Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Health & Fitness:Mental Health
In this special episode Will discusses the announcement of the upcoming closure of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, marking a significant moment in the private pay, adolescent-focused wilderness therapy sector. This closure is part of a larger trend, as Open Sky is the fifth program of its kind to shut down within a year. The episode offers an in-depth analysis of these closures, examining common challenges such as shifting societal perceptions, increased competition from other types of mental health treatment, and economic difficulties.
Listeners are taken through a journey beginning with a reading of Open Sky's closure announcement, offering a personal and direct insight into the issues faced by the program. The episode revisits previous interviews with Open Sky employees, highlighting their dedication to providing exceptional outdoor mental health care for adolescents. In a reflective essay, the Will draws parallels between the current state of wilderness therapy and a 'winter' phase – a time for introspection and preparation for future growth.
Significantly, the episode also revisits a January 2021 interview with Kenneth Rosen, author of “Troubled: The Failed Promise of America’s Behavioral Treatment Programs”, who had predicted these closures in a conversation with Will. This discussion offers a unique perspective on the challenges and criticisms facing the adolescent wilderness therapy sector, providing a comprehensive understanding of its evolution and the potential paths forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the complex dynamics of wilderness therapy and the factors shaping its future.
We want to thank Adventure Recovery for underwriting Season 18 which focuses on addiction and recovery.
Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives of over 200 episodes of this podcast on Stories from the Field.com.
232: Exploring Outdoor Therapy with David Wynn from Blue Ridge Treks
231: Surf Therapy: A New Wave in Therapeutic Practices with Cash Lambert
230: Everest Inc.: Debunking Myths with Author Will Cockrell
229: Healing in the Outdoors: 'No Child Left Inside” author Bryn Lottig on the Journey to Emotional Well-being
228: Embark's Closure of New Visions and the Future of Wilderness Therapy
227: From Military to Mindfulness: Tripp Johnson's Journey to Behavioral Healthcare Innovation
226: From Addiction to Adventure: How Nature Transforms Lives with Nate Bennick
225: Embracing Adventure for Recovery: The Foundation House Experience
224: Navigating Controversy: Dr. Madolyn Liebing's Take on Wilderness Therapy's Future and Addiction Treatment in Outdoor Settings
223: Recovery in the Outdoors: Roy DuPrez's Journey to Sobriety and the Back2Basics Story
222: Empowering Young Adults when “At the Crossroads” with Mike Hench
220: Tommy Rosen's Recovery 2.0: Transforming Addiction Treatment with Holistic Healing
219: From Phish to Fulfillment: Trey Anastasio & Melanie Gulde's Recovery Vision
218: Recovery in the Wild: Transforming Lives Through Outdoor Adventures
217: Nature's Therapy: Unveiling Soul Degree's Power in Men's Wellness with Chris Robbins
216: Adventure Therapy for Anxiety: Exploring Dr. Stephanie Marti's Outpatient Practice
215: Addressing Anxiety Through Climbing: Noah Kleiner's Journey at Equinox Guiding Services
214: Advancing Adventure Therapy Certifications with Fred Borroel
213: Post-Pandemic Wilderness Therapy: Seven Trends in Outdoor Mental Health Practices
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