Jessica Richman

Programs and Courses Taught

Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Master of Occupational Therapy

OT 723: Capstone Project Exploration
OT 735 & 735L: Capstone Project Development Lecture & Lab
OT 754: Final Capstone Project 
OT 755: Capstone Project Report
OT 605L/705L: Culture and Occupation Lab
OT 601/701 & 601L/701L: Integrative Seminar in Occupational Therapy Practices I Lecture and Lab
OT 626L/726L: Psychosocial Dysfunction Lab 
OT 616L/716L: Therapeutic Media, Materials and Processes Lab

About Me

Jessica Richman (she/her), OTD, MPH, OTR/L,  is currently an Assistant Professor and the Doctoral Capstone Coordinator (DCC) at SMU. In her DCC role, Dr. Richman oversees SMU’s Entry Level OTD program, in which students pursue advanced skills in clinical practice, research, program and policy development, leadership, advocacy, administration, education and/or theory development. Her passion for this role centers around a commitment to provide collaborative, innovative approaches to occupational therapy while reaching diverse communities, both locally and globally. Dr. Richman also currently serves as an occupational therapist at John George Psychiatric Hospital.

Dr. Richman has been fortunate enough to combine her love for OT practice, program development and advocacy in multiple settings throughout her career. Prior to her appointment at SMU, she has in multiple mental health settings, serving underserved communities in Southern California. She has worked internationally for the National Health Service in London, United Kingdom as a school based, pediatric clinician. Finally, in 2022, Dr. Richman graduated with a Masters of International Public Health from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. During this year-long intensive program, she worked alongside colleagues from sixteen countries, learning about the world’s public health challenges and opportunities.

Education

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)                                                            
University of Southern California, 2014

Master of Arts- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
University of Southern California, 2013

Master of Arts- International Public Health 
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem- Hadassah Medical Center, Israel, 2022

Bachelor of Arts- Psychology 
San Diego State University, 2010

Teaching Interests

Student centered learning that incorporates the diversity of local communities
Capstone courses
Mental health/psychosocial scope of practice

Scholarly Interests

Mental health practice and outcomes
Community based practice
Health and wellbeing of graduate students

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Action Coalition
American Occupational Therapy Association

Community Service

Dr. Richman is the current  Chair of the Psychiatric OT Action Coalition (POTAC), a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the practice of psychiatric occupational therapy through education, information, and advocacy for consumers, health care providers and the community.