
Wilderness Therapy Programs Oregon
Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that involves getting troubled teenage boys and girls from Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon

Of all the wilderness programs for troubled youth from Oregon, 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 Oregon
As a therapeutic wilderness program for Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon.
- 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 Oregon 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 Oregon

WinGate, one of the best wilderness therapy programs for Oregon 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.
Oregon Resources for Parents:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Oregon (NAMI Oregon) is an organization made up of over 1700, dedicated members in 14 different affiliates. Their main objective is to improve the lives of people living in Oregon, who are in need psychological care. NAMI Oregon provides education, support and advocacy to those in need. Their toll-free helpline is 800-343-6264), which is answered by trained staff who provide extensive referrals to mental health resources.
Residential Treatment Centers for Oregon Teenagers
We help troubled adolescents from the Oregon area. Working with highly resistant adolescents 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 WinGate Wilderness Therapy today at (800) 560-1599. Allow us to give your troubled adolescent the help they need.
"Not necessity, not desire - no, the love of power is the demon of men. Let them have everything - health, food, a place to live, entertainment - they are and remain unhappy and low-spirited: for the demon waits and waits and will be satisfied." Friedrich Nietzsche