 | About Recreational Therapy |
What is Recreational Therapy?
Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. Recreational therapy improves quality of life and productivity for individuals with disabilities. Recreational therapy involves assessment of an individual's needs and functioning, planning of interventions, implementation of services, evaluation of interventions and client progress and documentation of services provided.
Who are the Qualified Providers?
Recreational therapy is provided by qualified professionals know as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS). Requirements to be become a CTRS include a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university, a formal internship and passing a national competency exam. | Where do Recreational Therapists Practice? Recreational therapists practice in a variety of settings to include, physical medicine and rehabilitation, behavioral and mental health care, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, adult day programs, park and recreation, adapted sports, acute care hospitals, pediatric hospitals, community programs and schools. |
Recreational Therapy promotes well-being and reduces healthcare costs by:
Supporting the whole person—physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively—to promote independence.Creating inclusive environments where individuals of all abilities can participate and belong.
Using purposeful, engaging activities to achieve goals.Teaching individuals how to access and use local resources.
Developing lifelong leisure skills that support independent, active living.
Strengthens relationships through shared recreational experiences.