Wilderness Programs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I can't imagine getting the school district to agree to pay for RTC and then no one would admit your dc. That's so awful.

Happens frequently. They are two different things that have to come together. One is funding and the other is admission. Neither has any control over the other.

[Anonymous]

Thank you to all the parents posting about your positive experiences. I’ve been watching this thread all day. I’ve started so many responses but I just can’t seem to put into words how it feels to have no options. Even though DCUM is anon the judgement from people that cannot fathom the experiences that parents who turn to WT are going through angers me. So if you were able to post and be respectful, I appreciate it. Because I couldn’t do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am also sorry OP that you are going through this. My nephew did Elements in Utah and it changed his life. We are a very loving, close family and researched it thoroughly. He was transported - we laughingly refer to it as “kid napping” now but that was not what it was. He would not have willingly gone so we had no choice. But the transport was thoughtfully done and prepared for. The experience turned him completely around. The discharge plan included therapeutic residential school where he absolutely thrived and he’s now off at a very competitive college living independently and has a recurring paid internship in his field (biomedical engineering) for summers. It’s not all roses and perfect, he still struggles sometimes. It was heartbreaking for all of us to send him to Wilderness and we have since heard some of the horror stories, but no regrets. None.

I posted below about my son’s Ph.D therapist. Elements is where our son went. Incredible program, great family component. It totally changed our son’s trajectory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No local mental health day program wouls take my kid because she wouldnt attend voluntarily. She didnt qualify for a psych bed---once we boarded in the ER for four days waiting for a bed and the only thing abailable was the state
hospital in Staunton, which chemically restrains kids with heavy antipsychotics and discharges ASAP. Our county was wiling to pay for RTC but no one would take her. We didn't do wilderness but if you haven't been in a place where there is literally no help for your child, you have no idea.

I can't imagine getting the school district to agree to pay for RTC and then no one would admit your dc. That's so awful.

Happens frequently. They are two different things that have to come together. One is funding and the other is admission. Neither has any control over the other.

Around here, a kid has to be in such bad shape for the schools to agree to pay for residential, that you can see why it would be hard to find a bed. Its a win win for the school system bc if no one admits the kid, they still don't have to pay. RTCs want easy money not hard cases and with all the demand, they can pick and choose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am also sorry OP that you are going through this. My nephew did Elements in Utah and it changed his life. We are a very loving, close family and researched it thoroughly. He was transported - we laughingly refer to it as “kid napping” now but that was not what it was. He would not have willingly gone so we had no choice. But the transport was thoughtfully done and prepared for. The experience turned him completely around. The discharge plan included therapeutic residential school where he absolutely thrived and he’s now off at a very competitive college living independently and has a recurring paid internship in his field (biomedical engineering) for summers. It’s not all roses and perfect, he still struggles sometimes. It was heartbreaking for all of us to send him to Wilderness and we have since heard some of the horror stories, but no regrets. None.

I posted below about my son’s Ph.D therapist. Elements is where our son went. Incredible program, great family component. It totally changed our son’s trajectory.

Oh wow - yes I’m not the parent so I don’t know what degree my nephews therapists had, but I know it was a great experience for him. Not easy, especially at the beginning, but it really helped him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you to all the parents posting about your positive experiences. I’ve been watching this thread all day. I’ve started so many responses but I just can’t seem to put into words how it feels to have no options. Even though DCUM is anon the judgement from people that cannot fathom the experiences that parents who turn to WT are going through angers me. So if you were able to post and be respectful, I appreciate it. Because I couldn’t do it.

you have options, though. there’s nothing forcing you to send your child to an abusive program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am also sorry OP that you are going through this. My nephew did Elements in Utah and it changed his life. We are a very loving, close family and researched it thoroughly. He was transported - we laughingly refer to it as “kid napping” now but that was not what it was. He would not have willingly gone so we had no choice. But the transport was thoughtfully done and prepared for. The experience turned him completely around. The discharge plan included therapeutic residential school where he absolutely thrived and he’s now off at a very competitive college living independently and has a recurring paid internship in his field (biomedical engineering) for summers. It’s not all roses and perfect, he still struggles sometimes. It was heartbreaking for all of us to send him to Wilderness and we have since heard some of the horror stories, but no regrets. None.

I posted below about my son’s Ph.D therapist. Elements is where our son went. Incredible program, great family component. It totally changed our son’s trajectory.

Oh wow - yes I’m not the parent so I don’t know what degree my nephews therapists had, but I know it was a great experience for him. Not easy, especially at the beginning, but it really helped him.

would be interesting to hear what your nephew actually has to say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am also sorry OP that you are going through this. My nephew did Elements in Utah and it changed his life. We are a very loving, close family and researched it thoroughly. He was transported - we laughingly refer to it as “kid napping” now but that was not what it was. He would not have willingly gone so we had no choice. But the transport was thoughtfully done and prepared for. The experience turned him completely around. The discharge plan included therapeutic residential school where he absolutely thrived and he’s now off at a very competitive college living independently and has a recurring paid internship in his field (biomedical engineering) for summers. It’s not all roses and perfect, he still struggles sometimes. It was heartbreaking for all of us to send him to Wilderness and we have since heard some of the horror stories, but no regrets. None.

I posted below about my son’s Ph.D therapist. Elements is where our son went. Incredible program, great family component. It totally changed our son’s trajectory.

Elements sounds horrific.

https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

Elements. It is in Huntington, Utah.

https://www.elementswilderness.com/

The transport company was Right Direction, https://www.rdas.net/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

Elements. It is in Huntington, Utah.

https://www.elementswilderness.com/

The transport company was Right Direction, https://www.rdas.net/

Not a good place. https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

[Anonymous]

Anyone considering wilderness “therapy” should read this: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/life/health-wellness/2022/12/08/wilderness-therapy-troubled-teen-industry/9890694002/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am also sorry OP that you are going through this. My nephew did Elements in Utah and it changed his life. We are a very loving, close family and researched it thoroughly. He was transported - we laughingly refer to it as “kid napping” now but that was not what it was. He would not have willingly gone so we had no choice. But the transport was thoughtfully done and prepared for. The experience turned him completely around. The discharge plan included therapeutic residential school where he absolutely thrived and he’s now off at a very competitive college living independently and has a recurring paid internship in his field (biomedical engineering) for summers. It’s not all roses and perfect, he still struggles sometimes. It was heartbreaking for all of us to send him to Wilderness and we have since heard some of the horror stories, but no regrets. None.

I posted below about my son’s Ph.D therapist. Elements is where our son went. Incredible program, great family component. It totally changed our son’s trajectory.

Elements sounds horrific.

https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

Well, my son had a great experience. We visited him and stayed overnight halfway through his stay, and it was amazing to see his progress. He cooked us a delicious meal on the fire he started himself. He set up our shelter for the night. His self-confidence is vastly improved. He ate very well and left the program 15 lbs heavier, most of which was muscle. Like all online reviews, you are going to find some haters. But for every bad review, there are many more who had a good experience. I can assure you, there was absolutely no abuse (unless you think going to the bathroom and sleeping outside are abusive). The well-being of the kids is a priority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am also sorry OP that you are going through this. My nephew did Elements in Utah and it changed his life. We are a very loving, close family and researched it thoroughly. He was transported - we laughingly refer to it as “kid napping” now but that was not what it was. He would not have willingly gone so we had no choice. But the transport was thoughtfully done and prepared for. The experience turned him completely around. The discharge plan included therapeutic residential school where he absolutely thrived and he’s now off at a very competitive college living independently and has a recurring paid internship in his field (biomedical engineering) for summers. It’s not all roses and perfect, he still struggles sometimes. It was heartbreaking for all of us to send him to Wilderness and we have since heard some of the horror stories, but no regrets. None.

I posted below about my son’s Ph.D therapist. Elements is where our son went. Incredible program, great family component. It totally changed our son’s trajectory.

Elements sounds horrific.

https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

Well, my son had a great experience. We visited him and stayed overnight halfway through his stay, and it was amazing to see his progress. He cooked us a delicious meal on the fire he started himself. He set up our shelter for the night. His self-confidence is vastly improved. He ate very well and left the program 15 lbs heavier, most of which was muscle. Like all online reviews, you are going to find some haters. But for every bad review, there are many more who had a good experience. I can assure you, there was absolutely no abuse (unless you think going to the bathroom and sleeping outside are abusive). The well-being of the kids is a priority.

+1

I could have written this response about the experience we had a Blue Ridge with our kid.

It is heartbreaking that some kids have had (really) bad experiences and that not all programs are top quality. That is why its important to do your research, find about out great programs and match your kid with the right, great program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sorry you and your child are struggling OP. I would just thoroughly research all programs. I also do not support programs that "kidnap" children in the middle of the night.

Sometimes things get so desperate. If you’ve never been through serious and terrifying problems with your child such that you wouldn’t ever have to consider this, you should not judge others who have. There is nothing like wondering if you and your other kids will make it through the night because your seriously mentally ill child is not fr the rails violence, breaking down doors and walls to get to you.

um then they need to be in residential *treatment* and properly medicated, not a program in the wilderness with minimally trained staff.

also OP take note of the kind of kid yours would be with …

Few residential treatment programs take very difficult kids. And few parents have the kind of money it takes to get into RT, though if you’re looking at wilderness that’s private pay too. And, medication is an art that requires a lot of trial and error and before you hit on the right combination, if you ever do, things can get really bad. It’s easy when you haven’t walked in those shoes to spout off solutions which don’t even remotely reflect reality.

So your answer is that a seriously mentally ill child without the right meds should be sent to a wilderness program with no doctor or real therapist on staff?

There are many reputable programs that have licensed therapists, family therapy, psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and medication management. Yes, I’m sure there are programs that don’t have these things, but you can’t paint them all with the same broad brush. Many residential treatment centers don’t have individual therapy, minimal interactions with a licensed therapist, or a fully on site psychiatrist. Those aren’t good either.

My son’s wilderness therapist had a Ph.D and was absolutely amazing with my son. Literally the best therapist he’s ever had. He also had weekly check-ins with a doctor. Wilderness was the best thing we ever did for my son, who was spiraling at the time. He also was transported, and they were wonderful with him. These companies have professionally trained staff and really know how to handle all types of situations. The idea of a kid being snatched and “kidnapped” is ridiculous. Our son laughed when we asked him later whether he was traumatized.

name the program

Elements. It is in Huntington, Utah.

https://www.elementswilderness.com/

The transport company was Right Direction, https://www.rdas.net/

Not a good place. https://www.breakingcodesilence.org/elements-wilderness-program/

Don’t quote a source that only supports negative experiences. Since you’re saying it’s not a good place, please post your direct experience with this specific program. Why was it not good for your child? What other programs did you consider? What other treatments did you consider before placing your child there? Since you are saying it is not good, I assume you have direct first hand knowledge.