Wilderness Therapy

Wilderness therapy, also known as outdoor behavioral healthcare, is a form of therapeutic intervention that uses outdoor activities and immersion in natural environments to promote psychological, behavioral and social well-being, used in treating mental health conditions, substance abuse disorders and behavioral issues, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Programs vary widely in structure and philosophy but typically combine psychotherapy, group processes and experiential learning with activities such as hiking, camping and survival skills; the approach is most prominently developed in the United States, with related practices emerging in Canada, Australia and Scandinavia, shaped by local outdoor traditions. The field lacks a universally accepted definition, and programs differ in clinical oversight, duration and remoteness; wilderness therapy has been the subject of ongoing debate over its effectiveness, safety and ethical practices, with research producing mixed results and criticism focused on regulation and reported incidents in some programs.