Therapeutic Wilderness Schools - Any Insights?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I realize this is an older thread, but it's been really helpful for a list of places to research for my 16 yr old DD, who is now inpatient again for suicidal ideation after a hospitalization a year ago and a 6-month PHP/IOP. Needless to say we are so stressed at being back on the rollercoaster.

Does anyone have any recommendations for or against consultants to help find the right program?

And for those upthread who did have success at wilderness therapy programs, can you please name names if you ever come back?

I was one of the previous posters whose child had success at wilderness. For consultant we used was Tom Harvey of The School Counseling Group and we had a very positive experience. Another poster mentioned Trails (Carolina) - our child went there as well. I seem to recall having maybe two wilderness programs recommended - one of the things was our consultant suggested a very specific therapist and group of peers within Trails for our child, which turned out to be a fantastic fit; in the end they helped us sort out previously undiagnosed issues as well as left my child in a really strong place emotionally. In the end, a place like Trails will almost inevitably STRONGLY encourage transition to a therapeutic boarding school so be prepared for that. We didn't quite go that route ourselves, but our consultant helped us finding a school for afterwards which was a good fit.

Wishing you and your child the best, I've been there and feel for you.

here's a lovely article about that program:
https://www.wbtv.com/2021/05/24/its-beyond-cruel-inside-nc-wilderness-therapy-program-teens/

Article Highlights:

* During weeks in the woods, the participant said, staff limited access to the bathroom. As a result, he recalled, he defecated in his pants. He was forced to wear that same pair of pants for two weeks, he said.

* Inspection reports from N.C. DHHS show Trails Carolina was cited for fifty deficiencies between 2010 and 2019, the last time an inspection was conducted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I realize this is an older thread, but it's been really helpful for a list of places to research for my 16 yr old DD, who is now inpatient again for suicidal ideation after a hospitalization a year ago and a 6-month PHP/IOP. Needless to say we are so stressed at being back on the rollercoaster.

Does anyone have any recommendations for or against consultants to help find the right program?

And for those upthread who did have success at wilderness therapy programs, can you please name names if you ever come back?

I was one of the previous posters whose child had success at wilderness. For consultant we used was Tom Harvey of The School Counseling Group and we had a very positive experience. Another poster mentioned Trails (Carolina) - our child went there as well. I seem to recall having maybe two wilderness programs recommended - one of the things was our consultant suggested a very specific therapist and group of peers within Trails for our child, which turned out to be a fantastic fit; in the end they helped us sort out previously undiagnosed issues as well as left my child in a really strong place emotionally. In the end, a place like Trails will almost inevitably STRONGLY encourage transition to a therapeutic boarding school so be prepared for that. We didn't quite go that route ourselves, but our consultant helped us finding a school for afterwards which was a good fit.

Wishing you and your child the best, I've been there and feel for you.

here's a lovely article about that program:
https://www.wbtv.com/2021/05/24/its-beyond-cruel-inside-nc-wilderness-therapy-program-teens/

Article Highlights:

* During weeks in the woods, the participant said, staff limited access to the bathroom. As a result, he recalled, he defecated in his pants. He was forced to wear that same pair of pants for two weeks, he said.

* Inspection reports from N.C. DHHS show Trails Carolina was cited for fifty deficiencies between 2010 and 2019, the last time an inspection was conducted.

that is even more horrific than I thought. how incredibly sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I realize this is an older thread, but it's been really helpful for a list of places to research for my 16 yr old DD, who is now inpatient again for suicidal ideation after a hospitalization a year ago and a 6-month PHP/IOP. Needless to say we are so stressed at being back on the rollercoaster.

Does anyone have any recommendations for or against consultants to help find the right program?

And for those upthread who did have success at wilderness therapy programs, can you please name names if you ever come back?

I was one of the previous posters whose child had success at wilderness. For consultant we used was Tom Harvey of The School Counseling Group and we had a very positive experience. Another poster mentioned Trails (Carolina) - our child went there as well. I seem to recall having maybe two wilderness programs recommended - one of the things was our consultant suggested a very specific therapist and group of peers within Trails for our child, which turned out to be a fantastic fit; in the end they helped us sort out previously undiagnosed issues as well as left my child in a really strong place emotionally. In the end, a place like Trails will almost inevitably STRONGLY encourage transition to a therapeutic boarding school so be prepared for that. We didn't quite go that route ourselves, but our consultant helped us finding a school for afterwards which was a good fit.

Wishing you and your child the best, I've been there and feel for you.

here's a lovely article about that program:
https://www.wbtv.com/2021/05/24/its-beyond-cruel-inside-nc-wilderness-therapy-program-teens/

Article Highlights:

* During weeks in the woods, the participant said, staff limited access to the bathroom. As a result, he recalled, he defecated in his pants. He was forced to wear that same pair of pants for two weeks, he said.

* Inspection reports from N.C. DHHS show Trails Carolina was cited for fifty deficiencies between 2010 and 2019, the last time an inspection was conducted.

that is even more horrific than I thought. how incredibly sad.

and just to emphasize: TRAILS is NOT a therepeutic setting. PP has a child who has been hospitalized multiple times. The child needs a therepeutic setting, staffed by doctors and actual therapists. Not a wilderness boot camp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I realize this is an older thread, but it's been really helpful for a list of places to research for my 16 yr old DD, who is now inpatient again for suicidal ideation after a hospitalization a year ago and a 6-month PHP/IOP. Needless to say we are so stressed at being back on the rollercoaster.

Does anyone have any recommendations for or against consultants to help find the right program?

And for those upthread who did have success at wilderness therapy programs, can you please name names if you ever come back?

I was one of the previous posters whose child had success at wilderness. For consultant we used was Tom Harvey of The School Counseling Group and we had a very positive experience. Another poster mentioned Trails (Carolina) - our child went there as well. I seem to recall having maybe two wilderness programs recommended - one of the things was our consultant suggested a very specific therapist and group of peers within Trails for our child, which turned out to be a fantastic fit; in the end they helped us sort out previously undiagnosed issues as well as left my child in a really strong place emotionally. In the end, a place like Trails will almost inevitably STRONGLY encourage transition to a therapeutic boarding school so be prepared for that. We didn't quite go that route ourselves, but our consultant helped us finding a school for afterwards which was a good fit.

Wishing you and your child the best, I've been there and feel for you.

here's a lovely article about that program:
https://www.wbtv.com/2021/05/24/its-beyond-cruel-inside-nc-wilderness-therapy-program-teens/

Article Highlights:

* During weeks in the woods, the participant said, staff limited access to the bathroom. As a result, he recalled, he defecated in his pants. He was forced to wear that same pair of pants for two weeks, he said.

* Inspection reports from N.C. DHHS show Trails Carolina was cited for fifty deficiencies between 2010 and 2019, the last time an inspection was conducted.

that is even more horrific than I thought. how incredibly sad.

and just to emphasize: TRAILS is NOT a therepeutic setting. PP has a child who has been hospitalized multiple times. The child needs a therepeutic setting, staffed by doctors and actual therapists. Not a wilderness boot camp.

Also I wonder if "Tom Harvey of The School Counseling Group" gets any compensation from TRAILS? Needs to be asked.

[Anonymous]

Agree that TRAILS is not a wrap around therapeutic environment. WT is designed to take a child out of their current environment and help them and the families examine how each party contributes to the dysfunction. It removes the distractions of 21st century life. People are forced to endure natural consequences. If you choose not to put up your tent and it rains, you will get wet.

When people graduate from WT, they usually move onto TBS where they are able to solidify what they've learned in WT while applying it more to real world life.

50 inspection deficiencies over 9 years is not a lot. Hospitals get deficiencies all the time.

This article highlights one childs experience. It's her perspective and her observations. Would the child have gone willing to get help if the family did not use transportation services? Why was only one family reported on? Where are the interviews of families that have had other experiences with WT?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree that TRAILS is not a wrap around therapeutic environment. WT is designed to take a child out of their current environment and help them and the families examine how each party contributes to the dysfunction. It removes the distractions of 21st century life. People are forced to endure natural consequences. If you choose not to put up your tent and it rains, you will get wet.

When people graduate from WT, they usually move onto TBS where they are able to solidify what they've learned in WT while applying it more to real world life.

50 inspection deficiencies over 9 years is not a lot. Hospitals get deficiencies all the time.

This article highlights one childs experience. It's her perspective and her observations. Would the child have gone willing to get help if the family did not use transportation services? Why was only one family reported on? Where are the interviews of families that have had other experiences with WT?

Did you miss the part where the child ran away and die? TRAILS is no place for a mentally ill or addicted teenager. 50 in 9 years for a small program is lot. What's the ratio of deficiencies per child?

[Anonymous]

this is awful stuff. truly.

https://www.reddit.com/r/troubledteens/comments/7qgvix/anyone_here_have_experience_with_the_wilderness/

[Anonymous]

Can we PLEASE stop blaming and shaming the families who make an informed choice to send their child into residential treatment? Count yourselves lucky indeed if you haven't had to take your teen to the hospital for multiple psychiatric stays, only to have them face a chaotic and dangerous environment while there and to be discharged days later with no follow-up.

Lots of armchair psychiatrists here. It would be helpful for you all to let us know about the wonderful low-cost programs you seem to think are out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can we PLEASE stop blaming and shaming the families who make an informed choice to send their child into residential treatment? Count yourselves lucky indeed if you haven't had to take your teen to the hospital for multiple psychiatric stays, only to have them face a chaotic and dangerous environment while there and to be discharged days later with no follow-up.

Lots of armchair psychiatrists here. It would be helpful for you all to let us know about the wonderful low-cost programs you seem to think are out there.

Yep. Times a thousand. You get discharged into the vast void of no intermediate care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can we PLEASE stop blaming and shaming the families who make an informed choice to send their child into residential treatment? Count yourselves lucky indeed if you haven't had to take your teen to the hospital for multiple psychiatric stays, only to have them face a chaotic and dangerous environment while there and to be discharged days later with no follow-up.

Lots of armchair psychiatrists here. It would be helpful for you all to let us know about the wonderful low-cost programs you seem to think are out there.

I am very supportive of a therepeutic residential setting - with therapists, doctors, and a non-coercive/abusive approach. TRAILS is totally unacceptable for a child with mental health issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can we PLEASE stop blaming and shaming the families who make an informed choice to send their child into residential treatment? Count yourselves lucky indeed if you haven't had to take your teen to the hospital for multiple psychiatric stays, only to have them face a chaotic and dangerous environment while there and to be discharged days later with no follow-up.

Lots of armchair psychiatrists here. It would be helpful for you all to let us know about the wonderful low-cost programs you seem to think are out there.

Yep. Times a thousand. You get discharged into the vast void of no intermediate care.

serious question - did you read the description of TRAILS? It is not designed at all for a child who was just discharged from the hospital.

[Anonymous]

There is a book coming out in the next year or so about a family's positive experience with WT.

The troubled teens subreddit clearly states that any positive comments about programs or experiences will be deleted. By definition, you will only find negative comments on there.

WT is about $50K and not covered by insurance. Many programs also require an educational consultant to be part of the process--that's another $10K for the parents. Transport is $5K. Outfitting for WT is another $3-4K. No one spends $70K for 12 weeks of therapy unless you have exhausted every other option. 12 weeks is the average amount of time a child spends in WT.

These are kids who are refusing therapy or any other type of help. Taking away life distractions forces them to focus on themselves. It's uncomfortable. It's always easier to blame someone else for the issues rather than look inward.

Agree, life at WT is not luxury; it is primitive. If you don't put up your tent and it rains, you will get wet. Your clothes will be wet until they dry and that maybe a day or two. And your shoes may stay wet for more than 2 days. If you're wearing wet clothes and shoes, you will probably be cold. It was your choice not to put up your tent and these are the consequences.

WT is not for kids where the primary issue is mental health. But for a child that has turned to self medication as the primary method of coping with their issues, it can be very helpful to get out of their current environment. A good EC would be able to help a family determine if WT or an RTC is the best place to start.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can we PLEASE stop blaming and shaming the families who make an informed choice to send their child into residential treatment? Count yourselves lucky indeed if you haven't had to take your teen to the hospital for multiple psychiatric stays, only to have them face a chaotic and dangerous environment while there and to be discharged days later with no follow-up.

Lots of armchair psychiatrists here. It would be helpful for you all to let us know about the wonderful low-cost programs you seem to think are out there.

Yep. Times a thousand. You get discharged into the vast void of no intermediate care.

serious question - did you read the description of TRAILS? It is not designed at all for a child who was just discharged from the hospital.

I personally know families whose kids have gone to TRAILS and had positive experiences. And you don't sound familiar with the merry-go-round of inpatient and residential stays that some families endure trying to get help for their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a book coming out in the next year or so about a family's positive experience with WT.

The troubled teens subreddit clearly states that any positive comments about programs or experiences will be deleted. By definition, you will only find negative comments on there.

WT is about $50K and not covered by insurance. Many programs also require an educational consultant to be part of the process--that's another $10K for the parents. Transport is $5K. Outfitting for WT is another $3-4K. No one spends $70K for 12 weeks of therapy unless you have exhausted every other option. 12 weeks is the average amount of time a child spends in WT.

These are kids who are refusing therapy or any other type of help. Taking away life distractions forces them to focus on themselves. It's uncomfortable. It's always easier to blame someone else for the issues rather than look inward.

Agree, life at WT is not luxury; it is primitive. If you don't put up your tent and it rains, you will get wet. Your clothes will be wet until they dry and that maybe a day or two. And your shoes may stay wet for more than 2 days. If you're wearing wet clothes and shoes, you will probably be cold. It was your choice not to put up your tent and these are the consequences.

WT is not for kids where the primary issue is mental health. But for a child that has turned to self medication as the primary method of coping with their issues, it can be very helpful to get out of their current environment. A good EC would be able to help a family determine if WT or an RTC is the best place to start.

I 100% agree with this poster. No one should send their kid to any program without doing a lot of research, vetting, etc to make sure it's a quality program and a good fit for that kid. Wilderness was a life changing re-set for my suicidal kid who had rejected other treatment. It was an incredibly tough choice, but it worked (for our kid). Kid would tell you "it was really hard, but it was also necessary." That's a direct quote.

[Anonymous]

Speaking from experience, beware the Educational Consultants. Even the most highly regarded ones deny the issues. We spoke to many of them - before we sent our daughter and after the came home with severe PTSD and other issues. We went to Trails - and our daughter still has nightmares about it.