Facts and Myths about Wilderness Therapy Programs

Wilderness therapy is a form of outdoor education treatment that relies on the natural aspects of a primitive outdoor sojourn. Like adventure therapy and boot camps, wilderness therapy is often used for behavior modification by the families of young people. But the aims and methods of wilderness therapy don't center on behavior modification. Unlike adventure therapy, wilderness therapy programs avoid what they view as manipulations, contrived activities, psychological games, and contrived consequences. And unlike boot camps, they employ no force, confrontation, point or level systems, or other overt behavioral modification techniques or models.

They stress assertiveness, open communication between staff and students, and are very group-oriented.

Wilderness therapy programs trace their origins to outdoor survival programs that placed children in a challenging environment where determination, communication and team efforts were outcomes". “Through contemplative practice and the experiential outdoor classroom, students gain further self-awareness and the ability to respond to whatever arises in the moment" (Piranian 2006).

Some programs which advertise as wilderness therapy are actually boot camps in a wilderness environment. These can sometimes be distinguished from other wilderness therapy by such programs promising behavior modification for troubled teens. There also exist "wilderness therapy" boot camps located outside the U.S. to avoid U.S. regulations, many of them unlicensed fly by night outfits. Such unlicensed outfits also exist in some U.S. states where the wilderness therapy industry is poorly regulated (The Oregonian 2000) (Outside magazine 1996).

Some parents pay a Teen escort company to ensure that their child gets to the program safely.Some of the misconceptions about wilderness therapy programs are:All programs are continuous hiking or trekking.
Our wilderness program has a base camp model and treats the child in both group and individual therapy for weeks before they proceed to the hiking experience. This model is superior because of the assessment period before hiking. so the staff has more information on the child to better care for them in the wilderness.

The food is not balanced and nutritious :Base camp model programs have 3 balanced hot meals per day that are both nutritious and delicious
Hygiene is not important : Self care, hygiene including clean clothes, daily washing or showers, teeth brushing, and hair care are mandatory.
Survival skills are the main factor : Concentrating on the issues that brought the child to an outdoor treatment program through therapy and experiential activities are more of a priority than learning to build a fire or go without hot food.

Wilderness programs are punitive : A program that is licensed and accredited by JCAHO will not be punitive, but clinically treatment focused, nurturing and understanding.

Wilderness programs do not have credentialed staff :Every program staff will have training, licensing and experience that interacts with your child. Every child is assigned a licensed therapist to develop their treatment plan and program.

Medication treatment is not possible :Registered nurses are on staff and manage the prescribed medication.

There are many health risks :Medical care is of the utmost importance. Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and dentists if necessary are close by if needed. Every child has a physical exam and lab work to monitor health and determine if there are any risks. We have a 100% safety record since opening in 1992.

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