“Occupational therapists and physical therapists function in slightly differing roles depending upon whether services are performed in a clinical or educational setting,” explains Samuel Merritt University adjunct instructor Robin Wu, OTR/L.  “Other than having an extra set of hands, co-treats cut down on overall treatment time and offer patients a more all-inclusive approach to therapy.”

According to Samuel Merritt University faculty in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, collaboration between occupational and physical therapists in both the educational and clinical settings ensures high quality and comprehensive care, and contributes to program planning.  Collaboration between the various disciplines is important and can make an effective co-treatment team.