The objective of this thesis is to develop and demonstrate techniques for self-deployment of origami-based mechanical systems achieved through internal strain-energy storage and release, with special application to medical implant devices. The potential of compliant mechanisms and related origami-based mechanical systems to store strain-energy make them ideal candidates forapplications requiring an actuation or deployment process, such as space system arrays and minimally invasive surgical devices. The objective of this thesis is achieved by first categorizing differentdeployment methods in origami-based, deployable mechanisms and then further exploring the use of strain energy to facilitate actuation in deployable mechanisms. With this understanding inplace, there are opportunities using strain energy to develop new approaches to deploy particular mechanical systems. These origami-based mechanisms have the ability to improve devices in themedical field. This work contributes to the knowledge base of self actuating deployable structures in origami-based mechanical systems by developing design concepts and models for strain energystorage and release. By developing the foundational characteristics for self-actuation, the work will be demonstrated thorough applications in medical implant devices.