Wilderness Therapy in Pennsylvania – Wilderness therapy is a form of experiential therapy. It uses outdoor adventure activities such as team games, zip lines, and expeditions to assist clients in their journey of recovery.
It is an alternative to traditional drug rehab. While wilderness therapy is a good option for some individuals, it is not an effective treatment for everyone.
Embark
Embark is a leading network of outpatient centers and residential programs offering premier mental health treatment for preteens, teens, and young adults. Embark’s mission is to reverse the trend of teen suicide, anxiety, and depression by 2028 by providing a robust continuum of care.
Using an evidence-based approach, Embark helps families navigate the challenges of behavioral health issues. Their services include parent coaching, group therapy, individual and family counseling, and peer support.
Their therapy methods focus on attachment-based, cognitive-behavioral, and experiential therapies. They treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Their team of professionals is a combination of licensed therapists, clinical psychologists, and wilderness experts. Embark’s therapy staff is committed to making sure all clients and their families are treated with respect and empathy. Moreover, the organization is a certified member of the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare.
BlueFire Pulsar
Located in southern Idaho, BlueFire Pulsar is a unique and effective wilderness therapy program that helps young men and women from Pennsylvania (and beyond) grow, heal, and get clear on what they want out of life. The program utilizes several therapy modalities, including equine interaction, art, outdoor living, adventure, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Our team of expert therapists uses a multi-faceted approach to help clients reclaim their lives. We have a state-licensed and comprehensive adventure-based treatment model that is the latest in evidence-based medicine. Our highly qualified staff is committed to helping our students overcome their challenges and achieve their potential. As a result, many of our clients return home with more than just a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. We strive to give each student the tools they need to live a happy and fulfilling life, free of addiction and adversity. Our motto is that a positive life change starts with active and open communication with our clientele.
Expanse Wilderness
Wilderness therapy is a unique approach to treatment that involves getting troubled teens from Pennsylvania into the wilderness where they can confront their problems. With no cell phones, television, or internet, the wilderness environment is an excellent way for teenagers to focus on themselves and what they want out of life.
According to the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSP), more than 20 accredited programs are currently facilitating wilderness-based therapy in protected areas across the United States. While these programs have been shown to positively impact human health and well-being, without appropriate and sustainable practices they can negatively impact natural resources and the environment.
Our study found that the wilderness therapy field staff and participants do not adhere to established practices, including minimum-impact camping. Specifically, we identified twelve impact-related behaviors. These included dug-up holes, charcoal and/or ashes, and bark stripping.
Therapy Insider
A wilderness therapy program is a therapeutic intervention that gets troubled adolescent boys and girls from Pennsylvania into the outdoors in order to confront their problems. These programs are often effective in treating a variety of issues that can be difficult for teens to deal with on their own.
A few examples of why wilderness therapy is so effective include forcing a teen to think about themselves, their past, and their future in a way that can help them overcome life’s obstacles. In addition, these types of wilderness therapy programs also allow a teen to develop self-reliant skills that can help them when they’re back at home.
The best part about these types of programs is that they are usually cost-effective. Many states and school districts will pay for placement in a therapeutic wilderness program, but it is always important to consult with an educated professional before making final decisions on the right program for your teen.
