Effects of Program Differences With Wilderness Therapy and Residential Treatment Center (RTC) Programs

Abstract

Organizations within the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs differ on a variety of programmatic attributes. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between individual characteristics, programmatic use of adventure therapy, and YOQ-30 scores of participants attending Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare and Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs). No statistical relationship was found between length of treatment and type of program as measured by client scores, while gender, involvement in individual adventure therapy, percentage of time spent on expedition, and admission scores were significantly related to changes in client scores. Characteristics associated with recovery in both treatment environments are discussed.

Keywords:

• outdoor behavioral healthcare
• residential treatment centers
• length of treatment
• adventure therapy
• wilderness therapy