Medical Condition/Population Served
Through education, research, clinical training, and practical experience, the Recreation Therapist and Creative Arts Therapist has developed a set of knowledge, skills, and abilities that have uniquely prepared them to provide therapeutic applications using their respective tools and techniques. Recreation therapy and creative arts therapy cover a wide spectrum of neurological, orthopedic, medical, surgical, and mental (behavioral) health conditions. Special populations treated included but not limited to:
- Amputation
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Chronic Illness & Pain Management
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- General Medical and Surgical
- Geriatrics
- Mental Health
- Musculoskeletal
- Neurological Disorders
- Orthopedic Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress
- Pulmonary
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Palliative Care & Hospice
- Skilled Nursing Care
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visually Impairment
In these programs, the Recreation Therapist or Creative Arts Therapist provides opportunities for functional rehabilitation as either a member of an Interdisciplinary Team or a consultant responding to a provider’s request. The therapist conducts an individualized and personalized assessment to develop treatment goals and a treatment plan. The therapist provides clinical interventions, education, counseling and training, and develops a post-discharge plan for each Veteran. And the therapist provides clear, concise documentation of each individual’s progress including recommendations for change. This “outcomes based” approach provides each Veteran with a holistic or “whole-person” approach to their rehabilitation, recovery, and community integration.
Telehealth is also available as a treatment modality to provide specialized treatment in settings closer to the individual’s home. This may involve telehealth services to VA outpatient clinics or the home.
Clinical Encounters
VA employs over 900 recreation and creative therapists and offer services throughout the VA Health Care System. In 2018 Recreation Therapy treated over 130,285 unique patients.
