[Page 392]Recreational therapy refers to the use of recreation to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate in order to improve functioning and independence as well as to reduce or eliminate the effects of illness or disability. The purpose of this entry is to provide the reader with an understanding of the profession of recreational therapy as part of today's health care system. Specifically this entry will enable the reader to understand the roles of a recreational therapist, the education and training of a recreational therapist, the credentialing requirements, the future trends, the professional organizations, and advice from outstanding professionals.