North Carolina Licensed Recreational Therapists Data 2024 Snapshot

Sep 16, 2026

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Licensed Recreational Therapists and Assistants

Licensed Recreational Therapists (LRTs) assess and provide treatment through structured recreational interventions and programs. LRTs and Licensed Recreational Therapist Assistants (LRTAs) are licensed by the North Carolina Board of Recreational Therapy Licensure (NCBRTL). In 2024, there were 827 LRTs and 26 LRTAs actively practicing, representing a statewide rate of 0.78 LRTs per 10,000 population.

Suggested Citation: Lombardi BM; Headley J; Jimenez MP; Keesler R; Akue-ka AJB; Gregory R; Galloway E; Zerden LD; Fraher E. North Carolina Mental Health & Substance Use Services Workforce Data 2024 Snapshot: Licensed Recreational Therapists. Program on Health Workforce Research and Policy. Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. May 6, 2026.

Funding & Acknowledgements
This project was supported by the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS). The information, content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by DMHDDSUS.

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