Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness

Situated amidst the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness stands out as a premier wilderness therapy program aimed at teenagers and young adults. Established in 2002, the center boasts a team composed of primary therapists, family therapists, field instructors, a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, and doctoral level leadership, all dedicated to fostering healing. It is fully licensed by the Georgia Department of Human Services and carries accreditation from the Association for Experiential Education. The adolescent program at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness caters to individuals aged 13 to 18 who seek significant change regarding mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, screen time addiction, academic difficulties, ADD and ADHD, family disputes, self-harm, and substance use disorders. Each participant benefits from a customized treatment strategy developed in conjunction with a Licensed Primary Therapist and supportive staff available around the clock. An initial assessment performed by a licensed clinical psychologist within the first two weeks helps further personalize each patient’s treatment plan. The young adult program, known as "Emerald Arrow," is designed for those aged 18 to 28. This program addresses various issues, including mental health difficulties, family conflicts, and identity concerns, by offering individualized care that meets specific needs. Similar to the adolescent track, the program includes an assessment conducted by a clinical psychologist shortly after arrival, which informs the weekly personalized sessions provided by therapists and field instructors. The center's location in a serene wilderness setting ensures a distinctive experience for participants. Daily schedules incorporate individual therapy sessions, collaborative activities, personal reflection, motivational techniques, and educational components. While participating in the wilderness therapy, adolescents have the opportunity to earn up to 3.5 credits for middle or high school by completing courses in areas such as creative writing, wilderness science, outdoor safety, leadership, psychology, life skills, and physical education. The program emphasizes important health and wellness achievements, including enhanced mental clarity, better sleep quality, reduced depressive symptoms, emotional stability, and alleviation of physical pain. To facilitate these objectives, Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness provides wholesome meals, physical activities like hiking, and a focus on mindfulness practices. Young adults engage in group therapy, skill development workshops, speaker events, ceremonial activities, and daily gratitude exercises. Family participation is integral to the healing process at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness. The center encourages families to be actively involved in their child's therapeutic journey, aiming for transformative changes within family interactions. To support this collaboration, various resources such as parent workshops, supportive call sessions, a Facebook group, parental mentorship, and access to family therapists are readily available.

The Rehabilitation Center specializes in addressing issues related to substance use and mental health. Here, you will benefit from personalized treatment tailored to your specific needs and diagnosis, gain valuable skills for your recovery journey, and foster new relationships in a supportive atmosphere.

At Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, we understand that navigating the financial aspects of treatment can be complex. We are committed to providing transparent information regarding our providers and insurance policies to assist families in making informed decisions about their care. Our facility is licensed by the Department of Human Services in Georgia and accredited by the Association for Experiential Education, assuring families of our commitment to quality therapeutic services. We work with a variety of insurance providers to facilitate coverage for our programs. It is essential for families to contact their insurance company directly to verify benefits and determine coverage for wilderness therapy services. Each patient’s financial responsibility may vary based on their individual policy, and our admissions team is available to help guide you through this process. For families whose insurance may not fully cover the costs associated with treatment, we offer flexible payment options and can discuss potential financial plans. To ensure accessibility and support, we also provide information on scholarships and financial assistance programs that may be available. We encourage prospective patients and their families to reach out to our admissions team for any questions regarding insurance coverage, payment options, and how we can assist in the financial planning of your therapeutic journey. At Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, we are dedicated to supporting both the mental health needs of our clients and the financial needs of their families to ensure that effective treatment is accessible.