What is "CTRS"?

I'm sure you're wondering "What does CTRS stand for?"

CTRS stands for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Now, you may have more questions! Like, "what does that even mean??"

Therapeutic Recreation (TR), or Recreation Therapy, is a systematic process that uses recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals. The purpose of TR is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. Services are provided or directly supervised by a CTRS in order to facilitate full participation in life. Recreation Therapists should not be confused with recreation assistants or recreation workers, who organize activities primarily for enjoyment. 

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) holds the mission to protect the public by promoting the provision of quality services offered by the NCTRC certificants and their core purpose is the protect the safety of the consumer of recreation therapy services.

Since 1987, NCTRC has been a charter member organization of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.). NCTRC is dedicated to professional excellence, and recognizes professionals who hold themselves to a hire standard of care. Through Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation and Documentation, CTRS's have created a standard that exemplifies the profession's dedication to quality and excellence in practice. 

What does that mean for you?

A CTRS practitioner has a greater standing in the field due to the quality of the NCTRC credentialing efforts. The public benefits through consistent application of the standards of practice, and the promotion of qualified professionals in the field of the therapeutic recreation. Individuals may also benefit by meeting for assessments and community integration plans after any life-changing incidents such as surgery, accidents, or disability.

Find more information on Therapeutic Recreation at NCTRC.org.