Assessment, clinical decision-making, and documentation in recreational therapy are not just isolated tasks; they are interwoven elements that collectively enhance client care. This book serves as an essential resource for therapists who seek to understand how clinical reasoning informs both assessment and treatment decisions, while also highlighting the importance of documentation in this process. The interconnectedness of these components fosters a more systematic approach, ensuring that therapists can provide a consistent biopsychosocial viewpoint and balanced clinical reasoning.

Within these pages, recreational therapy practitioners will find valuable insights into effective documentation practices that can be adapted across various settings. Rather than attempting to cover every possible type of documentation, the book focuses on teaching fundamental skills that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different therapeutic environments. The first chapter introduces the basics of documentation, encompassing its purpose, historical context, various note types, legal considerations, ethical guidelines, and essential terminology.

Chapter 2 delves into the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), a crucial framework that aids in clinical decision-making and holistic client care. This foundational knowledge prepares readers for the subsequent chapters that cover the comprehensive 5-step assessment preparation process (Chapter 3) and the various assessment methods employed in recreational therapy, including clinical interviews, direct requests, standardized assessment tools, activity engagement, and observational techniques (Chapter 4).

Furthermore, the integration of seven types of clinical reasoning is explored in Chapter 5, which is vital for initial assessment and treatment planning (Chapter 6). Additionally, the book addresses the importance of session and progress notes (Chapter 7) as well as discharge planning (Chapter 8), ensuring that therapists are well-equipped to document their clients’ progress effectively.

The book is rich in resources, featuring over 90 tables and figures, along with 30 practical exercises to reinforce learning. An informative appendix provides supplementary material to enhance the overall educational experience. For instructors who adopt this textbook for their courses, additional resources, including a slide deck, test bank, case study assignments, and digital forms, are readily available.

This comprehensive guide is not only beneficial for current practitioners but also serves as an invaluable resource for recreational therapy internship supervisors and educators who are dedicated to cultivating the skills of future professionals in the field.

In conclusion, this book stands as a vital tool for those involved in recreational therapy, offering a clear and structured approach to mastering assessment, clinical decision-making, and documentation. By engaging with its contents, practitioners will enhance their capabilities and ultimately improve client outcomes.