Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a therapeutic recreation program on the powerlessness and life satisfaction of people with chronic mental disability. Methods: Nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used for this study. There were 24 people in experimental group and 21 people in control group. Therapeutic Recreation Program was carried out twice a week in a total of 8 sessions, 60 minutes for each session. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, $X^2$-test, and independent t-test with SPSS/WIN 18.0. Results: Life satisfaction in the experimental group compared with the control group was significantly increased after the therapeutic recreation program (t=2.48, p=.017). On the other hand, There was no difference in powerlessness of experimental group compared with control group (t=1.51, p=.138). Conclusion: Further studies were needed to be done to support the effectiveness of recreation therapy on the powerlessness and life satisfaction of people with chronic mental disability. In addition, therapeutic recreation programs to improve helplessness and life satisfaction are in need.