Wilderness Therapy: What It Is, Benefits, & Effectiveness

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

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.