02/11/2026
National Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy (RCAT) Month, celebrated every February, offers a perfect opportunity to educate healthcare providers and other supportive departments about the substantial impact of these therapeutic modalities. Recreation and Creative Arts Therapies, which include a wide array of creative arts and leisure/recreation-based interventions, significantly enhance the well-being of Veterans across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health domains. These services are guided by the best available research evidence, combined with clinical judgment, all tailored to meet the Veteran's individual goals, preferences, and life pursuits.
Recreational Therapy (RT) is a comprehensive process that employs various activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals facing illnesses, disabling conditions, and/or adverse circumstances. Its primary goals are to enhance psychological and physical health, facilitate recovery, and promote overall well-being by restoring, remediating, and rehabilitating a client's functional abilities and independence in daily life activities. Recreational Therapists, working in diverse clinical and community settings, use their specialized skills to help individuals overcome barriers to well-being and engage in meaningful leisure activities, thereby enhancing their quality of life and fostering a sense of achievement and joy.
Art Therapy, in particular, is the psychotherapeutic application of art-making for individuals experiencing illness, trauma, or other health-related challenges. Benefits include creative means of developing healthy coping skills and self-expression. Did you know that Art Therapy is offered weekly at our Berks CBOC every Friday?
Enrollment Process for Outpatient RCAT Services:
To enroll in outpatient RCAT services, a consult can be initiated by any VA provider or clinician for a scheduled, individualized assessment. During this assessment, our therapists will recommend specific programming and a personalized care plan. Options may include group or individual sessions, VA Video Connect (VVC) appointments, or face-to-face programming in our Building 24 Gym or the CORE (Creating Opportunities for Recovery and Empowerment) Center Clinic (Building 18). We also accept Interfacility Consults (IFC) from other facilities throughout the VISN.
Inpatient Care Services:
Our services extend to inpatient units, including the Community Living Center (CLC), Residential Recovery Center (RRC), and Inpatient Psychiatry, ensuring comprehensive support across various settings and transitional care.
Contact: 717-272-6621 x4291 for more info... VA Providers are encouraged to place referrals for Veterans to receive an initial assessment for programs and services.
