What are Wilderness Therapy Programs for Troubled Teens in Buena Vista, CO?
Like that of all troubled teen treatment facilities, residential treatment centers come in many different forms with varying levels of severity and duration -- depending on the troubled teen's behavioral and mental health-related issues.
While there is a multitude of types of RTC, the main ones include boot camps, lockdown treatment centers, rehabilitation programs, wilderness therapy programs, and therapeutic boarding schools.
That said, in the last two decades, a rise in multifaceted programs that offer new and cutting edge treatments. These types of residential treatment centers are often an amalgamation of different RTC's, such as ones that combine adventure therapy (wilderness), regular residential treatment, and animal-assisted therapies (namely, equine-assisted therapy.
Additionally, some behavioral experts suggest that due to its unique environment and usage of contemporary treatment strategies, programs that incorporate wilderness therapy are most effective for those who have been resistant to traditional residential treatments, such as traditional talk therapy, drug, and alcohol outpatient programs, etc.
The Unfortunate Truth About Some of the Nation's Wilderness Therapy Programs Near Buena Vista, CO
Some Wilderness Therapy Programs are Exceedingly Expensive
According to a 2020 report from All Kinds of Therapy, wilderness therapy programs are among the rarest types of residential treatment centers. According to their findings, there are roughly 30 therapeutically recognized wilderness therapy programs in the U.S. (compare this number to the literal thousands of other types of RTC's.
One reason these programs are so difficult to come by has to do with the difficulty it takes to become state-recognized thanks to the therapy's inherent dangers and lack of psychiatric professionals who specialize in traversing the wilderness. Consequently, this makes wilderness therapy programs absurdly expensive. According to the most recent numbers, the average wilderness therapy program costs parents roughly $600 per day, not including the exceedingly steep enrollment fees which average to roughly $6,000.
What's more, the average price of wilderness therapy programs is rising. According to All Kinds of Therapy, the price of wilderness programs has increased 9% since late 2017. Wilderness enrollment fees have skyrocketed an outrageous 28% in that same time.
One of the reasons for the rise in prices has to do with the fact that many wilderness programs are actually partnered with other RTC's which they send graduating teens (from Buena Vista, CO and beyond) upon finishing their several-week program. This combination of the two RTC's often leaves parents paying for two different programs and transportation services. Parents from Buena Vista, CO typically end up paying several grand just in transportation services.
Parents should also know that many traditionally styled forms of treatment, such as therapeutic boarding schools near Buena Vista, CO and residential treatment centers, provide aspects of wilderness therapy (sometimes called adventure-based therapy), but house their teens in an indoor facility.
These traditional programs are best suited for teens who might not be physically or emotionally mature enough to trek the challenging environment of wilderness therapy.
Matthew 11:29-30 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
While full-time wilderness therapy programs near Buena Vista, CO can be potentially dangerous, many safer alternative residential treatment programs utilize aspects of wilderness therapy (such as engaging in outdoor activities for therapeutic purposes) but house their teenage residents indoors. Programs that use certain elements of wilderness therapy include therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, and even group homes.
What Does Science Have to Say About Wilderness Therapy Near Buena Vista, CO?
Regarding even the trendiest treatment models for troubled teens living in the city of Buena Vista, CO, efficacy and science-backed empirical evidence truly matter. However, due to the constant and natural changes in teen-related studies, direct evidence is hard to come by. Studies in behavior, trends, and effective forms of treatment often take years, and government spending is unfortunately rarely spent on teenagers.
Since we can’t rely on unbiased and bipartisan-led scientific studies from our government – which is highly preferred in gathering scientific data – we must look to more localized organizations, like the Outdoor Behavioral Health Council.
1 Peter 5:10 “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory IN CHRIST, WILL HIMSELF perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
Statistical caveats aside, the OBH (an outdoor behavioral healthcare program that “gathers evidence-based research on wilderness programs”) states that quality wilderness therapy has a higher average in successfully treating troubled teens' behavioral and mental health issues.
They also found that despite the inherent dangers of living in the wilderness, on average, wilderness therapy programs near Buena Vista, CO are statistically safer for teens than living at home and attending public high school.
"Now to Him who can do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20
In addition to addressing specific challenges, these programs also focus on equipping teens with practical life skills and promoting personal development. This may involve teaching communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, decision-making skills, and self-care practices that align with Christian values and principles.
Ephesians 6:17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Christian wilderness therapy programs foster a supportive community environment where teens can connect with peers with similar struggles and beliefs. The community provides a sense of belonging, encouragement, and accountability, helping teens develop healthy relationships and support systems.
John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
It is important to note that the effectiveness of a Christian wilderness therapy program near Buena Vista, CO can vary depending on the individual and the specific program. Parents or guardians should thoroughly research and choose a reputable program that aligns with their values and meets the specific needs of their troubled teen.
Philippians 2:5 "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,"
Support for Parents of Troubled Teenagers in Buena Vista, CO
Families from Buena Vista, CO have made MasterNet their first choice for child rehabilitation and support. Parents, searching for direction for their child, can expect a team of compassionate, professional counselors and leaders here at MasterNet. MasterNet operates from the understanding that "rehabilitation" must come from the inside-out, not from the outside-in. We are faithful to the life skills development and experiential education for all adolescent girls, who may be battling low self-esteem, video game addiction (gaming), or blended family (relationship) obstacles, but also the entire family; with the support they need for lasting rehabilitation.
As a result, MasterNet is faithful to meeting the particular needs of each teen with the utmost professionalism and compassion. MasterNet’s counselors and field staff discourage the use of judgments and labels, and never condone one’s diagnosis to interfere with a troubled teen’s sense of self or ability to form friendships with one another. MasterNet has provided support to numerous families from all over the nation. Our licensed counselors provide superior treatment to set the path of rehabilitation for adolescent girls troubled with obstacles such as behavioral or process addiction (porn, gaming), seasonal affective disorder, or even peer conflict.
MasterNet has served numerous at-risk teen students from Buena Vista, CO, and we can provide direction for your child too. Don’t hesitate to contact MasterNet’s admissions specialists for more information regarding enrollment, tuition, and insurance options. For testimonials from current and past MasterNet families, connect with our admissions specialist at (435) 574-4518 today!
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5
