Institutionalization of Physiotherapy in Mental Health:A Review of the Korean Context

Objective: Physiotherapy in Mental Health (PMH) is a specialized subdiscipline of physical therapy that integrates physical activity with cognitive and emotional regulation to promote mental well-being. Recently, PMH has gained global attention following the World Health Organization’s recommendation for an “integrated mental health service model” (WHO, 2022). Method: A comprehensive review of domestic and international literature, national statistical data analysis, and an examination of relevant studies published over the past decade in academic databases (KCI, PubMed, and Scopus) were conducted. Results: While PMH has been institutionalized and incorporated into national certification and training systems in several countries, Korea still lacks legal frameworks and reimbursement structures to support its practice. Consequently, physical therapists’ involvement in mental health interventions remains informal and limited in clinical settings. Conclusion: The interaction between mental health and physical functioning is increasingly recognized as critical in both clinical and social contexts. However, the institutional and educational foundations for PMH in Korea remain underdeveloped. Policy reform, curricular integration, and the establishment of multidisciplinary collaboration systems are essential to expand the role of physical therapists in mental health care.