Wilderness therapy programs serve an an outdoor rehab for troubled teenagers and pre-adolescence. They are designed to treat behavioral problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, defiant behavior, and poor academic performance, as well as tackle the issues of depression and low self esteem. Within a wilderness therapy program, therapists and counselors work with teens by removing them from their normal environment, assisting them to overcome adverse behavior, and teaching new skills for a successful future.
The location of wilderness therapy involves being far from civilization and the distractions it poses. In either a forested or mountain setting, teens are stripped of any modern conveniences and given the bare essential for living. Then, with limited resources, they participate in a survival expedition that teaches them new skills, self respect, and accountability, while simplifying the decision making process and emphasizing therapy, experimental learning, and behavioral changes. The length of these programs varies. However, they usually last between 5-12 weeks.
The effectiveness of wilderness therapy is somewhat uncertain, due to the fact that it is a relatively new form of behavior treatment. Plus, measuring mental health and behavior improvement can be a challenge as it poses a number of variable. However, a study of one wilderness program performed by Brigham Young University in Utah reported that 91.4% of wilderness program participants demonstrated significant clinical improvement after completion. While it was impossible to prove the program was entirely responsible for these results, it was obvious that it could be recognized for at least some of the positive changes that took place .
Overall, wilderness programs provide one of many options for teen behavior treatment. Although they may provide a number of benefits to your teen, it is important to check with a professional for recommendations and carefully research all viable treatment options before making a final decision.
