About the Profession

What types of people are served by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists? Here are a few examples:

  • Older adults – People who live in nursing homes, assisted living, senior centers
  • Children – Children who are patients in pediatric hospitals, or on units with TR and Child Life Departments
  • Adolescents – Teens who are in Youth Development Programs, are hospitalized, or enrolled in drug abuse centers
  • Adults – Adults who are patients of mental health services, including addictions units
  • People who need physical rehabilitation because of a diagnosis of:
    • Spinal cord injury
    • Brain injury
    • Cancer
    • Neuromuscular disorders
    • Stroke
  • People who live in correctional settings but also have a diagnosis of an illness or disability such as a:
    • Psychiatric problem
    • Developmental disability
  • People  who live in the community and need to be included in programs
  • Students who receive special education
  • People who have been diagnosed with Developmental Disabilities/Intellectual Disabilities
  • Wounded Warriors