Mental Health and Physiotherapy: A Personal Perspective on Treating the Whole Person
A few months ago I was pulled aside by a well-meaning counsellor who warned me that if I kept “treating mental health” my physiotherapy registration could be at risk. They felt that talking about stress and mood with clients strayed outside my lane.
That conversation stung. I had already completed Dr Joe Tatta’s coursework, APA Mental Health Physiotherapy Level 1 course and even collaborated with him on social media posts and mental health content. I knew the science, and I could see the results in the clinic and in practice. Still, the warning showed how much our profession is catching up to what patients already understand: body and mind do not live in separate boxes.
Why Mental Health Belongs in the Physio Room
Dr Tatta’s recent white paper Mental Health Physical Therapy defines Mental Health Physical Therapy as physiotherapists screening for, treating, or co-managing mental and behavioural health conditions using evidence-based tools that improve pain, function, and quality of life.
Why does this matter?
Four in five people who live with a mental health condition also carry at least one physical condition.
Depression is now the single leading cause of disability worldwide.
Physiotherapists meet these clients every day and are perfectly placed to spot distress early and guide active recovery rather than passive dependence.
What Mental Health Physiotherapy Looks Like in My practice
Subjective Screening That Actually Matters
I use validated questionnaires like the DASS21 (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale) and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) with my chronic pain clients. These tools help us understand not just what hurts, but how it hurts and what’s driving it. It’s not about diagnosing, it’s about seeing the full picture so we can respond with the right care at the right time.Exercise as First Choice Medicine
Walking, strength work, yoga, and other forms of physical activity have moderate to large effects on depression and anxiety symptoms. The research Dr Joe Tatta summarises confirms exercise belongs at the top of the treatment list, not as an optional extra. We’re not just chasing reps, we’re helping the nervous system relearn how to feel safe and capable again.Mindful Movement and Breath (NeuroFlow Style)
I integrate NeuroFlow Movements, my own blend of neuroscience informed, breath led exercises, to help clients regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with their bodies. These movements are slow, intentional, and focused on quality over quantity. They promote emotional regulation, pain relief, and a grounded sense of safety in the body.Psychologically Informed Coaching
I use motivational interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles to help clients reconnect with their values and take small, meaningful actions. These aren’t just mental health extras, they are core strategies that help people move out of fear based avoidance and back into function and purpose.Collaboration Without Competition
When screening flags high distress, suicidality, or trauma that needs deeper work, I bring in GPs and mental health professionals. I don’t pretend to do it all, I just make sure that no part of the person is ignored in the healing process.
About That Counsellor’s Warning
The threat to my accreditation never materialised, but it did light a fire. It showed how siloed thinking can leave patients bouncing between providers who each treat only a slice of the problem. By integrating mental health skills into physio we shorten that journey. Clients feel heard, trusted, and empowered rather than passed around.
What This Means for Clients and Colleagues
If you are seeking help for pain, fatigue, or stubborn injuries, expect your feelings, sleep, and stress levels to matter as much as your joint range.
If you are a physio curious about this space, start with Dr Tatta’s white paper and consider the Mental Health Physical Therapist certification. The guidelines give clear steps for screening, exercise prescription, and referral pathways.
If you are a health professional worried about scope, remember that recognising distress and using evidence-based movement strategies sits firmly inside physiotherapy practice when done responsibly.
Download the White Paper
Dr Joe Tatta’s full paper Mental Health Physical Therapy: Recommended Guidelines for Practice, Policy, and Payment is free to download. It is a valuable reference for anyone wanting to upgrade care for the body-mind system. Grab your copy here.
Ready to Work With a Physio Who Sees the Whole of You?
Book an in-person or telehealth session at Obsidian Physiotherapy and experience an approach that respects muscle, mind, and everything between. Let’s move forward together.