
Wilderness Therapy Programs Arkansas
Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that involves getting troubled adolescent boys and girls from Arkansas into a wilderness environment and having them confront their problems. With no cell phone service, TV, or internet, the wilderness environment is very different than the one we are used to. It’s just you and the wilderness.
This is one of the reasons wilderness therapy programs are so effective. It is a way to get a person to focus on the present moment and whatever issues they may be dealing with. It also provides a person with a unique opportunity to get away from the pressures and stresses of society.
What is wilderness therapy?
Wilderness therapy is a type of intensive therapeutic treatment that has been proven to dramatically reduce mental illness, behavioral issues, and addictive behaviors. Many who try wilderness therapy programs find their lives have changed forever because of the improved perspective that they have gained through this type of treatment. Wilderness therapy programs in Arkansas have similarities to what we see in typical treatment programs, however, the WinGate difference sets us apart from the rest.
Wilderness Programs for Troubled Youth Arkansas

Of all the wilderness programs for troubled youth from Arkansas, WinGate is one of the premier wilderness programs for troubled youth in the U.S.; and just like the name suggests, wilderness therapy is all about getting into nature. This is because just being in nature allows you to focus on your inner self. Your thoughts become clearer and you can focus on the activities you are doing and what you are learning about your surroundings.
Wilderness therapy is the process of putting adolescent boys and girls through a type of outdoor experience that forces them to think about their actions, how they got there, and what they want to do in the future. Wilderness therapy programs offer a way for troubled teens to get away from their distractions and troubles in order to reflect on themselves, life, and the future. This type of therapy leads to higher chances of getting sober or graduating from high school, while they learn self-reliant skills like problem solving and building trust with their counselors.
Therapeutic Wilderness Program Arkansas
As a therapeutic wilderness program for Arkansas adolescents, we see drastically improved mental health and overall well-being for many teenagers that have struggled with severe issues. It helps troubled teens reconnect with themselves and their environment through physical challenges, creative expression, and group process.
Another benefit that our therapeutic wilderness program provides teens is reducing and removing the trauma and stress that is built up in their lives. Trauma in adolescent boys and girls is such a huge factor in their mental health that many parents feel it is a very long road to recovery, but wilderness therapy programs, like WinGate, can get them back on track in a big way.
Who needs wilderness therapy?
Wilderness therapy programs like WinGate, offer an intervention for at-risk teenagers that utilizes the use of wilderness environments to facilitate growth and equip Arkansas adolescents with skills necessary to overcome life's obstacles.
Wilderness therapy programs are successful in treating many challenges commonly found in adolescent boys and girls from Arkansas.
- ADD/ADHD
- Addiction
- Adoption issues
- Anger issues
- Anxiety (general/social)
- Behavior issues
- Body image issues
- Cutting and self-harm
- Depression
- Divorce conflict
- Eating disorders
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Substance abuse
- Suicide ideation
What happens after wilderness therapy?

Often, after spending time in the wilderness, teens in these wilderness therapy programs come out with a better understanding of themselves and their peers. This is a far cry from other treatment programs that place teenagers in suburban facilities.
After spending a week in the wilderness, the adolescent boys and girls are surrounded by nature and a challenging, life-sustaining activity. The traditional treatment programs lack real connection and do not include a supportive community. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues of depression, or other mental health and/or behavioral challenges, consider getting more information on the power of wilderness therapy programs like WinGate Wilderness Therapy.
Should I send my kid to a wilderness therapy program?
WinGate is a quality program that focuses on teaching teenagers from Arkansas how to work cooperatively and respectfully. What's more, wilderness therapy promotes the development of self-confidence and new personal skills.
There is no doubt that wilderness therapy programs offer a great space for troubled teens to work through their issues. There is no need for shame or guilt in parents who have made the decision to send their children into the woods. In the end, your child's mental health is vitally important now and for their future, it's worth investing in.
Best Wilderness Therapy Programs Arkansas

WinGate, one of the best wilderness therapy programs for Arkansas youth, helps to instill inner reflection in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment. Our technique relies on the very practical experience of one's surroundings with any student that participates in our program.
Over thirty years of combined experience has helped us further develop an "actual wilderness experience" model as an integral part of the way we approach treatment. Unlike our competitors, our proven model utilizes guided interaction with natural environments and situations, rather than solely focusing on classroom-based learning opportunities isolated from nature for extended periods of time.
Is Your Child a Candidate? Call for a FREE Confidential Screening (800) 560-1599.
Arkansas Resources for Parents and Troubled Youth
Arkansas Department of Human Services (Behavioral Health Services): The Division of Behavioral Health Services is responsible for ensuring the provision of public behavioral health services, including mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services throughout the State of Arkansas. The Division supports, certifies, licenses, and funds behavioral health providers throughout the state.
Families from Arkansas have made WinGate Wilderness Therapy’s outdoor therapy program and wilderness therapy program their top choice when it comes to the healing and recovery of their struggling child experiencing anger issues, general anxiety, or particularly substance abuse (including marijuana). Parents can expect WinGate to have a team of staff consisting of compassionate, trained counselors and leaders. Our clinicians operate with the understanding that recovery must first come from the inside, rather than from external influences. WinGate’s counselors acknowledge and appreciate the issues that adolescent boys and girls and young adults from Arkansas deal with every day.
WinGate’s counselors and field staff discourage the use of judgments and labels, and never condone one’s diagnosis to interfere with a struggling teen or young adult’s sense of self or ability to form friendships with one another. Through our Experiential therapy and Alliance-based therapy treatment, WinGate is committed to meeting the particular needs of each teen and young adult with the utmost professionalism and compassion. WinGate has offered direction to numerous families from all over the nation, including those from Arkansas. Our professional clinicians provide renowned treatment to set the path of recovery for adolescents or young adults struggling with issues such as substance abuse (including marijuana), general anxiety, or even defiance.
Our purpose is to see your struggling child make a successful transition into adulthood, while living independently as a dignified young adult. Don’t hesitate to contact WinGate’s admissions counselors for more information regarding our program that focuses on Experiential therapy and Individualized clinical treatment. For testimonials from current and past WinGate families, reach out to our team; Call one of our trained admissions counselors at (800) 560-1599, and discover how we can provide leading help to your troubled child today!