Frederick P. Green, PhD and Tanya E. McAdory- Coogan, MS, CTRS, CPRP chapter 7 Allied Professions

Learning Outcomes Identify various professions that may work within the same realm as the certified therapeutic recreation specialist Explain the range of services and settings associated with each profession Identify education and credentialing requirements for each profession Identify potential opportunities for collaboration between a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and other professionals

Introduction Understanding other professions Working as part of an interdisciplinary team

Child Life Specialist Professionally trained to help both children and their families understand and manage stressful health care experiences and challenging life events Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Art Therapist Addresses a person’s inner conflicts, abilities, personality traits, interests, and concerns by using art media, images, the creative process, and patient responses to artwork (American Medical Association, 2004a) Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Music Therapist Uses music to promote health and wellness, manage stress, improve communication, facilitate movement and exercise, increase social interactions, and serve as a foundation for the expression of feelings Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Dietitian Assesses the nutritional needs of clients, plans and manages dietary intake, and promotes sound eating habits to aid in the prevention and treatment of illness (United States Department of Labor, 2004a) Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Kinesiotherapist Applies therapeutic exercise to improve the strength, endurance, and mobility of people with physical injuries or limitations (American Kinesiotherapy Association, 2005) Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Athletic Trainer Medical professionals who are responsible for the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to participation in physical activities Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Nurse Assists families, individuals, and communities in attaining, retaining, and maintaining optimal health and functioning (Answers.com, 2005) Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Occupational Therapist Uses “purposeful activity and interventions to achieve functional outcomes” (American Medical Association, 2004d, p. 280) Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Psychiatrist Licensed physicians, specially trained to treat patients with mental disorders and prescribe medications (HealthyMinds.org, 2005) Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Psychologist Social scientist who studies the human mind, thought, and human behavior Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Social Worker Helps people function in the healthiest way possible in the environment, manage their relationships, and solve personal and family problems Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Speech-language pathologists are trained in disorders related to speech, language, cognitive communication, and swallowing skills (American Medical Association, 2004f) Audiologists are trained in the area of hearing processes and hearing loss (American Medical Association, 2004f) Range of services and settings Educational requirements and credentialing Potential for collaboration with therapeutic recreation

Discussion Questions What benefits does collaboration offer? What challenges do you see associated with collaborating, especially with other agencies? Of the professions discussed in this chapter, which might offer good cross-training opportunities for a therapeutic recreation specialist? What other professions or specialties not listed in this chapter might be potential collaboration partners, either within or outside typical therapeutic recreation-providing agencies? List them and provide ideas for how such collaborations might work. In addition to becoming a CTRS, what other credentials might be of use to you as a professional? What would acquiring these credentials require? (continued)

Discussion Questions (continued) Explain the differences and similarities between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a social worker. Also differentiate between an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a therapeutic recreation specialist, and a child life specialist. What dangers come from confusing or overstepping the job roles and responsibilities associated with the professions described in this chapter? What strategies can you take as a professional to develop a full understanding of the professions you work with and to educate other professionals about therapeutic recreation?