Wilderness Therapy Programs California
Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that involves getting troubled teenage boys and girls from California 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 California 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 California
Of all the wilderness programs for troubled youth from California, 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 teenage 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 adolescent boys or girls 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 California
As a therapeutic wilderness program for California teenagers, we see drastically improved mental health and overall well-being for many teens that have struggled with severe issues. It helps troubled adolescents reconnect with themselves and their environment through physical challenges, creative expression, and group process.
Another benefit that our therapeutic wilderness program provides adolescent boys or girls is reducing and removing the trauma and stress that is built up in their lives. Trauma in teenage 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 teens that utilizes the use of wilderness environments to facilitate growth and equip California teenagers with skills necessary to overcome life's obstacles.
Wilderness therapy programs are successful in treating many challenges commonly found in teenage boys and girls from California.
- 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, adolescent boys or girls 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 teens in suburban facilities.
After spending a week in the wilderness, the teenage 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 teens from California 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 adolescent boys or girls 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 California
WinGate, one of the best wilderness therapy programs for California 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.
California State Resources for Parents:
California Healthline - California Healthline is committed to the important issues influencing health care policy, delivery, and financing. As a free, daily digest of health care news, policy and opinion, California Healthline was designed to meet the information demands of active health care specialists and decision makers.
National Alliance of Mental Illness California (NAMI California) - As a grassroots coalition of individuals and families whose lives have been touched by mental illness, NAMI California advocates for a life of both quality and respect, without discrimination or stigma. For all their constituents, NAMI California provides leadership in advocacy, policy development, legislation, education and support throughout the state of California.
Violence and Teens in America Today
The growing epidemic of troubled teenage violence goes way past just the big cities of America and infiltrates virtually every single community without regard for wealth status (the rich and the poor). Just 30 years ago the rate of 14 to 19 year old arrests went was 5 per 1000 and today is up to 125 per 1000 teens get arrested in that age range.
Because of the intense and prolific amount of violence in our communities and city streets throught the country, teens are left without guidance and encouragement. This becomes an outlet for crime and especially violent behavior. One common thread that is prevalent among violent teens is the lack of a father or father/male role model. The absence of a father figure has consequences that are felt throughout the community and the nation. As parents and guardians of our young men and women we must be aware of this issue and recognize that unless we act now, it will only get worse.
We see these alarming numbers at Wingate Wilderness Therapy and we know that we can help many of these teens that are struggling in todays violent environment. For immediate reasons how we can help, please call (800) 560-1599.