What is Recreation Therapy?
Also known as RT, TR, or therapeutic recreation,
NCTRC defines recreational therapy as "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."
The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. Services are provided or directly supervised by a “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist” (CTRS).
Recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. Recreational therapists treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. Recreational therapists should not be confused with recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment.
About Recreational Therapy | NCTRC
Recreation Therapy Services
request a consultation today.
We offer recreation therapy services from a Certified Therapist (CTRS). You can request services if you or someone in your care could benefit from our services. Or you can request services through your doctor. If your doctor believes recreation therapy could benefit you, they will provide a referral to a qualified recreation therapist.
Consultation with a CTRS. You will them meet with a recreation therapist who will do a free detailed assessment to understand your needs, interest, and goals. Please provide any other treatment plans you are following for a milieu approach.
Treatment Plan. Based on the assessment and supplemental plans provided, the CTRS will develop a personalized treatment plan, with as much client input as desired outlining specific activities and interventions to address your needs and improve your wellbeing.
Therapy Sessions. You will attend regular sessions based on your approved amount through your doctor/insurance. If private pay, we will coordinate frequency based on the treatment plan. At your sessions your CTRS will guide you through various recreational activities, exercises, or interventions. This can be in a group or individual.
Progress Monitoring & Evaluation. Your CTRS will continue to monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, adjusting goals and objectives, or creating new ones.
Ask your local parks and recreation agency for therapeutic recreation programs. If none are offered, request services or they can contact us to learn how to offer inclusive or specialized therapeutic recreation programs for people of all ages and all diagnoses.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details and accept the service to view the translations.