How wilderness therapy works: an examination of the wilderness therapy process to treat adolescents with behavioral problems and addictions

Abstract

This paper summarizes findings from a detailed study of the processes employed by four leading wilderness therapy programs focusing on how wilderness therapy works, the kinds of behavioral problems to which it is commonly applied, expected outcomes and the role of wilderness in the intervention and treatment process (Russell, 1999). Wilderness therapy is an emerging intervention to help adolescents overcome emotional, adjustment, addiction, and psychological problems. Thirty-eight known programs serve an estimated 12,000 clients annually, generating 350,000 visitor days of wilderness use and 143 million dollars annually.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Russell, Keith C.; Hendee, John C.; Phillips-Miller, Dianne. 2000. How wilderness therapy works: an examination of the wilderness therapy process to treat adolescents with behavioral problems and addictions. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-3. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 207-217