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Because Outback Therapeutic Expeditions is an outcome-informed treatment program, we participate in internal and external research studies that measure the quality and consistency of our treatment. These studies help ensure that Outback is providing the most cutting-edge techniques for a constantly changing world.
Wilderness therapy, also referred to as Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare (OBH), has proven to be a safe and effective alternative for treatment-resistant youth. Wilderness therapy programs have evolved over the last five decades, growing into a comprehensive and clinically sophisticated intervention. Most wilderness programs now offer clinical assessments, individualized treatment planning, individual and group therapy, and substance abuse education and treatment.
In 2003, Keith Russell and the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Cooperative conducted one of the first comprehensive empirical studies on the effectiveness of wilderness therapy, using a large sample of adolescents who were enrolled in multiple wilderness therapy programs.
Participants not only demonstrated significant emotional and psychological improvements but maintained decreased levels of anxiety and depression over a 12-month period. Additionally, a statistically significant number of participants struggling with substance abuse issues maintained recovery over a 12-month period.
A second study, conducted in 2006, used a large sample of participants (774 adolescents) in wilderness programs for troubled teens. The study focused on rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use. Participants were re-visited after six months, and the vast majority of behavioral changes had been maintained.
The students reported greater therapeutic engagement and readiness for change, reduction in stress levels, and decreased levels of anxiety and depression. Again, students reported freedom from substance abuse and dependency and overall satisfaction with the therapeutic process.
As an extension of Russell’s earlier work, researchers conducted a rigorous, well-controlled effectiveness study of wilderness therapy programs. Using statistical assessment, sampling and retention techniques, the research team launched a multi-site, longitudinal study of the impact of wilderness programming on adolescents.
The study involved troubled teens enrolled in three different wilderness therapy programs. The vast majority of the participants had been in therapy before and 22% of participating adolescents reporting at least four prior therapists.
Neal Christensen, PhD, conducted a study at Outback Therapeutic Expeditions. Using the Youth Outcome Questionnaire (YOQ), he followed the emotional and behavioral state of students before, during, and after wilderness therapy treatment. Students reported on their levels of anxiety, depression, academic performance, home life, and other relevant topics.
Statistical data was taken upon admission, after treatment had been started, upon graduation from the wilderness therapy program, and for extended periods of time after graduation. Upon admission, the teens in crisis reported:
These results suggest that wilderness programs for troubled teens are teaching important emotion regulation skills, and that adolescents are continuing to refine their skills after graduation. Overall findings provide considerable support for the use of wilderness therapy in treating resistant adolescents.
Outback therapeutic Expeditions continues to participate in research conducted by the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council. This allows us to contribute to the therapeutic community by demonstrating the effectiveness of wilderness therapy. It also gives us continuous feedback on our clinical practices. We use this feedback to improve our program structure and ensure that we are always providing the most effective, nurturing, and state-of-the-art therapeutic care while also harnessing the power of a natural setting.
