Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving realm of mental health care, the role of psychiatric recreational therapists has become increasingly vital.

As society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health, the demand for skilled professionals who can provide therapeutic recreational activities to individuals with mental health issues continues to rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a psychiatric recreational therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of psychiatric recreational therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable psychiatric recreational therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Psychiatric Recreational Therapists work with people who are dealing with mental health disorders and use recreational activities as a form of therapeutic intervention.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate patients’ physical and mental health, interests, skills, strengths and weaknesses
• Develop a treatment plan and therapy goals in consultation with other healthcare professionals
• Implement therapeutic intervention programs to improve patients’ mental and emotional well-being
• Lead activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, drama, and community outings
• Observe and document patient behavior, progress, and responses to interventions
• Teach coping mechanisms to help patients manage stress and improve their quality of life
• Provide crisis intervention, as needed, to ensure patient safety
• Communicate with patients’ families or caregivers to provide education and support
• Adapt programs and activities to meet the specific needs and abilities of each patient
• Assist patients with daily living activities, and help them in developing social skills and independence
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in recreational therapy and mental health treatment
• Ensure safety guidelines and procedures are followed during activities to prevent accidents

 

Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Psychiatric Recreational Therapist to join our team.

The successful candidate will utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques such as arts and crafts, sports, games, dance, music, and community outings to treat or maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our patients.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of the link between mental health and physical activity, and is capable of creating personalized therapeutic plans to help our patients reach their treatment goals.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ needs through observations, medical records, tests, and discussions with other healthcare professionals
• Create individualized therapeutic plans that align with each patient’s needs and interests
• Use a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and community outings to aid in patient treatment
• Document and maintain accurate records of each patient’s progress
• Work closely with a team of healthcare professionals to ensure treatment goals are being met
• Adapt and modify programs as necessary to ensure effective treatment outcomes
• Educate family members and caregivers on how to support the patient’s therapeutic plan

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a recreational therapist or in a similar role
• Experience working with psychiatric patients is preferred
• Knowledge of various therapeutic techniques and interventions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• A Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, or a related field
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Psychiatric Recreational Therapist
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinical setting with occasional off-site outings. May require evening or weekend work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Therapeutic Services or Clinical Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Do?

Psychiatric Recreational Therapists work within the field of mental health, typically in hospitals, rehab facilities, or private practices.

They employ therapeutic recreational activities to aid in the treatment of individuals who are dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions.

Their job involves designing and implementing specific therapeutic recreational programs tailored to the individual needs of their patients.

These programs might involve sports, arts and crafts, games, drama, music, dance, or other recreational activities that can promote physical health, mental well-being, and improve quality of life.

They work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other medical professionals to coordinate and implement patient treatment plans.

They also monitor the progress of patients, adjusting the therapy programs as needed, and reporting on the patient’s progress.

Psychiatric Recreational Therapists also provide education and support to family members or caregivers, helping them understand the benefits of recreational therapy and providing them with strategies to engage their loved ones in therapeutic activities outside of therapy sessions.

Their role also involves maintaining patient records, documenting sessions, writing progress reports, and participating in team meetings to discuss patient treatment plans and progress.

They may also be involved in research related to improving therapeutic recreational practices in psychiatry.

 

Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Psychiatric Recreational Therapist should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of psychiatric disorders and treatment methods to effectively engage with patients and develop appropriate therapeutic activities
• Thorough understanding of therapeutic recreation theory and practice to design and implement tailored treatment plans
• Excellent communication skills to interact with patients, discuss their progress with medical professionals, and address any concerns or queries
• Interpersonal skills to connect with patients of various age groups and backgrounds, helping them feel comfortable and engaged in the therapeutic process
• Problem-solving skills to identify potential barriers to treatment and adapt plans as necessary to ensure patients remain engaged and progress towards their goals
• Empathy and patience to handle patients with varying degrees of mental health issues and the capacity to cope with potentially stressful situations
• Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting progress, changes in condition, and any relevant observations
• Physical fitness to assist in or lead recreational activities such as games, exercises, arts and crafts, and other therapeutic activities

 

Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Experience Requirements

Psychiatric Recreational Therapists are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation or a related field.

This education path provides them with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in recreational therapy and mental health.

In their studies, they should have hands-on experience through internship or practicum in mental health settings.

This could be a psychiatric hospital, a residential treatment center, a substance abuse treatment facility or similar environments.

These opportunities offer the practical experience necessary to handle the challenges of the job.

Experience requirements may vary depending on the level of the position.

Entry-level positions may require 1-2 years of experience, typically obtained through internship or on-the-job training in settings such as mental health facilities or rehabilitation centers.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience are often considered for senior or specialist roles.

These professionals should have extensive experience providing therapeutic recreation services to individuals with mental health disorders.

Those with over 5 years of experience and proven leadership skills may be eligible for supervisory or managerial roles.

In these positions, therapists not only provide services but also oversee and guide the work of other therapists.

Some employers might also require these individuals to have additional certifications, such as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.

 

Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Psychiatric Recreational Therapists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field, such as psychology, health promotion, or human services.

This degree program will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge in therapeutic recreation, human behavior, and anatomy.

They will learn how to use recreational activities as a form of therapy to improve the mental, physical and emotional well-being of their patients.

Most states require Psychiatric Recreational Therapists to be licensed or certified.

The certification process usually involves passing an examination and completing a certain amount of work experience in a therapeutic setting.

Some roles, especially those in specialized psychiatric facilities, may require therapists to have a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a closely related field.

This advanced degree often indicates a higher level of knowledge and expertise, as well as a commitment to continuous learning in the field.

Additional certifications such as the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) may also be beneficial and can indicate a high level of professionalism and competence.

Continuing education is important in this field, as new techniques and theories continue to emerge.

Hence, many therapists opt for further training and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.

 

Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Salary Expectations

A Psychiatric Recreational Therapist earns an average salary of $47,860 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary based on factors such as the level of experience, additional specialization, geographical location, and the type of healthcare institution they are employed by.

 

Psychiatric Recreational Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Psychiatric Recreational Therapist need?

Psychiatric Recreational Therapists should possess excellent communication skills to understand their patient’s needs and work with them effectively.

They need to have a strong understanding of human behavior and mental health conditions.

Strong problem-solving skills and creativity are also required to design and implement therapeutic recreational programs.

 

Do Psychiatric Recreational Therapists need a degree?

Yes, Psychiatric Recreational Therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field.

Some employers may prefer therapists with a master’s degree.

Certification in recreational therapy is also typically required.

 

What should you look for in a Psychiatric Recreational Therapist resume?

Look for a degree in recreational therapy or a related field and a certification in recreational therapy.

Prior experience working with individuals with mental health conditions can also be a strong asset.

Be sure to check for the individual’s skills in assessing patient needs, developing and implementing therapy programs, and evaluating patient progress.

 

What qualities make a good Psychiatric Recreational Therapist?

A good Psychiatric Recreational Therapist should be compassionate, patient, and empathetic, as they work with individuals who are dealing with mental health conditions.

They should also be creative, able to design and implement a variety of therapeutic activities.

Good therapists are also organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple patient needs and tracking patient progress effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a Psychiatric Recreational Therapist?

On a typical day, a Psychiatric Recreational Therapist might assess new patients, design and implement recreational therapy programs, supervise therapeutic activities, and evaluate patient progress.

They may also consult with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists and occupational therapists, to coordinate care for their patients.

Therapists also document patient progress and maintain detailed records of therapy sessions.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the truth about what it means to be a psychiatric recreational therapist.

And you know what?

It’s not just about playing games.

It’s about facilitating mental, emotional, and physical growth, one activity at a time.

With our handy psychiatric recreational therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precision-targeted listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every activity is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

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