Wilderness Therapy Programs for Troubled Teens - Adolescents

Short-term wilderness programs that have a high impact on behavior can help teens get back on track. Wilderness programs generally last between 30 and 60 days.

These outdoor wilderness programs incorporate traditional therapeutic modalities into a wilderness adventure experience. Students camp in the mountains, desert, or other natural areas, learn to make their food, gather water, and build fire without matches. The natural environment dictates cooperation among participants, which helps to build positive peer relationships.

Wilderness therapy programs have become more popular as independent studies from organizations such as the University of Idaho have shown positive results even a year after students leave the program.

Are you looking into teen boot camps? Learn more about why boot camps might not be the best choice for troubled teens. Boot Camps >>

Wilderness Therapy Programs

Outback Therapeutic Expeditions >>
Outback's Wilderness Programs blend the best of the "ancient cultural systems" with the most effective and proven therapeutic processes.

Adirondack Leadership Expeditions >>
A character development wilderness program for troubled teens in New York that promotes personal growth through a focus on insight-oriented experience.

SUWS Adolescent (Idaho) and SUWS Youth (Idaho, ages 11-13) >>
SUWS licensed troubled teen wilderness programs specialize in helping troubled teens and defiant teens with behavioral and emotional problems.

SUWS North Carolina >>
SUWS of the Carolinas is a therapeutic camping program with a focus on clinical intervention and assessment.

Aspen Achievement Academy >>
A fully-accredited, professionally supervised wilderness therapy program for adolescents, ages 13-17.

Passages to Recovery (18 and over) >>
Unique alternative to drug rehabs or alcohol rehabs, this outdoor recovery program for adults is located in Utah.