Recreational Therapist
At Mary Free Bed Kids, recreational therapists help kids heal and grow using the activities that matter most. By incorporating meaningful activities like art or music into rehabilitation, kids are able to accomplish their therapy goals in a fun, engaging way.
Why Mary Free Bed Kids?
As a CARF-Accredited Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Program, we provide expert, family-centered care designed to support the best possible recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation is essential after illness, injury, or surgery, and research consistently shows that beginning specialized care early can significantly improve a child’s progress.
Our accredited programs, seasoned clinical teams, and compassionate approach ensure that children and families receive the highest standard of support throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital holds a number of special accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF). This voluntary but rigorous accreditation process is based on specific and comprehensive standards ensuring the highest-quality rehabilitation.
CARF is an independent organization dedicated to providing reliable information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Consumers and medical professionals collaborate to develop the leading-edge standards by which providers are measured.
What is a recreational therapist?
A recreational therapist is a certified health care professional who uses their specialized training to guide kids and families through their rehabilitation journeys using meaningful activities.
Through sports, art and community outings recreational therapists help kids establish positive emotional and social connections as they navigate rehabilitation.
What does a recreational therapist do?
A recreational therapist uses specialized training to assess a child’s interests and see how they can incorporate enjoyable activities into existing rehabilitation goals.
Here’s what they do:
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our recreational therapists use a comprehensive evaluation to assess a child’s interests, strengths and needs. From there, our recreational therapists craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s strengths and interests.
Family Collaboration
At Mary Free Bed Kids, our approach to care is family-centered. Throughout your child’s rehabilitation journey, recreational therapists may plan community outings for your child and family. You’ll have the chance to practice the skills you’ve learned in therapy while exploring the local community.
Emotional Health Support
Our recreational therapists understand the emotional challenges that recovery and rehabilitation can pose for kids. Recreational therapy sessions can help kids develop coping strategies and reduce stress.
Collaborative Care
Recreational therapists are a key part of your child’s care team. Working alongside clinicians and therapists, recreational therapists meet regularly to update your child’s treatment plan as they progress through rehabilitation.
Who can a recreational therapist help?
Recreational therapists work with children who may have conditions and needs like:
- Neurological conditions
- Spinal cord injury
- Orthopedic injury
- Chronic illness or pain
- Developmental delay
- Emotional or behavioral challenges related to medical conditions
Where Recreational Therapists Fit in Your Child’s Rehabilitation Team
Recreational therapists are part of a multidisciplinary care team, which means many professionals work together to help your child reach their goals.
Your child’s recreational therapist may work alongside:
- Physiatrists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Psychologists
- Teachers
Each expert brings unique skills to your child’s rehabilitation journey, ensuring your child has the best possible support as they grow.
Examples of How a Recreational Therapist Can Help
Here are real ways a recreational therapist may support your child’s rehabilitation journey:
Emotional Regulation
Medical treatment and rehabilitation can be emotionally challenging for children and teens. Recreational therapists support your child by providing opportunities to practice coping skills and other emotional regulation strategies.
Purposeful Play
For kids, therapy looks a lot like play. Recreational therapists help kids be kids by using purposeful play to support therapy goals while keeping therapy fun and engaging.
Invest in Interests
Not only do recreational therapists work with kids to understand activities they enjoy, they’ll work with them to try new things, too.
Why Choose Our Recreational Therapists
Our recreational therapists are specially trained to work with kids and families.
Choosing our recreational therapists means:
- Expert support for kids of all ages
- Personalized therapy plans tailored to your child’s interests, needs, and therapy goals
- Collaboration with your child’s therapy team
- Family integration, education, and support throughout therapy
They’re experts in making therapy fun and engaging.
Ready to Get Started With Mary Free Bed?
Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small.
Our Locations
Great Lakes Bay Region
Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Indiana
Virginia
