Northeast Passage PATH™ Program: A Strengths-Based and Recovery-Oriented Approach for Veterans Who Experience Mental Health Disorders

Authors

  • Tye C. Thompson University of New HampshireNortheast Passage
  • Jessie L. Bennett University of New Hampshire
  • Janet R. Sable University of New Hampshire
  • Jill Gravink University of New Hampshire Northeast Passage

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2016-V50-I2-6788

Keywords:

Strengths-based practice, community-based therapeutic recreation, veterans, well-being, ICF, mental health, recovery

Abstract

The recreation therapy profession stands in a position to be a powerful agent of change from a strengths-based perspective (Anderson & Heyne, 2012). This article merges ongoing discussions regarding the need for development of effective evidenced-based treatment options for Veterans with mental health disorders, current dialogue regarding the changing focus in healthcare, and the role of strengths-based approaches to healthcare. It also offers a detailed example of the Northeast Passage PATH™ program (Promoting Access, Transition, and Health) as a strengths-based, recovery-oriented recreation therapy program implemented in a home/community-based setting (Craig, Wilder, Sable, & Gravink, 2013). Case examples are interwoven within the article to accent the discussion regarding strengths-based practices and illustrate how the PATH™ program implements interventions with Veterans with mental health disorders through all phases of treatment including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. 

Author Biographies

Tye C. Thompson, University of New HampshireNortheast Passage

Tye C. Thompson, CTRS/L, is the program coordinator of the Northeast Passage PATH™ program. Northeast Passage is a program of the University of New Hampshire College of Health and Human Services Recreation Management an Policy Department. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Tye C. Thompson at Northeast Passage, G-1 Hewitt Hall, 4 Library Way, Durham, NH 03824

Jessie L. Bennett, University of New Hampshire

Jessie L. Bennett, Ph.D. CTRS/L, is a clinical assistant professor of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824

Janet R. Sable, University of New Hampshire

Janet R. Sable, Ph.D. CTRS/L, is the department Chair and a Professor of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824

Jill Gravink, University of New Hampshire Northeast Passage

Jill Gravink M.S. CTRS/L, is a clinical assistant professor of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire, and Executive Director of Northeast Passage, Durham, NH 03824

Published

2016-04-29

Issue

Section

Special Issue