Boot Camps For Teens from Albany, GA
WinGate Wilderness Therapy is a premier Outdoor Therapeutic Adventure Program, chosen by parents as an alternative to Boot Camps For Teens from Albany, GA. With a combined history of over eighty years of wilderness therapy experience, the treatment counselors here at WinGate recognize the complexities of how to properly administer treatment for troubled teens.
Fixed among the magnificent and world famous red mountains of Southern Utah, WinGate is recognized nationally as a model "therapeutic transitional living" wilderness program. Although not a Boot Camp, WinGate is a "parent-preferred" alternative to these programs.
No research-based conclusions have been found that "favor" the boot camp experience. These results are especially true when taking into consideration the boot camps' fundamental purpose of "rehabilitation." When compared to former prison inmates, the "recidivism rates" for boot camp participants (referring to a person's "chance of relapse" back into criminal behavior) are roughly the same.
Most parents don't know that the "boot camp program" began years ago as an adult-only, "shock incarceration" program designed for "first-time" offenders. The purpose of this boot camp experience was to make the "time served" so shocking and abhorrent, the offender would be "scared straight" into model behavior, to avoid another sentence.
Consequently, more mental health specialists are pointing their sharp criticism toward Boot Camps for being "too harsh while not addressing the adolescent's real underlying psychological problems through proper counseling and therapy."
Wilderness adventure programs, such as ours, are considerably more productive when teen "transformation and restoration" is the goal. At WinGate, we teach both independent living skills and individual accountability, which is the framework upon which to construct a life of lasting health and balance.
WinGate's "research-validated" approach to wilderness-based treatment causes our work to WORK! The peaceful, distraction-free atmosphere of our wilderness area benefits even the most "treatment-resistant" and "rebellious" adolescents. You can reach us immediately at (800) 560-1599.
Boot Camps For Kids from Albany, GA
Out of sheer desperation, some parents will turn to teen boot camps in an attempt to protect their adolescent from incarceration or even the possibility of death. However, before sending a teen to a boot camp facility, one should do their homework on boot camps vs. wilderness therapy or residential treatment. Like most facilities and programs, not all boot camps are created equal. You should know that there have been numerous incidents of death among the "less than adequate" boot camps. The tragic combination of corporal punishment administered by poorly trained staff, sadly, has led to the deaths of several teens while attending a boot camp.

You can feel comfortable and confident that WinGate, as a leading wilderness treatment program, licensed by the State of Utah, is a long-time member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). This accreditation and affiliation is a resource and beacon to both parents and professionals that WinGate offers the highest quality services to the teen participants and families we serve.
In essence, our hope and goal is to help shape a "heart of peace," which replaces the "heart of war." Wilderness therapy for troubled teen boys and girls is unique in that there are consistent and continual opportunities for observation and intervention. These moments are uninterrupted by the usual day-to-day disruptions and distractions found at a traditional long-term residential rehab program setting.
The wilderness atmosphere produces for our practitioners, twenty-four hours a day, the epitome of Group therapy blended with Experiential therapy, conducted by our staff of mental health counselors.
Teen Boot Camps
In "military training camp" fashion, teen boot camps are created to teach both structure and discipline to "wayward" young people. This "instruction" is generally performed through the application of "military-style" control which includes strenuous physical activity. The objective of boot camp staffers is to "challenge the camper" with the "hope" of instilling confidence and self-reliance.
However, it's critical for parents to recognize that boot camps have recently come under severe criticism, by mental health authorities and practitioners, for being "too harsh while not addressing the juvenile's underlying psychological issues via proper counseling and therapy."
We have come to know that our teenage clients in "wilderness treatment" possess a greater capacity for attention, thus enabling a more focused and thriving process for change. We witness our ~studentteen3~s growing closer to their peers while developing a stronger bond with the clinicians as well.
The peaceful environment of the outdoors enables the teen participants to gain more quickly an insight into their previous, unhealthy behaviors, allowing them to make proper and adequate changes. These nurturing, yet challenging conditions, allows our teenage clients to gain perspective, grow up, and achieve an improved level of maturity all while addressing behavioral obstacles and issues.
Juvenile Boot Camps

In the past, a few private boot camps and military academies have delivered "scholarship" or "grant" programs for families in need of financial assistance. However, these "grant" programs usually turn out to be "loans," disguised as "financial aid," to be paid back in monthly installments. What's more, most of these boot camp programs are extinct and are therefore hard to find.
In short, free boot camps for emotionally challenged teenagers typically do not exist. However, there are state-funded boot camps that can be utilized only if your teenager has been or is in the state juvenile system. Although state-funded boot camps may be the only financially viable option for some families, this option causes serious drawbacks worth considering.
Therapeutic healing and counseling are certainly not emphasized at Juvenile Boot Camps. The boot camp staffers are not licensed nor are they trained to administer support for the "emotional issues" and "psychological disorders" that are normally at the root of all behavioral problems in adolescents. These boot camps deliver only discipline and authoritarian control. In the end, boot camps resemble "jails" more than "therapeutic interventions."
At WinGate Wilderness Therapy, we include the parents and family in your at-risk adolescent's progress and therapy. Over the years, we have served thousands of boys and girls from Albany, GA and from all over the country. Our track record has demonstrated to cause results that are life changing.
We know that troubled teen boys and girls can become healthy, independent adults, and can develop as strong people motivated for success. Call WinGate Wilderness Therapy today at (800) 560-1599.
Guidance for Parents of Troubled Teens in Albany, GA
As one of the leading wilderness treatment programs for Group therapy and Relational therapy in the nation, WinGate prescribes to the convictions of this premier resource of volunteers and professional clinicians.
For families of teens and young adults dealing with behavioral health issues, the Albany, GA Behavioral Health Center provides treatment for young adults and teens in a compassionate, caring and supportive environment. The Albany Center provides the surrounding region's most comprehensive array of behavioral health services to help teens and their families.
The Albany Behavioral Health Center's dedicated team of professionals includes physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and mental & behavioral health technicians who work together with each teen to help them and their familes toward recovery, focusing on the their total needs and the needs of their family.
The Albany Behavioral Health Center Provides a full Spectrum of Teen Care
Serious mental illness affects teens and adolescents as well as their loved ones. The Albany Behavioral Health Center offers support groups that promote a mutual respect and an environment where individuals can safely share their experiences. Many of these support groups are free and open to the public. If you or a teen member of your family is facing emotional issues, help and support, get in touch with us today at (800) 560-1599.
Wilderness Therapy for Albany, GA Adolescents That Are Struggling
Here at WinGate Wilderness Therapy, we understand the common issues that teenage children face every day. And we will help adolescent's deal with their social-related problems in a healthy and productive way. Our powerful alliance-based treatment approach relies on connection, trust, and respect to inspire internally motivated change of the kind that lasts a lifetime. We are familiar with the common problems faced in the Albany, GA area.
Please give us a call today at (800) 560-1599 to see how we can help your troubled adolescent and your whole family.