Recreation Therapy Service - West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
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West Palm Beach VA Medical Center

 

Recreation Therapy Service

The Recreation Therapy Service at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center provides treatment and opportunities for participation in Art, Music and Recreational Therapy. The goal is to help patients achieve independence and satisfaction in recreational and leisure pursuits as they work on recovery, rehabilitation goals and increased quality of life. Recreation Therapy Service interventions are based upon the assessed needs and individual interests of the Veterans served.

Recreation Therapy Service Treatment Areas:

Inpatient

  • Community Living Center
  • Hospice Unit
  • Blind Rehab Center
  • Acute Mental Health

Outpatient

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Psychosocial Recovery and Rehabilitation Center
  • Mental Health Intensive Case Management
  • Medical Foster Home
  • Whole Health

Benefits of Recreation Therapy & Creative Arts Therapy Include:

  • Opportunity for self-expression and creativity
  • Increased socialization opportunities
  • Physical fitness
  • Improved coping skills
  • Enhanced memory
  • Relaxation and stress reduction
  • Opportunity for increased self-esteem
  • Discovery or renewal of interest in enjoyable and meaningful activities
  • Relapse prevention

Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy Interventions Include:

  • Animal Assisted Interventions
  • Fitness/Wellness
  • Trauma-conscious Yoga
  • Community Re-integration
  • Recovery and Relapse Prevention
  • Leisure Education
  • Legacy Projects and Life Celebrations
  • Active Music Making and Song Writing
  • Music Assisted Relaxation
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Art Therapy
  • Visit our Creative Arts page for more information.

National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events

Community Partners

We work with a variety of community partners to provide therapy options for our Nation's heroes! If you are a community organization that provides sporting and other recreation activities and are interested in working with West Palm Beach VA Medical Center's RecreatioN Therapy Service call 561-422-8283.

Internship Program

The Recreation Therapy Service offers exciting internship opportunities for students pursuing a degree in Recreation Therapy. The following schools have a clinical affiliation agreement with the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center’s Recreation Therapy Service: Florida International University, Clemson University, Alabama State University, University of Tennessee, East Carolina University, West Carolina University and Slippery Rock University. If interested, please contact James Ebel, MS, Assistant Chief of Recreation Therapy at 561-422-8283.

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