Linda M. Olson, PhD, OTR/L

Linda Olson is an Assistant Professor and Acting Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Rush University in Chicago, IL.   She is a strong advocate for the mental health needs of all individuals and articulates those beliefs to her students both in the classroom and out.  Inside the classroom, she is intentional in encouraging her students to look at individuals holistically, to always remember the psychosocial side of an individual is just as important as the physical.  Outside of the classroom she invites her students to participate in advocacy efforts, whether it be writing their state and federal legislators or participating in community activities.  One of the highlights of the year is one Linda walks side-by-side with the students in the local American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk.  This event does more to educate students on the challenges of living with mental illness than could ever be taught in the classroom.  As a clinician, Linda has provided services to individuals with mental illness in a variety of settings ranging from community to inpatient mental health.   She currently provides consultative services to older adults living in the community who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. 

Linda has authored numerous articles, book chapters, and technical reports on the role of occupational therapy in mental health.  She is the past editor of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Mental Health Special Interest Section Quarterly Newsletter and a guest reviewer for the British Journal of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy in Mental Health.  Linda is currently the Chair of the AOTA Mental Health Special Interest Section, co-chairs the Illinois Occupational Therapy Mental Health Evidence-Based Practice Work Group, and represents AOTA on The Joint Commission Behavioral Health Professional and Technical Advisory Committee.