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Recreational Therapy

Recreational Therapy

What is Recreational Therapy?


Recreational therapy is a systematic approach that utilizes an activity-based treatment plan to address an individual’s physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual domains of wellness while they are in our Transitional Care program. The recreational therapy portion of the program evaluates an individual’s leisure interests and goals. CRHC's recreational therapist and therapy providers assess those interests and incorporate them into the patient’s overall therapy goals.


This therapy also consists of leisure education. Leisure education is a program for individuals to learn of the adaptations that are available to implement activities. This program strives for individuals to sustain a healthy leisure lifestyle and wellbeing. There is a purpose behind the activities that are specifically designed for each patient. Prescribed activity is to increase an individual’s independence, quality of life, and well-being.

Learn about CRHC's Other Therapy Services

Meet Our Recreational Therapist, Rachel 

Rachel is CRHC's dedicated Recreation Therapist, working with the in-patient population recovering in medical/surgical department. Her role provides our patients with healing and recovery through activity and engagement. Known benefits of Recreational Therapy include things like:


Physical/Cognitive Therapy

Social Engagement

Personal Enjoyment

Stress management & coping strategies

Sustained / increased independence

Recreational Therapy Services Include, but are not limited to:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Cards and board games
  • Dice games
  • Dominoes
  • Gardening and yardwork
  • Outdoor activities
  • Pet therapy
  • Reading and writing
  • Cognitive games
  • Social groups
  • Word search/ Crossword/ Sudoku
  • Trivia games
  • Cooking/ Baking
  • Exercise and sports

Recreational Therapy Calendar

Learn More About CRHC Services

Recreational Therapy FAQs

  • How is Recreational Therapy different from other therapies?

    Recreational Therapy (RT) embraces a definition of "health" that includes not only the absence of "illness," but extends to the enhancement of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure development so individuals may participate fully and independently in chosen life pursuits. The unique feature of RT that makes it different from other therapies is the use of recreational modalities in the designed intervention strategies. RT is extremely individualized to each person by his or her past, present and future interests and lifestyle. The recreational therapist has a unique perspective regarding the social, cognitive, physical, and leisure needs of the patient. Incorporating client's interests, and the client's family and/or community makes the therapy process meaningful and relevant. Recreational therapists weave the concept of healthy living into treatment to ensure not only improved functioning, but also to enhance independence and successful involvement in all aspects of life.  

  • Where is Recreational Therapy Provided?

    CRHC's recreational therapist is located mainly in our med/surg department. Within our med/surg department, there is a room dedicated to therapy and rehab activities for in-patient care, as well as outdoor areas where patients can extend their therapies. However, many recreational therapy activities can also take place in the patient's rooms!

  • Who can benefit from Recreational Therapy?

    Research indicates that recreational therapy provides a variety of positive health outcomes for individuals of all ages.


    CRHC's program will work with any in-patient, regardless of age, recovering or receiving care for medical issues such as physical disabilities, psychiatric disorders, and post-surgical patients.

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