ATRA Position Statement
ATRA is proud to announce the release of its official Position Statement on Social Prescribing, affirming that social prescribing is within the scope of recreational therapy practice.
“ATRA affirms that social prescribing, both in verbal and written forms, is within the scope of recreational therapy practice.”
What is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is a model of care delivery that enables health professionals to formally prescribe non-clinical community activities— including the arts, movement, nature, and service (volunteering)— to improve patient health, and at minimal patient cost. Social prescribing is designed to address social determinants of health, including social connection.
Unique Expertise
Recreational Therapists are leaders in social connectedness and the preferred provider for activity-based social and relational interventions aimed at reducing loneliness.
Wired to Connect
Humans are wired to connect. Social connectedness helps buffer stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even improves physical health. Quality of life increases as individuals strengthen their sense of connectedness to self, to others, and to the world around them.
Recreational Therapists turn loose ideas about belonging into structured, evidence-informed experiences that engage and empower. Through Recreational Therapy, participants experience connection, belonging, meaning, purpose, discovery, joy, and flow.
Learn More with ATRA's Blog
RT & Social Prescribing
Although social prescribing is a relatively new term, its principles closely mirror the longstanding practices of RT, making it a profession ideally positioned to lead and enhance these efforts.
Read on LinkedIn HERE.
Addressing Isolation & Loneliness
RT, which focuses on building social connections and creating socially inclusive environments, and is ideally positioned to address social isolation and loneliness. Learn more about the connection Rx.
Read on LinkedIn
HERE.
Connecting the Socially Disconnected
Once viewed as an emotional ideal and at times a soft science, connection is now recognized as a powerful determinant of health and well-being. RTs are uniquely qualified to lead national solutions.
Read on LinkedIn HERE.
