ABOUT SECOND NATURE (WILDERNESS PROGRAM)
Second Nature Wilderness Program (SNWP) has been providing assistance to adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 who are facing various mental, emotional, or behavioral health challenges for nearly 20 years. These challenges may include drug abuse or learning disabilities. While the main office is located in Duchesne, Utah, the program takes place in different camping locations. SNWP is a wilderness therapy program that focuses on teaching residents through outdoor experiences.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Clients undergo an initial assessment to determine the most suitable group for their individual psychiatric needs. Clients with similar struggles are often grouped together. Residents engage in camping experiences such as building and tearing down campsites and hiking three to five miles each day. The program consists of four stages of treatment known as earth, water, fire, and air. In addition to daily group therapy, residents receive one to two hours of individual therapy each week. SNWP also utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as well as other therapeutic models. Medication management is available if needed.
Aftercare planning starts during treatment, and staff maintain communication with parents to discuss medication changes and encourage participation in family therapy. SNWP offers parent workshops, support groups, and involves parents in planning for continuing care.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The program employs a clinical director, medical coordinator, therapists, and a psychiatrist.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Residents build their own shelters and are provided with fresh food and water twice a week for meals. All necessary camping and hiking gear is provided.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The majority of the feedback received by Best-rehabs.com from alumni regarding SNWP has been negative. Two alumni expressed satisfaction with their experiences, while five did not recommend the program. When asked about treatment effectiveness, six out of seven reviewers gave it a low average rating of 2.33 out of five stars.
The individuals who spoke highly of the program acknowledged that it was challenging and required a lot of effort. One reviewer mentioned that the program is not suitable for everyone but praised the caring staff and stated, “I know it saved my life and the lives of the other girls in my group all who I have stayed in touch with.”
The reviewers who did not recommend the program advised readers to conduct thorough research before spending a significant amount of money on treatment. One reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with their experience, stating, “This is abuse not therapy. I was sent here after experiencing a traumatic event in my life and it made it worse.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The feedback from loved ones is mixed. One anonymous reviewer gave a positive review and awarded five out of five stars for treatment effectiveness. However, another reviewer named A.A. rated the program with only one star and advised against sending loved ones there, stating, “Don’t. Send your kid somewhere local. Don’t ruin your relationship with them or have them come back with worse problems than they did before you sent them.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
As of now, only one staff member has provided feedback for SNWP on Best-rehabs.com. This staff member, who was once a client and is now an employee of the facility, praised all aspects of the program except for one specific employee. They expressed concerns about the capability and awareness of this employee and stated, “It’s not okay that a hurting child ‘might’ fall in with an employee such as this; it’s not okay that such a situation exists and perseveres at SNWP with zero awareness and so little opportunity for recourse.”
FINANCING
SNWP is an out-of-network program, but it provides clients and their families with the necessary materials to seek reimbursements from their insurance providers.