Wilderness Therapy Programs New Mexico
Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that involves getting troubled teens from New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico
Of all the wilderness programs for troubled youth from New Mexico, 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 teens 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 teenagers 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 New Mexico
As a therapeutic wilderness program for New Mexico teens, we see drastically improved mental health and overall well-being for many adolescents that have struggled with severe issues. It helps troubled teenagers reconnect with themselves and their environment through physical challenges, creative expression, and group process.
Another benefit that our therapeutic wilderness program provides teenagers is reducing and removing the trauma and stress that is built up in their lives. Trauma in teens 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 adolescents that utilizes the use of wilderness environments to facilitate growth and equip New Mexico teens with skills necessary to overcome life's obstacles.
Wilderness therapy programs are successful in treating many challenges commonly found in teens from New Mexico.
- 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, teenagers 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 adolescents in suburban facilities.
After spending a week in the wilderness, the teens 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 adolescents from New Mexico 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 teenagers 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 New Mexico
WinGate, one of the best wilderness therapy programs for New Mexico 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.
Resources for Parents in New Mexico:
New Mexico Department of Health (Behavioral Health Institute) - NMBHI is made up of five clinical departments, and serves a widespread variety of public needs. NMBHI maintains its purpose to promote both health and wellness while improving health outcomes and securing a "safety net" of services for the people of New Mexico.
New Mexico Human Services Department (Behavioral Health Division) - The principal role of the Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) is to assist as New Mexico's mental health and substance abuse authority.
BHSD achieves this by not only decreasing the influence of poverty on citizens living in New Mexico, but also by implementing care services that help families with breaking the cycle of dependence on public assistance. BHSD's multi-functional purpose is to address the local needs, community planning, health services, and quality control across the state systemically.
Daily Advice For Parents:
If children grow up with the idea that they can make decisions to create a life that works for them, the critical process of identity-building is underway. But if you continually intervene, run interference for them, and deny them the opportunity to decide personal preferences your kids can’t grow into adulthood being comfortable and separate human beings.
Some tips to help your teen or young adult understand the relationship between an honest day’s work and an honest day’s pay would be to talk about money, talk about the importance of taking care of needs first, not wants, then show them what you do at work and how you make the money.