Recovery as play: theater improvisation as a promising adjunctive treatment in recovery-oriented psychosis care

Background: Existing psychotherapy options for people experiencing psychosis inadequately promote recovery according to the principles defined by SAMHSA. These principles define recovery not only by the absence of distressing symptoms, but also by service users’ personal goals and values.Method: This opinion piece presents theater-improvisation groups as a promising adjunctive intervention that promotes SAMHSA’s recovery principles.Results: Underlying theoretical principles of theater-improvisation are outlined and described alongside corresponding SAMHSA recovery domains (e.g. health, purpose, community).Discussion: Risks and limitations of theater-improvisation are addressed alongside future clinical and research directions. We call for ongoing focus on recovery-oriented interventions that extend beyond symptom-management to support service users in building full, socially connected lives.