More Information About Wilderness Programs, Therapy, and Troubled Teens

Wilderness Program for Teens Eases the Transition into Residential Treatment

By Meghan Vivo

A common course of treatment for teens who are struggling with emotional or behavioral issues is to enroll in a wilderness therapy program and immediately transition into a longer term residential treatment center. Although this tends to be the most effective strategy for families in crisis, it is also a costly one.

That’s why one well-known wilderness therapy program, SUWS of the Carolinas, has designed a shorter, more intense wilderness program for teens who will be moving on to long-term residential treatment. The new SUWS "Leader's Way" 30-day program allows families to reduce the cost and length of treatment without sacrificing the many benefits of participating in a wilderness therapy program.

The Importance of a Smooth Transition

“When teens complete a wilderness therapy program before enrolling in residential treatment, they transition into the next stage ready to succeed,” says Melvin Cates, MA, LCCA, WEMT, a Program Director at SUWS. “They have already achieved some of their goals, established healthy relationships with staff and peers, and built on small successes, which translates into greater self-confidence, self-respect, and self-discipline.”

Because they know from day one the long-term plan for treatment, teens are less resistant and more motivated to succeed as they begin their residential treatment program. They also have an idea of what to expect in the next phase of treatment because they are accustomed to group activities, daily routines, and a structured schedule.

Knowing the long-term treatment plan in advance also helps the families of teens in SUWS’ 30-day program. “Rather than spending time in family therapy deciding what will happen when wilderness ends, the therapists are able to focus on communication, trust, and establishing stronger family bonds – all with minimal distractions,” says Cates.

The Best of Wilderness Therapy in the Shortest Time

The students in SUWS’ "Leader's Way" program receive all of the components of SUWS’ classic 55-day wilderness program, including intensive therapy, wilderness expeditions, ropes course initiatives, family workshops, and SUWS’ signature search and rescue program, but in a more intense and concentrated form.

“We took all of the strengths of our 55-day wilderness program that has been around for 10 years and packed them into a high-impact, high-intensity program for families that have already decided to enroll their child in a residential program,” says Shawn Farrell MEd., the Executive Director at SUWS of the Carolinas. “Not only is this program more economical for families, but the students are getting the same top quality interventions from one of the best wilderness programs out there.”

Teens accepted into the Leader’s Way program are placed in closed groups of eight with other teens struggling with similar issues. Unlike longer term wilderness therapy programs that accept students on a rolling basis, the teens in the 30-day program remain with the same intact group, bonding with one another and learning and growing at the same pace – without interruptions or changes in the group dynamic. This results in a deep sense of community and team spirit, creating a strong positive peer culture in a short amount of time.

The Search and Rescue Metaphor

With guidance and supervision from 2-3 field guides and a master’s level therapist, teens in the 30-day program receive the same high-quality treatment SUWS is known for. As part of a search and rescue team, SUWS team members become certified in first aid and CPR by the American Heart Association and participate in two staged rescue scenarios with their team. From treating minor wounds to evacuating a “victim” from a campsite, teens learn through these experiences teamwork and the intrinsic value of being able to take care of themselves and others.

While most people who are trained in first aid and search and rescue never have the opportunity to practice their skills in a hands-on setting, students at SUWS get firsthand experience without being subject to risk or danger. Every aspect of the search and rescue program is systematically planned and supervised by skilled professionals who have the highest level of medical training, and all of the “victims” are staff members staging the scene for the students.

“We’re not putting together a group of at-risk youth – we’re compiling a search and rescue team that will be able to help themselves and at the same time develop skills to assist others in need,” says Cates, who has a personal passion for learning and teaching search and rescue skills.

The staff at SUWS of the Carolinas places great value on family involvement, and will also continue offering its intensive family program and graduation weekend to students in the 30-day program. In addition, SUWS will continue offering its classic 55-day wilderness therapy program, as well as its Seasons wilderness program for younger teens ages 10-13.

“There is a clear need for this type of condensed wilderness program that is designed specifically for adolescents going on to long-term placement,” notes Farrell. “There’s no question treatment is a costly venture for parents, and they shouldn’t have to shy away from getting help for their teen because of cost. The 30-day program is one more valuable tool in the toolbox to help families in need.”

 

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