Looking to start your own business? You might want to consider becoming a recreational therapist! With demand for recreational therapy services on the rise, specialized training and expertise in the field, the ability to work with clients on a flexible schedule, and low overhead, recreational therapists have all the tools they need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to improve people’s physical and mental health, or just want to be your own boss, a career in recreational therapy could be the perfect fit
- Private practice: You could start a private practice offering recreational therapy services to clients in their homes or at a local community center or other facility.
- Mobile therapy services: You could start a business providing recreational therapy services to clients at their homes, schools, or other locations. This could be especially useful if you want to work with children or individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty traveling to a therapy office.
- Group therapy programs: You could start a business offering recreational therapy programs to groups of people with similar interests or needs, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or athletes.
- Outdoor adventure therapy: If you enjoy being outdoors and have experience leading recreational activities in natural settings, you could start a business offering outdoor adventure therapy programs. These could include activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, or kayaking.
- Aquatic therapy: If you have experience working with clients in water-based therapy programs, you could start a business offering aquatic therapy services. This could include pool-based therapy sessions or beach-based activities like stand-up paddleboarding or surf therapy.
- Health and wellness retreats: You could start a business offering health and wellness retreats that incorporate recreational therapy activities. These retreats could focus on things like stress management, fitness, or personal development and could be held at a variety of locations, such as resorts, spas, or outdoor retreat centers.
- Rehabilitation services: If you have experience working with clients recovering from injuries or illnesses, you could start a business offering rehabilitation services that incorporate recreational therapy activities. These services could be provided to clients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers.
- Adaptive sports programs: You could start a business offering adaptive sports programs for individuals with disabilities. These programs could include activities such as wheelchair basketball, adaptive skiing, or other sports that have been modified to be accessible to people with physical limitations.
- Community center programs: You could start a business offering recreational therapy programs at a local community center or other facility. These programs could be tailored to the needs and interests of the community and could include activities such as art therapy, music therapy, or movement therapy.
- Senior living facility programs: If you have experience working with seniors, you could start a business offering recreational therapy programs at a senior living facility or nursing home. These programs could help seniors maintain their physical and mental health and provide social and recreational opportunities.
- Recreational therapy educational programs: Develop workshops and seminars to educate patients, families, and caregivers on the applications of recreational therapy.
- Online recreational therapy products: Develop and market recreational therapy products such as videos, e-courses, and books with tips and techniques on applying recreational therapy methods.
- Recreational therapy equipment and supply service: Sell recreational therapy equipment, supplies, and materials such as adaptive sports equipment, sensory integration items, and therapeutic toys