Youth Home Inc TRICARE East & West Residential Program for Children Ages 12-17 with Mental Illness

Recreational Therapy

Residential Treatment

Youth Home's Award-Winning Recreational Therapy Program is a vital aspect of treatment for each individual patient.


Participation in Recreational Therapy boosts self–esteem, promotes healthy lifestyle habits (like fitness), trains social skills, good communication and problem solving, builds good character, and provides a safe atmosphere that encourages regular game play - where kids can just be kids.


We tend to use this method most frequently when treating depression, anxiety, ptsd, phobias, sleep/eating disorders, oppositional defiant and reactive attachment disorder.

Studies show that children and teens participating in TF-CBT show a wide range of improvements, including decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, behavior problems, shame, cognitive distortions, and relationship difficulties.

What You Need to Know

  • Therapy Goals

    Recreational therapy serves to improve the following skills in a group setting: 

    • Problem Solving
    • Effective Communication 
    • Etiquette and Social Skills
    • Self Esteem/Self Confidence
    • Anger Management
    • Cooperation vs. Competition Skills (i.e., Sports, Video Games. Board/Card Game Nights. Lego Mania. Puzzle Fun. Dance Contests. Karaoke Contests)
    • Self-Awareness 
    • & Independent Living Skills

  • Our Approach

    We cultivate these skills and create fun memories for the youth in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

    • Specialized Recreation Therapy Groups led by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
    • Volunteer Programs in the local community
    • Low Adventure Ropes Course
    • Pet Therapy
    • Visits to a Local Horse Ranch
    • Gardening (Farm to Table Program)
    • Therapeutic Art Groups such as Boys Council/Girls Circle Programs (Certified Instructor)
    • Dance/Movement
    • Library Rocks through the local Central Arkansas Library
    • Museum of Discovery Programs
    • Music Classes such as Drums Alive (Certified Instructor)
    • Physical Education Classes (includes 1 semester of PE credit if 9th grade and above)
    • Drama Groups
    • Sports Groups
    • Coed Activities
    • Yoga Groups (Certified Instructor)
    • Special Events (Dinners, Birthdays, Graduations, Holidays, Carnivals, Cookouts)

  • Community Integration

    This practice provides an avenue for clients to practice their social/community skills in settings like:


    • Museums, Movies, Skating, Hiking Trails, Picnics, College and Pro Games, Plays/Performances, Dining Out, Nature Outings, Volunteering, Shopping, etc.

Apply for Treatment Online

  • Medicaid Application

    For the Caregiver / Legal Guardian:  


    Click to View Online Form (Required)


    For the Provider / Therapist:


    Click to View Online Form (Required)


    Important Note: The quicker both of these forms are completed and submitted to us, the faster we'll be able to process and submit the documents to Medicaid for approval. (We are able to submit on behalf of the family with your permission).


    Submitting quickly does not mean that your child will have to admit immediately (you can coordinate with us on a realistic date for admissions), but it does mean that the child will be able to admit when necessary. 


    We understand that the decision and process to admit your child can be stressful, and we are here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have at 1-800-728-6452. 

  • TRICARE® East Application

    TRICARE® East / Health Net

    For the Caregiver / Legal Guardian:  



    For the Provider / Therapist:



    Important Note: The quicker both of these forms are completed and submitted to us, the faster we'll be able to process and submit the documents to TRICARE® for approval. (We are able to submit on behalf of the family with your permission).


    Submitting quickly does not mean that your child will have to admit immediately (you can coordinate with us on a realistic date for admissions), but it does mean that the child will be able to admit when necessary. 


    We understand that the decision and process to admit your child can be stressful, and we are here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have at 1-800-728-6452. 

  • TRICARE® West Application

    TRICARE® West / Humana Military

    For the Caregiver / Legal Guardian:  



    For the Provider / Therapist:



    Important Note: The quicker both of these forms are completed and submitted to us, the faster we'll be able to process and submit the documents to TRICARE® for approval. (We are able to submit on behalf of the family with your permission).


    Submitting quickly does not mean that your child will have to admit immediately (you can coordinate with us on a realistic date for admissions), but it does mean that the child will be able to admit when necessary. 


    We understand that the decision and process to admit your child can be stressful, and we are here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have at 1-800-728-6452. 

  • Other Insurances

    Please contact us before applying if you have an insurance other than Arkasnas Medicaid or TRICARE East & West.

Our Approach

  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Award-Winning Recreational Therapy
  • Individual Therapy 
  • Group & Family Therapy
  • On-Campus Education
  • 24-Hour Supervision
  • 24-Hour Nursing

Our Facility

  • 52 Beautiful Wooded Acres
  • Open Rural Setting and Walking Paths
  • Full Size Gym
  • Outdoor Basketball Court
  • Pavilion
  • Garden & Greenhouse
  • Comfort Rooms
  • On-Campus ADE Approved School (Siebert School)
  • On-site Occupational Therapy Services

Our Program

  • Social Skills & Etiquette
  • Independent Living Skills Training
  • Art, Photography, Music & Drama
  • Animal Assisted Therapy
  • Gardening
  • Outdoor Time
  • Journaling / Reflection
  • Board Games, & Movies
  • Yoga & Dance
  • Low-Challenge Ropes Course
  • Fitness & Sports Camp 
"A Week at Youth Home" PDF

"All care given has been with my child's best interests at the forefront, and the needs of our family as a close second."

Parent Testimony

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