Animals in recovery: how to develop an animal therapy program at a residential treatment facility for people with a mental health diagnosis
Graduation Date
2013
Document Type
Project
Program
Other
Program
Project (M.S.W.)--Humboldt State University, Social Work, 2013
Committee Chair Name
Ronald Swartz
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Human-animal bond, Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Social Work, Residential treatment facility, Animal therapy program, Mental health
Abstract
Animal therapy has many health benefits for people and can be incorporated into the mental health recovery process. People with a mental health diagnosis can suffer from many negative mental health symptoms. Currently there is not a formal animal therapy program for people living at a residential treatment facility for people with a mental health diagnosis. Crestwood Behavioral Health Center staff were interviewed about what components are necessary in developing and animal program and what an animal therapy program might look like at their facility. A how to manual was developed with the steps necessary to start an animal therapy program. Based on the interviews Crestwood Behavioral Health Center would need to follow the Pet Partners guidelines in developing an animal therapy program and included what would be appropriate to the uniqueness of their facility. It is hoped Crestwood Behavioral Health Center will use the how to manual and start the implementation process and register their facility with Pet Partners Animal Therapy Program.
Recommended Citation
Kintz, Sarah Ann, "Animals in recovery: how to develop an animal therapy program at a residential treatment facility for people with a mental health diagnosis" (2013). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2060.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2060
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/qb98mh671