Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness

About this facility

Nestled in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is the “leading full-immersion wilderness therapy program” for teens and young adults. Founded in 2002, this facility is staffed with primary therapists, family therapists, field instructors, a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, and doctorate level leadership roles. They are licensed by the Department of Human Services in Georgia and accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. The adolescent program at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is tailored to ages 13-18 who are looking to take transformative action for mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, screen addictions, academic issues, ADD & ADHD, family conflict, self harm, and substance abuse, to name a few. Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan to their specific challenges through collaboration with a Licensed Primary Therapist and the 24/7 on-site staff. Within the first two weeks of the students arrival, a licensed clinical psychologist conducts an initial assessment which further helps create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. The young adult program at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, “Emerald Arrow”, is available to ages 18-28. Whether you are struggling with mental health challenges, family system conflict, or identity issues, Emerald Arrow provides personalized care that tailors to these needs. Within the first two weeks of arrival, a clinical psychologist conducts an assessment, which the primary therapies and field instructors use to provide weekly individualized sessions. Located in a distraction free environment of the wilderness, the day-to-day experience is extremely unique. Daily routines are cultivated through individual therapy sessions, teamwork activities, personal time, motivational interviewing, and academics. Adolescents can earn up to 3.5 middle or high school credits while engaged in the wilderness therapy program by completing courses in the following: creative writing, wilderness science, outdoor safety, leadership, psychology, life skills, and physical education. Health and wellness goals such as mental clarity, improved sleep quality, decreased depression, emotional regulation, and reduced physical pain are important for students to obtain. Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness helps students reach these goals by providing nutrient dense and fresh foods, opportunities for physical activity such as hiking, and practicing mindfulness daily. Young Adults partake in group psychotherapy, skill-building workshops, speaker series, ceremonies, and daily gratitude practices. At Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, family involvement is crucial to the patient's progress and success. They strive for systemic change within the family dynamic, by requesting families to actively participate in the therapeutic process alongside their children. There are parent workshops, support calls, a facebook group, parent mentorship, and family therapists available.