Healing Beyond the Clinic: How Social Workers and Recreational Therapists Use Social Prescriptions to Improve Wellbeing
Healthcare providers continue to embrace more holistic views of wellness as we acknowledge how a person’s health is shaped not only by clinical treatment but also by social, emotional, and environmental factors. Enter social prescribing, a groundbreaking approach that connects individuals to non-medical services to improve their overall health and wellbeing. While this model originated in the UK, it’s gaining traction globally, including in the US. Social workers and recreational therapists are at the forefront of implementing this model, using their expertise to connect clients with meaningful activities, social support, and community resources to promote patient recovery and resilience. Social prescribing is often a collaborative effort between patients, families, physicians, social workers, and recreational therapists. The benefits of this approach are promising for the future of physical and mental healthcare. What is Social Prescribing? A social prescription is a referral made by ...