
Wilderness Therapy Programs North Dakota
Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that involves getting troubled teens from North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota

Of all the wilderness programs for troubled youth from North Dakota, 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 North Dakota
As a therapeutic wilderness program for North Dakota 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 North Dakota teens with skills necessary to overcome life's obstacles.
Wilderness therapy programs are successful in treating many challenges commonly found in teens from North Dakota.
- 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota

WinGate, one of the best wilderness therapy programs for North Dakota 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.
North Dakota Mental Health Resources for Parents:
Mental Health America of North Dakota (MHAND) - Mental Health America of North Dakota (MHAND) is a non-profit organization. For over 60 years, the citizens of North Dakota have had a trusted, safe, and private place to turn when seeking relief for mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse issues. MHAND's mission is to advance mental health disorders through advocacy, education, understanding, and access to quality care for all residents. Every day and in times of crisis, MHAND is there to benefit the well-being and mental health of all citizens of North Dakota. During its long history, MHAND has consistently advocated for the needs of children, adults and families through programs and activities such as support groups, supportive action, and education. The vision of Mental Health America of North Dakota is to be a leader in the formulation of a humane, just, and healthy society in which all people can realize their full potential, free from discrimination and stigma.
Wilderness Therapy for North Dakota Troubled Teens
We help troubled teens from the North Dakota area. Working with highly resistant teens and young adults is hard! So it's understandable that most programs rely on level systems, rewards, punishments, and other behavioral techniques to manage client behavior. We recognize that one condition can't be carried over to all of our clients. Because of this, WinGate Wilderness Therapy is devoted to the supervision of each child's needs, and we do this with consideration and care.
Call us today at (800) 560-1599 to see how we can help your troubled teen and the whole family.