"Recreational Therapy professionals provide patients with state-of-the-art evidence-based treatments (i.e. based on research) beginning with patient assessment and continued with therapeutic interventions designed to result in the highest levels of function. Recreational Therapists use a wide range of activity and community based interventions and techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of patients. Therapists work with the patient and their family to incorporate specific interests and community resources into therapy to achieve optimal outcomes that transfer to their real life situation."
​- National Institutes of Health