The CARE Project

It is the goal of The CARE Project to provide direct patient-care interdisciplinary services through The Creative Arts and Recreation Therapy Department. We aim to enhance the healthcare environment and aid in the healing and recovery for all patients. We support patients, their families, and caregivers in their journey to wellness and healing. The CARE Project provides opportunities for self-expression, relaxation, and recreation; promoting independence and improving quality of life through evidenced-based clinical interventions and therapeutic activities.

Art Therapy is an integrative mental health profession, provided by a master-level, credentialed clinician, that uses the creative process and psychological theory to achieve therapeutic goals during a session. The Art Therapist provides a non-verbal outlet for self-expression where patients can express difficult emotions, connect with others, and document their experience in a visual way.

At UC Davis Health, Art Therapy is provided free-of-charge to inpatient adults on a referral basis.

Reiki is a non-pharmacological, complementary form of healing and pain management. It provides an opportunity for deep relaxation while focusing on promoting an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The Reiki CARE Program is comprised of UC Davis trained staff and community volunteers. If interested in learning how to do Reiki, visit our Center for Professional Practice of Nursing Classes to sign up for a class!

At UC Davis Health, Reiki is provided free-of-charge to inpatient adults on a referral basis.

Touch Therapy is a gentle, palliative massage offered to adult patients. It supports pain management, relieves physical and emotional tension, and promotes improved circulation and immune function. Because it uses light pressure, Touch Therapy carries fewer contraindications than traditional massage. However, a physician’s order is required before this service can be provided to patients.

At UC Davis Health, Touch Therapy is provided free-of-charge to inpatient adults on a referral basis.

Canine CARE facilitates dog visits for adults at the bedside, helping patients cope with their hospitalization and providing motivation to engage in treatment. This program is comprised certified therapy dogs and handlers, both of whom have been screened by Volunteer Services and evaluated to be in the hospital setting.

To learn more about the Canine CARE Program, contact Katie Lorain.

Meditation offers moments of peace and mindfulness for hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, and caregivers. It can ease anxiety, reduce stress, and support emotional balance—bringing a sense of grounding and resilience even during challenging times.

Visit our Meditation Menu to listen to guided meditations created specifically for the community of UC Davis Health.

The CARE Project offers live bedside music to enhance the healing environment for patients. Volunteer musicians—playing various instruments —bring comfort and connection through music. In addition to supporting relaxation, live music can evoke positive memories, promote mindfulness, and help patients feel more grounded and supported during their hospital stay.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Music PRN program, please contact klorain@health.ucdavis.edu

CAREcuts can create a sense of normalcy and comfort in the sometimes-stressful hospital environment. The CARE Project works with local volunteer licensed barbers/cosmetologists and staff members to provide haircuts at the bedside, helping our patients look and feel like themselves again.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to Katie Lorain to hear how you can be involved!

Art Therapy Internship and Practicum

The Art Therapy Internship and Practicum is open to graduate students who are actively attending an approved or accredited program by the American Art Therapy Association. Both the Internship and Practicum program will meet the supervision and direct client contact requirements identified by the student’s education program. The Art Therapy Intern/Practicum Student will be supervised by a board-certified, registered art therapist and oriented to adult oncology units where they will perform individual and group art therapy as clinically indicated.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Letter of approval from Art Therapy program director stating student’s eligibility for internship and/or practicum
• Cover letter
• Resume
• All official university/college transcripts 

How to apply

• Please send your completed application documents via email to the Adult Recreation Therapy Manager, Katie Lorain, at klorain@ucdavis.edu.
• Applications must be submitted no later than 4 months in advance to your intended start date.
• In-person, virtual, and/or phone interviews will be required for all candidates before acceptance into the program.

Questions
For additional information or any questions, please contact: 

Katie Lorain, MPS, ATR-BC, Reiki III
Creative Arts and Recreation Therapy Manager

klorain@health.ucdavis.edu  
916-703-4500

The CARE Project is always looking for members of the Greater Sacramento community who are willing to share their time and expertise with our patients and their families. Please consider the following options if you are interested in volunteering.

1. 1:1 patient care at bedside (playing board games, reading to patients, etc.)
2. Pet therapy through the Canine CARE Program
3. Yoga Therapy/Adaptive Yoga (must be certified instructor)
4. Host group activities such as virtual Bingo
5. Play live music at the bedside
6. Reiki (must be Reiki II or Reiki Master/Teacher)
7. Local Theatre groups to perform in common areas
8. Licensed barbers/cosmetologists to provide bedside haircuts through our CARECut program.
9. Local crafters to teach trade at bedside (knitting, calligraphy, origami, etc.)
10. Create-Your-Own*

To sign up for a volunteer placement, please email klorain@health.ucdavis.edu