The Intersection of Physical Therapy and Mental Health

Why treating body and mind together leads to better healing.

Our thoughts, emotions, and daily stress can shape how we move, recover, and feel in our bodies, just as injury, illness, or chronic pain can influence our mental outlook. That’s why the connection between physical therapy and mental health is more than coincidence—it’s an essential partnership in the journey toward whole-person wellness.

Physical therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants do more than help patients rebuild strength or restore movement. They support people through some of life’s most challenging transitions: overcoming pain, regaining independence, or learning to adapt after a major change. Each of these experiences carries an emotional weight, and the role of physical therapy often extends into building resilience, hope, and confidence.

As awareness grows, integrated care that considers both body and mind is becoming the standard of modern healthcare. In this article, we’ll explore how physical therapy contributes to mental well-being—and why a holistic approach matters for patients and future PT professionals alike.

Understanding the Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

The relationship between mental and physical health is both well-documented and deeply complex. Researchers continue to uncover new ways the two influence one another, shaping the lives of patients across all ages and health conditions.

When physical health declines, mental health often follows. An athlete sidelined for the season may struggle with frustration or identity loss, while a patient facing a new diagnosis may experience fear or depression. Physical trauma can also trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or adjustment disorders, as individuals relive their injury or adapt to new limitations. For those living with chronic pain, research shows that ongoing discomfort can even alter the brain’s structure and function—making it harder to regulate emotions or make decisions.

The connection works both ways. Poor mental health can raise the risk of a wide range of physical health problems, from cardiovascular disease to digestive issues and sleep disorders. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), people with depression are 40% more likely to develop cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. Other mental health conditions, such as eating disorders and substance use disorders, can also create serious short and long-term health complications.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Mental Health Treatment

Many mental health professionals list regular physical activity as a foundational recommendation—and for good reason. Whether someone carries a formal diagnosis or simply seeks greater emotional balance, movement often acts as a bridge between body and mind. For some, research suggests that exercise could be even more effective than medication in treating common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It’s also been proven to significantly improve sleep quality, another critical element of both physical and mental health.

Why movement matters to the brain

In a large U.S. sample, the NIH reported that people who exercised reported 1.49 fewer poor mental health days per month—a drop of about 43% compared to non-exercisers—after adjusting for age, health status, and socioeconomic factors.

Exercise triggers the release of neurochemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—all of which boost mood, sharpen cognition, and support neural resilience.  Over time, consistent physical activity can also promote neuroplasticity and counter stress-related changes in brain circuitry.

Comparisons with traditional treatments

Exercise isn’t just a supplement—it can be a core part of treatment. Systematic reviews show that structured physical activity (like walking, strength training, or yoga) produces moderate antidepressant effects, comparable in strength to psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy in many cases. Moreover, adding exercise to usual treatment often boosts outcomes: in depressed individuals, combining exercise with standard care leads to greater symptom reduction than standard care alone.

What this means for Physical Therapy Assistants

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, you’ll often spend the most time with patients—guiding them through exercises, encouraging progress, and noticing subtle changes in mood or motivation. This gives you a special opportunity to:

• Reinforce the mind–body connection during each session
• Choose or adapt exercises that patients enjoy and feel confident doing
• Provide consistent encouragement that builds trust and self-efficacy
• Recognize when a patient may be struggling emotionally and share those insights with the care team

Because PTAs work so closely with patients’ day after day, they play a vital role in supporting both physical recovery and emotional resilience.

Techniques and Approaches in Integrated Care

Physical therapy can support mental health in many ways. Common approaches include:

• Therapeutic exercise
  • Tailored to each patient’s abilities to build strength, mobility, and overall fitness
  • Bilateral movements (e.g., treadmill walking, cycling) promote relaxation and mental flexibility
  • Ties into principles of bilateral stimulation, which is also central to EMDR therapy
• Relaxation techniques
  • Massage and stretching to ease tension
  • Breathing exercises to reduce stress and calm the nervous system
  • Body-awareness practices that focus on posture and intentional movement, improving emotional regulation
• Mindful movement therapies
  • Activities like yoga and tai chi often incorporated into PT plans
  • Low-impact, low-intensity, and accessible for a wide range of patients
  • Encourage mindfulness while supporting both physical and emotional balance
• Collaborative care
  • PTs and mental health providers working together with a whole-person approach
  • Cross-discipline collaboration leads to shared expertise, better-informed diagnoses, and stronger treatment plans
  • Ultimately improves patient outcomes by treating both body and mind

Key Takeaways for Future PTs

• Exercise = mood boost: Movement can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve flexibility in thinking.
• Relaxation matters: Breathing, stretching, and massage techniques calm the body and mind.
• Mindful movement works: Yoga and tai chi blend gentle activity with mental focus.
• Collaboration is key: PTs working alongside mental health providers create stronger, whole-person care plans.

Strategies for Integrating Physical Therapy and Mental Health Care

Bringing physical therapy and mental health together isn’t just a trend—it’s a growing standard in modern healthcare. By combining expertise across disciplines, providers can deliver more holistic care that addresses both body and mind, reduces stigma, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for patients.

Why integration matters

• Healthcare tends to become siloed, making collaboration difficult—integrated care breaks down those silos to improve patients’ holistic health.
• In the PT + mental health space, shared training, protocols, and referral pathways can ensure that patients who might benefit from mental health services actually access them.
• One analysis from the National Institute of Health found that for every dollar mental health clinics spent on implementing collaborative care models, they saved about $1.70.

Interprofessional education, training and networks

• When physical therapists and mental health professionals receive joint education or cross-training, they become more comfortable making initial screenings or referrals.
• Networking across disciplines helps providers share knowledge, coordinate care, and recognize red flags early.

Collaborative care models produce better outcomes

• Systematic reviews show that collaborative care models (CCMs) can improve both mental and physical health outcomes across a wide range of disorders without increasing overall healthcare costs.
• Evidence shows collaborative care is effective even when patients have chronic physical conditions in addition to mental health diagnoses.
• Integrated care delivered via collaborative models also tends to reduce costly services: one review found patients under collaborative care were 54% less likely to visit the emergency department and 49% less likely to require inpatient psychiatric care.

Reducing stigma and increasing access

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI, 2021) reports that about 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year.
• Integrating mental health care into “normal” physical health settings (like rehab or outpatient therapy clinics) helps normalize mental health as part of everyday care. (Tanner 2024, p. 3).
• When mental health support is embedded in physical care settings, patients may feel more comfortable asking for help.

Economic incentives and return on investment

• Although integration requires upfront investment (training, infrastructure, care coordination), research cited by the American Hospital Association reports that Yale New Haven found that an integrated behavioral health model resulted in a 159% ROI, with every dollar invested in a program returning $1.70 to the organization.
• Collaborative care has been shown to be cost-effective—outcomes improve, and excess costs (e.g., hospitalizations, emergency visits) decrease.

Practical steps for implementation

• Referral pathways: build clear, fast referral systems so patients who need mental health care don’t fall through cracks.
• Shared care plans & communication: ensure consistent documentation and open communication among PTs, mental health providers, and primary care.
• Use technology: telehealth, remote monitoring, and shared electronic health records can bridge geographic or scheduling gaps.
• Quality measurement: track outcomes using agreed metrics (symptom scales, functional gains, patient satisfaction) to guide ongoing improvements.
• Advocacy and policy: push for reimbursement models and regulations that support integrated services, rather than disincentivize them.

Addressing the Biopsychosocial Model

Health isn’t just about the body—it’s shaped by the mind and environment too. The biopsychosocial model (Engel, 1977; PubMed) reminds us that effective care must account for all three dimensions.

• This model holds that health and illness arise from the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors—not just physical pathology.
• For physical therapists working with patients who also have mental health needs, it’s vital to consider all life domains:
  • Psychological elements such as beliefs, coping strategies, and emotional state
  • Social context including relationships, daily routines, environment, and support systems
• By actively listening and collaborating with mental health providers, PTs can create tailored treatment plans that align with patients’ priorities and life constraints—boosting adherence and improving outcomes.
• Even in cases without formal mental health diagnoses, PTs should be attentive to psychosocial stressors: chronic illness, disability, social isolation, or caregiver burden may all affect recovery.
• Physical therapy clinics should foster referral networks (to psychologists, social workers, support groups, etc.) so that patients exhibiting psychosocial distress can access further services seamlessly.

Patient Education and Empowerment

Knowledge is power in healthcare. When patients understand their conditions and treatment options, they’re more likely to stay engaged, follow through, and achieve stronger outcomes—both physically and mentally.

• Engaged patients do better: Research shows that patients who take an active role in their care not only experience better health outcomes but also help reduce overall healthcare costs.
• The PT’s role: Physical therapists and PT assistants play a key part in this by clearly explaining the “what, when, how, and why” of each treatment plan, making care feel approachable and achievable.
• Mind–body awareness: By teaching patients about the connection between physical progress and mental health, PTs can help them stay motivated, consistent, and resilient during recovery.
• Practical tools: PTs can provide simple techniques—like breathing exercises, stretching routines, or relaxation strategies—that patients can use to manage emotions and de-escalate stressful moments.
• Early screening and referrals: Even when patients seek therapy for physical reasons, PTs are in a position to recognize signs of psychological distress. Referring patients to mental health resources—and showing genuine care—can make a powerful difference, sometimes giving patients the encouragement they need to seek help.

Ethical Considerations and Scope of Practice

Physical therapists play an important role in supporting mental health, but it’s equally important to understand the boundaries of their professional scope.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) affirms that screening for mental and behavioral health concerns is within the scope of PT practice, especially as part of integrated care. Modern PT education also emphasizes the mental and emotional challenges that often accompany injury, disability, or chronic illness.

However, PTs and PTAs are not licensed mental health providers. While they are trained to recognize warning signs and provide supportive strategies, they are not qualified to diagnose psychiatric conditions, deliver psychotherapy, or treat complex issues such as trauma or substance use disorders. For ethical and liability reasons, physical therapy professionals must know when to refer patients to psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, or other specialists who can provide the necessary level of care.

By respecting these boundaries while remaining attentive and compassionate, PTs can ensure their patients receive comprehensive, safe, and ethical support.

Future Directions and Research

Integrated care continues to gain momentum as research shows its benefits for patients, providers, and health systems alike. As physical therapy and mental health care become more closely linked, several key areas will shape the future with a focus on building best practices and the growing role of technology in physical therapy.

• Establishing best practices
  • Building patient-centered care teams that combine multiple specialties is complex.
  • More research is needed to develop clear blueprints for collaborative care models and to identify which approaches work best across different healthcare settings.
  • Efforts must also focus on closing health equity gaps, ensuring that access to integrated care is available to all communities.
• Leveraging technology
  • Telehealth expands access, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas, while also enabling real-time collaboration between providers.
  • Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive rehabilitation and mindfulness activities, making therapy more engaging for patients.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are emerging as tools to streamline the patient-care experience, from triage and scheduling to personalized treatment planning.

As these innovations evolve, technology will play a central role in bridging physical and mental health care, making treatment more accessible, collaborative, and effective. The future of integrated care will depend not only on scientific advances but also on policies, education, and ongoing commitment to treating the whole person.

Shape the Future of Whole-Person Care as a PTA Student

If you’ve considered a career in healthcare but had trouble deciding on a specialty, becoming a physical therapist assistant is a powerful way to bridge the gap between physical and mental health. You’ll help patients transform their bodies and minds through the power of movement and see firsthand the impact on their overall well-being.

With a modern curriculum and experienced instructors, the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Provo College prepares future PTAs to support both the physical and mental aspects of rehabilitative care. You’ll gain the skills to care for patients with compassion, confidence, and experience—all while preparing for a career that the BLS reports is one of the 20 occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment between 2024–34.

This could be your path. Whether you’re ready to dive into our guide on how to become a physical therapist assistant, or curious about what a “day in the life” of a physical therapy assistant looks like, now is the perfect time to explore where this journey can take you.