Recreational Therapy (RT) is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses, disabling conditions, and/or adverse circumstances to promote psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being. Recreational Therapy aims to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate the client’s level of functioning and independence in life activities. Recreational Therapists work in a variety of clinical and community settings and utilize their unique expertise to help individuals overcome barriers to well-being and/or participation in meaningful leisure activities. -ATRA-

RT benefits individuals with physical disabilities, brain injuries, mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, chronic illnesses, and more. We also help caregivers by providing education, resources, and respite through therapeutic activities.

Absolutely! We work with adults of all ages and support a wide range of goals, including independence, community participation, social connection, wellness, life skills, and meaningful leisure.

Yes! We work with children, typically school-aged and older. Recreational Therapy can help children develop life skills, build confidence, increase independence, and participate more fully in activities they enjoy.

Not necessarily. A formal diagnosis is not always required to begin services. During the initial evaluation, we learn about your strengths, interests, challenges, and goals and determine how Recreational Therapy may support you.

Not necessarily. Many clients can contact us directly and self-refer for services. If you are receiving services through a Medicaid waiver or WWP Independence Program, you will generally need to work through your Case Manager to access services. We also love collaborating with other providers so that Recreational Therapy can be part of a holistic plan of care.

We do not accept traditional insurance; however, we offer several alternative payment options to make our services accessible. We proudly accept:

• ESA+ Grant funds

• HSA/FSA funds

• Private Pay

Additionally, we have partnered with Innovative OT Solutions to provide Specialized Consultative Services Recreational Therapy (SCS RT) for eligible clients through the Innovations and TBI Medicaid Waivers.

If you have any questions about payment or funding options, please contact us for more details!

Recreational Therapy may be available at no cost to you through certain Medicaid waivers, qualified programs, or benefits such as WWP Independence Program. For private-pay services, please contact us for our current hourly rate. We also offer packages that may reduce the hourly rate, and grant funding may be available for qualifying individuals.

Yes! We work with ESA+ families and offer individualized Recreational Therapy as well as select group programs that may be covered through ESA+. Services must meet ESA+ requirements and available funding. For more information on becoming an ESA+ recipient Click Here.

Yes! Depending on your goals and needs, sessions can take place in your home or in the community. We believe therapy should happen in the environments where you actually live, work, play, and participate.

Yes! Community-based Recreational Therapy is one of the things we love most. We may meet at parks, recreation centers, stores, restaurants, libraries, community events, or other local places that are meaningful to you. Our goal is to help you build confidence, independence, and connections within your own community.

We provide in-person Recreational Therapy and Life Skills Coaching in select areas throughout North Carolina. We also offer virtual services in multiple states, depending on licensing requirements. (Click to see service areas)

Yes! We offer both individual and group Recreational Therapy virtually. Virtual sessions can be a great option for clients who live outside our in-person service area or who benefit from participating from home.

Your first session typically begins with an evaluation and conversation about you (not just your diagnosis or limitations). We learn about your interests, strengths, daily routines, challenges, support system, and goals. Together, we identify meaningful activities and develop a plan for how Recreational Therapy can help you participate more fully in the things that matter to you.

Each Recreational Therapy (RT) session is personalized to meet the unique needs and goals of the individual. Sessions are designed to be engaging, meaningful, and focused on improving physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.

A typical session may include:

Engaging Activities: Depending on your needs, the session may include adaptive sports, creative arts, outdoor recreation, relaxation techniques, social skill-building, or cognitive exercises.

Skill Development: The therapist will guide you through activities that promote independence, functional skills, and confidence.

Community Integration: Sessions may take place in real-world settings to help transfer skills into everyday life.

Progress Tracking: Your therapist will monitor progress and adjust activities to keep you moving toward your goals.

Your first session is an opportunity to get to know you, learn about your strengths and challenges, and talk about what you would like to accomplish. Together, you and your Life Skills Coach will identify areas where you would like more support and begin creating practical, individualized goals. We’ll focus on the skills that matter most to you and develop a plan that fits your everyday life.

Session length varies based on your individual needs, authorized hours, goals, and the type of session. For example, a community reintegration session may look different from an in-home session. We also consider your activity tolerance, energy level, and ability to participate safely and meaningfully.

It depends on your individual needs, goals, and available authorization. Some clients meet with their therapist once a week, while others may benefit from meeting more frequently. Your therapist will work with you and your support team to determine a schedule that makes sense for your goals.

We are growing and always looking for passionate professionals around NC to join our team! If you're interested in making a difference through Recreational Therapy, we'd love to hear from you.

Reach out to us for more information about potential opportunities!