Services

As defined by the National Counsel for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRC): 

"Recreation 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.

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).

Recreation 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, nature, and community outings. Recreation therapists treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional  well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and  anxiety; recover reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. Recreation therapists should not be confused with recreation workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment."

Community Living Supports, commonly referred to as "CLS", are mental health professionals who focus on helping the youth and family adjust to special challenges related to the youth’s mental health needs. This is accomplished by using evidence based practices and strategies.

CLS' provide training in skills that allow the youth to achieve their maximum potential. These skills include activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene and household chores; developing healthy relationships and appropriate social skills; integration into community activities; and reinforcing skills or lessons taught in school, therapy, or other settings.

Training may be provided to both the caregiver and the youth, dependent upon the youth's age, the nature of the emotional disorder, the role of medications, and self-administration of medications.

Training can also be provided to the youth's primary caregivers to assist the caregivers with coping with and managing the youth's emotional disturbance.