At Recovery Ways, a leading mental health and addiction treatment center in Salt Lake City, recreational therapy plays an important part in our holistic care and helps patients develop competence, skills, and independence. We encourage patients enrolled in our inpatient and outpatient programs to try new activities and to venture outside of their typical comfort zone to find new pathways to exhilaration, exercise, and joy. Utahâs spectacular landscapes and excellent recreational facilities offer year-round opportunities for fun and camaraderie. Contact our team to learn more about our recreational therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah!
Recreation Therapy at Recovery Ways
What Is Recreation Therapy?
Recreation therapy uses enjoyable physical activity to support recovery, improve mental health, and enhance overall well-being. At Recovery Ways, this approach is a structured, evidence-based component of treatment that helps individuals rediscover joy, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills.
Through activities like outdoor adventures, art, music, sports, mindfulness, and community engagement, patients learn to connect with themselves and others in positive ways. These experiences can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of purpose, which are all key elements in sustaining long-term recovery. Recreation therapy helps individuals replace unhealthy habits with fulfilling, life-affirming ones. They build the emotional resilience and leisure management skills needed to thrive beyond treatment.
Get The Care You Need
Reach out to our team.
Our Utah Recreation Therapy Options
Located in beautiful Salt Lake City, a haven for nature lovers, Recovery Ways offers year-round activities that meet all interests. Clients are encouraged to explore our options and find what most excites them. Some of our recreation therapy offerings include:
- Hiking in the Wasatch mountains
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
- Volleyball
- Rock climbing, and rappelling
- Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the Great Salt Lake
- Ziplining and rope courses
- Bowling and billiards
- Equine therapy
- Aquarium and local tours
- Biking
- Miniature golf
- Go-karts and laser tag
- Sailing
- Yoga
- Archery
How Recreation Therapy Can Benefit You
Our recreational therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah, provides tons of benefits for our clients, including beating boredom, improving self-esteem, and boosting social functioning. It helps patients develop exercise routines, relaxation skills, and problem-solving know-how that will serve them long after their time in our care. Learn more about the benefits below.
Emotional Well-Being
Recreation therapy provides a safe and supportive space to process emotions, reduce stress, and rediscover joy. Engaging in enjoyable, purposeful activities helps regulate mood and boost self-esteem, empowering individuals to reconnect with positive feelings and develop healthy coping strategies that support long-term emotional stability and overall mental wellness.
Cognitive Improvements
Participating in physical activity stimulates the brain, improving focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Creative and physical activities also encourage mindfulness and mental flexibility, helping individuals think more clearly and manage stress more effectively. Over time, these exercises strengthen cognitive functioning and support healthier thought patterns essential for sustained recovery.
Build Community
Group-based activities foster connection and belonging, helping individuals develop trust and communication skills through shared experiences. By engaging in fun, meaningful activities together, participants learn teamwork, empathy, and mutual support. These are all key ingredients for rebuilding relationships and maintaining a sense of community throughout the recovery journey and beyond.
Better Physical Health
Recreation therapy encourages movement and activity, supporting strength, endurance, and overall physical well-being. By reconnecting mind and body, individuals develop healthier routines that promote long-term wellness and a more balanced, active lifestyle.
Growth Mindset
Clients can learn to embrace challenges, practice persistence, and celebrate progress rather than perfection. Each new experience offers opportunities to build confidence and adaptability. This growth-oriented mindset helps patients approach recovery (and life!) with openness, curiosity, and resilience, turning setbacks into valuable lessons for continued self-improvement.
Take the First Step
Learn more about our life-changing programs.
About Recovery Ways
At Recovery Ways we have over a decade of experience helping those who are struggling with mental health and substance use-related issues. Our team offers a wide range of services, including detox, residential treatment, PHP, and IOP options to help those looking for support. Clients attend treatment at either our Brunswick Place facility, specializing in addiction and dual diagnosis treatment, or our Copper Hills location, focusing on mental health care. Contact our team today to learn more about treatment programs!
What Makes Recovery Ways Different
- Designated Licensed Facilities for Mental Health & Substance Abuse
- In-Network with Most Insurance Plans
- Full Continuum of Care (Detox, RTC, PHP, IOP)
- 24 Hour RN Nursing in both Detox and RTC
- Board Certified Addiction Psychiatrist on Staff
- Occupational Therapy with Sensory Integration
- Master Level Clinicians
- Recreation Therapy
- Robust Alumni Program
- Virtual IOP
- Leading Medication Assisted Therapy Facility
- Specialty Programs for Veterans, Military and First Responders, Aviation, LGBTQAI+ and other niche groups
- Preferred EAP Provider
- Comprehensive Case Management
- Specialty Services Including:
- Gambling Addiction, Tech Addiction
- Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Trauma Disorders
Our Salt Lake City team is here
to help you get the care you deserve.
Start Healing With Recovery Ways
Our recreation therapy in Utah is a powerful pathway to healing and personal growth. By engaging in purposeful activities that strengthen the mind, body, and spirit, youâll gain confidence, connection, and a renewed sense of joy in recovery. Our experienced therapists guide each session to support emotional healing, build resilience, and create lasting lifestyle changes. Through recreation therapy, recovery becomes not only possible, but fulfilling. Get in touch with our team today to learn more!
