Promoting Therapeutic Recreation Services in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Programs
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Recreation and Park Administration Concentrating in Therapeutic Recreation
Minor
N/A
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
KY House District #
93
KY Senate District #
93
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Michelle Gerken
Department
Dept. of Recreation and Park Administration
Abstract
Today, “an estimated 13% of children and adolescents, aged 8–15 experience severe mental health disorders at some point in their life” (Nami.org). In most states, there is an outpatient day program called Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) where mental health specialist care and treat for different types of mental disorders among the clients of their region. The purpose of this research is to promote therapeutic recreation services into the outpatient program. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist use specific interventions to help cope with specific mental health behaviors and actions while a mental health specialist only focuses on the treatment of the disorder.
“The goals and objectives of recreation therapy center on resiliency (and associated protective factors), self-reliance, competency, independence, problem-solving/decision-making skills, communication, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Therapeutic recreation activities have long been suggested to address the needs of youth with a variety of mental disorders with particular focuses on emotional and behavioral disorders” (Skalko, Williams, & Cooper, 2008).
Promoting Therapeutic Recreation Services in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Programs
Today, “an estimated 13% of children and adolescents, aged 8–15 experience severe mental health disorders at some point in their life” (Nami.org). In most states, there is an outpatient day program called Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) where mental health specialist care and treat for different types of mental disorders among the clients of their region. The purpose of this research is to promote therapeutic recreation services into the outpatient program. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist use specific interventions to help cope with specific mental health behaviors and actions while a mental health specialist only focuses on the treatment of the disorder.
“The goals and objectives of recreation therapy center on resiliency (and associated protective factors), self-reliance, competency, independence, problem-solving/decision-making skills, communication, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Therapeutic recreation activities have long been suggested to address the needs of youth with a variety of mental disorders with particular focuses on emotional and behavioral disorders” (Skalko, Williams, & Cooper, 2008).