Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) established in 1921 is a specialty hospital that focuses on the treatment of orthopedic conditions related neurological disorders and learning disabilities for children who live in the state of Texas. It provides ongoing care for more than 14,000 children without charge. Thanks to the contributions made by individuals, foundations and corporations, no family has ever received a bill for services received. To be eligible, a child must be a Texas resident between the ages of birth and 18 years, and has a medical condition that we treat.
Treatment plans are determined by an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, pediatricians, psychologists, therapeutic recreation specialists, child life specialists, nurses and a host of allied health professionals.
In keeping with the hospital's philosophy of working together for the good of the whole child, TSRHC has a therapeutic recreation department staffed by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) that focus on helping patients reach their potential related to recreation and leisure involvement. This is accomplished by providing services along a continuum of care that range from inpatient programs, to ambulatory care clinic consults, to community outreach programs. Inpatient services are often provided on a 1:1 basis for children who are not yet ready to be in a group social setting or unable to participate in age appropriate groups. A goal for 1:1 may be to help the child transition into and successfully navigate social settings related to leisure activities. Ambulatory care clinic consults involve a CTRS meeting with the patient and their family to determine the patient's leisure-related needs and abilities, research of available community resources and discussion of how those needs may be met in their community.
Community outreach programs developed by the TR department focus on teaching patients and their families about adapting recreation and leisure activities and have also included training opportunities for instructors in the community who provide recreation and leisure experiences.
