Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5333 USA
(269) 387-7260

Level I Clinics in Grand Rapids

Bethany Christian Services Clinic  

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Address: 901 Eastern Ave NE  
PO Box 294  
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501-0294  
Phone: (269)-387-7260  
Email: azalia.gonzalez@wmich.edu
 
At the Bethany Christian Services Clinic (BCS), Western Michigan University partners with Bethany Christian Services to offer occupational therapy services to adolescent boys who have experienced adverse life events, developmental trauma, and/or early childhood neglect who are currently participating in the Youth with Sexual Behavior Problems (YSBP) residential program. The YSBP program utilizes the sanctuary model and offers a safe and constructive living environment with access to multidisciplinary intervention to promote healing, family reconciliation, and develop the skills necessary to successfully transition back into the community. The focus of this psychosocial clinic is to provide culturally-effective and trauma-responsive care from theoretical principles rooted in neuroscience, sensory integration theory, polyvagal theory, and other OT Models of Practice and Frames of References. These skills may include but are not limited to activities of daily living, social interaction, emotional-regulation, personal care, interoceptive awareness, health awareness/management, community reintegration, and individualized pre-vocational training. Students work in pairs and administer sensory and motor screenings and standardized assessments, provide direct intervention specific to the individual, and collaborate and coordinate with existing community service providers (namely residential staff, social workers, case workers, caregivers, etc.). 
 

The Hand Therapy Clinic

Two women and a man in hand therapy clinic

Western Michigan University Grand Rapids Downtown Location 
200 Ionia Ave SW 
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA 
Phone: (616)742-4840 
Fax: (616) 771-4200 
Email: @email 

The Hand Therapy Clinic helps people return to the activities of everyday life following an orthopedic disease or injury—whether that’s work, leisure, domestic life or community activities. We use education, exercise, activities, assistive technology, and adaptive devices to help people engage or re-engage in the activities that matter most to them. We help our patients accomplish tasks that will enhance their everyday life, modify their living and work environments to minimize limitations, and much more. Specific diagnosis may include, but are not limited to arthritis, fracture to upper quadrant, injury to shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, tendon injuries, nerve compression, trigger finger, tendinitis and trauma/crush injury. Occupational therapy services offered on site include orthosis fabrication, splinting, quick cast of digits, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, ultrasound, thermal modalities, electrical stimulation and activity modification.

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinic at Calvin University 

An OT student with a kid in a swing

Calvin University Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex
3195 Knightway Southeast, Grand Rapids MI, 49506 
Phone: (616) 526-6070 
Fax: (616) 526-8792 
Email: @email

The Pediatric Clinic at Calvin University offers occupational therapy services for children and their families. Our goal is to promote function and engagement at home, school, and play in all areas of a child’s development. We provide services to children with a variety of complex medical issues. Specific diagnosis may include, but are not limited to cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome and other genetic disorders and sensory processing disorders. We offer a comprehensive evaluation and treatment for each child. Areas addressed in therapy are play based and may include self-care skills including feeding, dressing, and grooming, development of fine motor and visual motor skills, hand strengthening and coordination skills required for activities such as cutting with scissors, coloring, writing, buttoning and using feeding utensils, sensory-motor processing and pre-handwriting skills and handwriting skills. 

 

Neuro Rehab Clinic

Western Michigan University 

Man using BITS

Grand Rapids Downtown Location 
200 Ionia Ave SW, 4th floor (Room 4004)
Grand Rapids MI 49503 USA 
Phone: (517)3881652
Email: @email

The WMU Neuro Rehab Clinic offers occupational therapy services for children and adults with neurological conditions. Our goal is to promote function and engagement at home, school, and play in all areas of an individual’s life. We provide services to children and adults with a variety of complex medical issues. Specific diagnosis may include, but are not limited to traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, spinal cord injury and those with neurovisual difficulties. We offer a comprehensive evaluation and treatment for each person. Areas addressed in therapy are occupation based and may include self-care skills including feeding, dressing, and grooming, development of fine motor and visual motor skills, coordination skills required for activities such as writing, buttoning and using feeding utensils, and education on using adaptive equipment and assistive technology. 

 

CLINIC FOCUS: PSYCHOSOCIAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS 

Each student will participate in at least one level I fieldwork experience with the following ACOTE standard as one of the primary objectives for the course: 

ACOTE Standard C.1.7: At least one fieldwork experience (either Level I or Level II) must address practice in behavioral health, or psychological and social factors influencing engagement in occupation. 

The primary focus of the occupational therapy process in these clinical experiences will be on the psychological and social factors impacting the occupational performance of the clients. OT students will learn how to address concerns related to psychological and social factors in their assessment and treatment care plans. 

Every OT student will be assigned to one of the following clinics for their psychosocial fieldwork experience: 

 Level I fieldwork clinics that touch on psychosocial factors, but focus more on other factors include: 

Students must demonstrate specific clinical competencies in order to successfully complete level I fieldwork experience. Competencies include interpersonal skills, communication skills, commitment to learning, stress management, problem solving, effective use of time and resources, use of constructive feedback, effective use of time and resources, responsibility, critical thinking, professionalism, planning, guiding and documenting therapy. WMU awards a credit/no credit grade for level II fieldwork. 

Western Michigan University’s goal of level I fieldwork is to help our students gain a foundational understanding of occupational therapy evaluation and treatment through direct interaction and hands-on experiences with clients.  

Please view the fieldwork frequently asked questions page for more information.