Integration of the exercise professional within the mental health multidisciplinary team

Exercise and physical activity are now well-established and well-accepted as a stand-alone or adjunct therapy for a range of mental illnesses. However, the question of how to best delivery this potentially powerful therapeutic toll in real-world settings remains. Studies show that programs that are tailored to the individual's needs, supervised by qualified exercise professionals, and delivered in settings which are supportive and welcoming are likely to result in better outcomes for consumers and service providers alike. This chapter provides a brief background on exercise and mental illness, describes the role and attributes of the exercise professional, then provides examples of how such a role can be successfully integrated into mental health care setting, answering questions relevant to service providers, clinicians, and consumers.