Wilderness Therapy as an Intervention for Teens Who Are at the End of Their Rope

Authors

Blake C. Neal, university of lynchburgFollow
Heather Summers, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Heather Summers

Abstract

Abstract

Wilderness therapy, treatment offered in a natural setting, is offered as an alternative to traditional treatment methods (Lodato, N., Blivas, R., & Blivas, N. L. and R., 2024). This model is often used as a last resort for teens who are unsuccessful in other environments. However, when used as a blanket treatment model for all mental health concerns, there is a risk for greater harm inflicted on participants. A case study approach provides evidence of a teen in one of these settings struggling with an eating disorder and self-harm. Although potentially helpful with some concerns, we learn from this study that those certain mental health diagnoses should not be addressed in a wilderness setting.

Key Words: troubled teen industry, wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding schools, youth, case study

Recommended Citation

Neal, Blake C. and Summers, Heather (2026) "Wilderness Therapy as an Intervention for Teens Who Are at the End of Their Rope," Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63932/3067-7106.1060
Available at: https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/jms/vol2/iss1/9