allocated roles.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the role of Occupational Therapy in Special Treatment Programs (STP).
• Describe the various aspects of STPs and its interdisciplinary approach.
• Identify the important roles of Special Treatment Program Directors and Rehabilitation Directors working together to serve clients with chronic mental illness.

Cost: $10 for OTAC Members | $25 for OTAC Nonmember

---

Annamarie Sughair, OTD, OTR/L, currently serves as the director of rehabilitation at a Special Treatment Program (STP). STP is a skilled nursing facility (SNF) that has a mental health program approved by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Sughair specializes in helping individuals with conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, and more to transition to a lower level of care while developing healthy habits and routines to support quality of life. She also currently serves as the San Diego Chapter chair for the Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Action Coalition (POTAC). An alumna of the University of St. Augustine, Sughair completed her doctorate project addressing healthy living habits for individuals with symptoms of psychosis. She is passionate about all things OT and all things mental health.

---

Meriah Martin, COTA/L, currently serves as the program director for the Special Treatment Program (STP) at Bradley Court. Bradley Court offers services to conserved clients with mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. As an STP program director, she focuses on creating a curriculum that builds on the necessary life skills needed for this population. These life skills may include safe coping skills, health habit formation, money management, and pre-vocational skills. Martin received an associate degree in occupational science from Stanbridge University. She was placed at Lakeside Special Care Center, a sister facility, for one of her fieldwork experiences where she found her love and passion for mental health.