Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialists’ Perceived Competency in Treating a Co-Morbid Mental Health Condition Alongside a Principal Physical Disability

This study focused on identifying recreational therapists’ self-perceived competencies to provide holistic treatment for a co-morbid mental health condition alongside a principle physical diagnosis. Since individuals with a physical disability experience multiple risk factors for depression and are three times more likely to live with depression than the general population (Noh et al., 2016), it is important to ensure recreational therapists are providing competent, holistic, and appropriate services. To evaluate perceptions of competency, 13,585 active Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists™ (CTRS™) were recruited to complete an online survey, with only 317 (2.3%) fully completing the survey for inclusion in the study. Multiple questions were asked to assess comfort level with treating co-morbid mental health conditions for individuals being treated in physical rehabilitation settings for treatment of a principle physical disability. Of the respondents, 66.4% reported feeling “very confident” in treating mental health conditions, while 31.8% reported being “somewhat confident” in treating a mental health condition alongside a physical disability, a statistically significant difference. The results of the self-reported survey demonstrate the need for continuing education to increase comfort for recreational therapists in the holistic treatment of a co-morbid mental health condition alongside a principle physical diagnosis. Recommendations for future research and practices are presented.