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  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
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    • Join Our Free Directory
  • What Is Wilderness Therapy?What Is Wilderness Therapy?
  • Common TypesCommon Types
  • How It's UsedHow It's Used
  • What Are the Benefits?What Are the Benefits?
  • Is It Effective?Is It Effective?
  • Exercises to TryExercises to Try
  • How to Find a ProgramHow to Find a Program
  • What Does It Cost?What Does It Cost?
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics

Wilderness Therapy: What It Is, Benefits, & Effectiveness

Headshot of Amanda Knose, LCSW

Written by: Amanda Knose, LCSW

Kristen Fuller, MD

Reviewed by: Kristen Fuller, MD

Published: August 22, 2023
Amanda Knose, LCSW
Written by:

Amanda Knose

LCSW
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Wilderness therapy incorporates evidence-based approaches in an outdoor setting and is typically utilized with at-risk youth and young adults.1,2 However, it may be a good fit for many other individuals, including entire families.1,3 During a session, clients are offered helpful tools for coping with their mental health struggles in a natural environment.

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What Is Wilderness Therapy?

Wilderness therapy helps individuals address behavioral and mental health concerns through sessions performed in natural or outdoor settings. Wilderness therapy debuted in the 1900s and has grown in popularity over the past two decades.1,2,3

Wilderness therapy is a treatment modality that falls under the umbrella of adventure-based therapy. Individuals navigate various expeditions free of negative outside influences typically found within familial and societal settings.3 Individual psychotherapy, family therapy, or group therapy may be included based on individual needs.5

For a program to be considered wilderness therapy, it must be offered by a licensed state agency and administered by a mental health professional. Additionally, it must be possible to individualize a session according to a person’s needs and have a method in place to test for efficacy in treatment.4 It’s important to note that seeking wilderness therapy as a standalone treatment for serious psychological issues is not recommended. It is not designed as a primary approach for all mental health conditions.2

Types of Wilderness Therapy

Several wilderness therapy approaches provide a unique experience for participants.3 Thorough assessments are completed by clinical staff before an individual engages in wilderness therapy.1 For example, a person’s treatment plan may be determined based on the setting desired, therapy modalities, and the duration of treatment.1 Most wilderness therapy programs involve overnight stays in an outdoor setting, spanning from one week to several weeks or months.5 It also includes learning primitive wilderness skills to boost a person’s endurance and adaptability.3

Techniques used by wilderness therapists include activities such as:2,5

  • Expeditions
  • Problem-solving games
  • Goal setting
  • High adventure activities
  • Green therapies
  • Survival skills training, first aid
  • Role play and drama
  • Practical skills development
  • Health and nutrition education
  • Map courses and navigation
  • Parents taking part alongside their children
  • Support for parents to develop parental skills
  • Family therapy sessions

How Can Wilderness Therapy Help?

Wilderness therapy may help treat various mental health diagnoses and symptoms. The professionals on staff will impact the types of treatments and specialties offered within a program. All age groups may benefit from wilderness therapy, but it is typically a modality for at-risk youth and young adults.3 Adolescent groups are often single-gendered, while most young-adult programs are co-ed.1 They are usually open rather than closed groups, meaning that individuals may join the group at any time, even if others are graduating.1

Wilderness therapy may help treat mental health disorders and symptoms, such as:1,5

  • Behavioral difficulties
  • Trauma
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Substance use disorder (SUD)
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Poor social skills

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Benefits of Wilderness Therapy

There are many proven benefits of nature on mental health. Specifically, these rewards may be reaped during a typical wilderness therapy session.

Benefits of wilderness therapy include:2,3,5

  • Increased self-confidence
  • Improved familial relationships
  • Development of healthy coping mechanisms
  • Improved self-identity and self-awareness
  • Improved emotion regulation skills
  • Improved communication
  • Better conflict management skills
  • Better approaches to achieving goals

Does Wilderness Therapy Work?

Overall, research supports the efficacy of wilderness therapy. However, findings are mixed, and some professionals criticize its methods.2 Studies suggest that the severity of mental health symptoms in adolescents may be reduced when wilderness therapy is provided in conjunction with traditional forms of psychotherapy.2 In particular, issues revolving around delinquency appeared to be positively affected.2 Additionally, behavioral difficulties, self-esteem, and social skills improvements have been noted.5

As mentioned, there are criticisms regarding this treatment approach. Accessibility can be an issue for those who cannot afford wilderness therapy. Moreover, populations with physical, cognitive, and social demands may be unable to participate, including the elderly, young children, and those with severe or chronic mental health issues.2,3 The effectiveness of wilderness therapy has also been questioned due to programs, like teenage boot camps, falsely advertising themselves as wilderness therapies.3

Allegations of abuse, deaths, and lawsuits involving wilderness therapy have resulted in further controversy.6 Thus, it is imperative to do research before considering wilderness therapy. You should only engage in state-licensed programs employed by therapists with credentials for treating your individual needs.1

Wilderness Therapy Practices to Try on Your Own

While wilderness therapy requires licensed practitioners to be performed, there are a few ways you can utilize its techniques yourself. For example, try engaging in outdoor family activities to build communication skills. It is always suggested to consult with a mental health professional before attempting any therapeutic activities yourself.

Wilderness therapy activities you can try on your own include:

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Gardening
  • Walking or biking trails
  • High rope courses

How to Find a Wilderness Program

Consider several factors before deciding on a wilderness program, including costs, length of treatment, licensure of practitioners, and services provided.3 Speak directly with a mental health professional to determine if this approach suits you or your family. Be sure to choose a safe program. Choosing a therapist can be difficult, but online therapist directories can be helpful.

Cost of Wilderness Therapy

Wilderness therapy tends to be a “private pay” method of therapy.1 Cost may be anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 for a few months and upwards of $50,000 per stay.1,6 Some programs cost $500 daily and last between one and two months.3 Health insurance may cover wilderness therapy treatment as part of a formal rehab plan.2

Final Thoughts

Wilderness therapy may not be for everyone but can be a great addition to traditional talk therapy for many individuals. If you feel like your or a loved one’s mental health concerns have not been addressed with traditional treatment approaches, talking with a therapist specializing in wilderness therapy may be a good option to explore.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take A Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment

Online Psychiatry

Hims / Hers If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Connect with a licensed healthcare provider in just 12 – 48 hours. Explore FDA-approved treatment options and get free shipping, if prescribed. No insurance required. Get Started

Medication + Therapy

Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment

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Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Hims / Hers, Brightside, and BetterHelp. 

For Further Reading

  • Adventure Therapy: How It Works, Cost, & What to Expect
  • Adventure and Wilderness Therapy / Youth Endowment Fund
  • Therapy Gone Wild / APA

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Wilderness Therapy Infographics

What Is Wilderness Therapy?   Benefits of Wilderness Therapy   How to Find a Wilderness Program

Sources Update History

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • DeAngelis, T. (2013). Therapy gone wild. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/09/therapy-wild

  • Wilderness Therapy: Benefits, Activities & Wilderness Rehab Near Me. (2022). American Addiction Centers. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/therapy-treatment/wilderness

  • Wilderness Therapy. (2016). Good Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/wilderness-therapy

  • Laurel. (2021). How to Become a Wilderness Therapist. Ecotherapy Heals. Retrieved from https://www.ecotherapyheals.com/how-to-become-a-wilderness-therapist/

  • Adventure and Wilderness Therapy. (2022). Youth Endowment Fund. Retrieved from https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/toolkit/adventure-and-wilderness-therapy/

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We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

August 22, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Edited for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
January 30, 2023
Author: Amanda Knose, LCSW
Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
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  • What Is Wilderness Therapy?What Is Wilderness Therapy?
  • Common TypesCommon Types
  • How It's UsedHow It's Used
  • What Are the Benefits?What Are the Benefits?
  • Is It Effective?Is It Effective?
  • Exercises to TryExercises to Try
  • How to Find a ProgramHow to Find a Program
  • What Does It Cost?What Does It Cost?
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics
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