Outdoor
Recovery

Outward Bound has offered challenging wilderness programs for over 40 years. While it does not have a structured recovery program, the focus on developing skills and personal growth in areas of self-reliance, responsibility, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and self-knowledge can have a positive effect on long term recovery.

Cost: $246 per day. Varies with course length.

This Canadian outdoor adventure program for men combines hiking and canoeing with group counseling for the body, mind and soul. Nature tours are led by a Certified Addictions Counselor and a Certified Wilderness Guide. The focus is on learning to be at peace with yourself and others and to celebrate life, an important part of recovery and healing.

Cost: $1800 (5 days) to $3600 (10 days). There are a small number of subsidized spaces and an installment plan is available.

Licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services and nationally accredited by The Joint Commission as a residential outdoor behavioral healthcare provider. The wilderness program is a chance to be in a safe environment, learn new skills, think about your life, take responsibility for past choices and prepare to begin anew.

Cost: $465 a day for the 49-day or 56-day programs plus $1,250 admission fee. Monthly payments and partial scholarships are available as well as help finding loans.

Licensed by the state of Utah as an Outdoor Behavioral Health Program for teens 13 to 17 and young adults 18 to 28 years old. The focus is on healing, direction, and making positive decisions in your life. Individual and group therapy is combined with daily adventure activities. An academic curriculum is available to all students who need high school credits. The average length of stay is 60 days.

Cost: $525 day with a one-time $3,300 equipment and administration fee.

A wilderness therapy program for teens 13-17 and young adults 18-24 on the Big Island of Hawaii, located on a working farm. An experienced team of professionals offer holistic, active learning and a clinical approach to treatment that is geared to each student. The average length of stay is between 8-10 weeks.

Cost: $895 a day plus $4900 enrollment fee.

This licensed therapeutic outdoor program in Utah provides programs for teens 13-17. Treatment includes individual and group therapy and uses a therapeutic wilderness model: primitive living, ceremony, and appreciation for the beauty and spiritual aspects of nature. There are specialized groups and therapists who focus on substance use disorder using the 12-step model. The required minimum stay is 35 days.

Cost: $485 a day (35-day minimum required) and $2000 for gear, clothing and equipment. A variety of loan programs are available.

Offers an outdoor wilderness treatment program for teens 14-17. Grounded in the 12-step approach, there are individualized treatment plans with a core team of a therapist and three counselors. Lengths of stay are flexible, averaging 4-7 weeks. The program is accredited by CARF, an independent organization that accredits health services.

Cost: $16,580 (28 days). Loans may be available through American Healthcare Lending.