
Wilderness Therapy Programs Maine
Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that involves getting troubled teenagers from Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine

Of all the wilderness programs for troubled youth from Maine, 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 teenagers 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 adolescents 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 Maine
As a therapeutic wilderness program for Maine teenagers, we see drastically improved mental health and overall well-being for many teen boys and girls 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 adolescents is reducing and removing the trauma and stress that is built up in their lives. Trauma in teenagers 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 teen boys and girls that utilizes the use of wilderness environments to facilitate growth and equip Maine teenagers with skills necessary to overcome life's obstacles.
Wilderness therapy programs are successful in treating many challenges commonly found in teenagers from Maine.
- 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, adolescents 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 teen boys and girls in suburban facilities.
After spending a week in the wilderness, the teenagers 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 Maine 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 adolescents 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 Maine

WinGate, one of the best wilderness therapy programs for Maine 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.
Mental Health Resources for At-risk Youth from Maine
Maine Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services: The Maine Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services is the single state administrative authority responsible for the planning, development, implementation, regulation, and evaluation of substance abuse and mental health. The Office provides leadership in substance abuse and mental health prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery. Its goal is to enhance the health and safety of Maine citizens through the reduction of the overall impact of mental illness and substance use, abuse, and dependency.
WinGate Wilderness Therapy is the favored choice for parents from Maine, who are looking for a premier wilderness treatment program and therapeutic outdoor program to deliver support to their at-risk child struggling with drug abuse (prescription/otc), general anxiety, or under-achievement. Here at WinGate, parents and families from Maine can expect the best results from our compassionate and professional clinicians. Our research-validated approach to Relational therapy and Experiential therapy therapeutics makes our work successful and rewarding. WinGate’s serene and distraction-free setting helps even the most treatment-resistant teenagers and young adults find their way toward healing and change.
WinGate’s clinicians and field staff discourage judgments and labels, and never allow a diagnosis to interfere with what at-risk adolescents or young adults have in common with each other - their humanity. We have delivered guidance to numerous families from all over the nation, including those from Maine; Through Experiential therapy therapeutics and Relational therapy, our professional mental health counselors offer recognized treatment for adolescents and young adults struggling with substance abuse (including marijuana), general anxiety, or under-achievement.
As a leading therapeutic wilderness rehab center, we deliver Experiential therapy therapeutics and a Group therapy; leading our adolescent wilderness clients to a healthy, balanced life. If you feel you may benefit from our wilderness treatment program, we encourage you to contact our intake counselors as the first step to creating lasting change in your at-risk child’s life. We offer guidance to vulnerable adolescents or young adults from Maine. Call us at (800) 560-1599 to speak with one of our knowledgeable intake counselors today!