Client perspectives on wilderness therapy as a component of adolescent residential treatment for problematic substance use and mental health issues

Abstract

Wilderness therapy is a specialized approach to adolescent substance use and mental health treatment. While empirical evidence of positive outcomes grows to support this approach, qualitative understandings are lacking in the literature, thereby limiting theoretical explanations. Additionally, the voice of adolescent clients is hardly present, and was therefore the focus for this research. A sample of 148 adolescent wilderness therapy clients at one Canadian residential treatment program for addictive behaviour and mental health issues participated in the study. A realist approach utilizing thematic analysis of written open-ended responses produced six major themes; three depicting participant experiences (social dynamics, wilderness, catalyst for change) and three for perceived outcomes (skill development, self-concept, health). These findings are discussed in relationship to the development of a clinical model of wilderness therapy and the potential of wilderness interventions in adolescent residential treatment. Recommendations for practice and future research are discussed.