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Catherine Freer News
Taking Group Therapy Way Off the Beaten Path
(April 2008) - University of Pennsylvania's alumni magazine recently featured an article entitled Into the Woods - Taking group therapy way off the beaten path, written by Catherine Freer's Coordinating Therapist Amy Cirincione, LSW, CADC-I, WRF. This article is an outstanding first-hand account of the value of wilderness therapy and is a great reference for parents who are considering a wilderness therapy program for their child. You can read the article at http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0308/elsewhere.html
Santiam Crossing Turns Out Firefighters
(April 2008) - Fire suppression techniques and wildland fire behavior are all part of the Introduction to Wildland Firefighting course being offered at Santiam Crossing School. Upon completing the class, led by two retired firefighters, students will receive a certification that makes them eligible to apply for forest firefighting jobs. In addition, students will earn academic credits for taking part in the class. This is just one example of the creative experiential curriculum at Santiam Crossing. Also planned this summer is a swiftwater rescue course, where the students will receive certification. To learn more about Santiam Crossing School at http://www.santiamcrossing.com.
All Female Expedition Dates Announced
(April 2008) - Catherine Freer is offering two special all female expeditions this summer that will focus on helping young women build strength, confidence, and the skills necessary to make positive and healthy choices. An experienced and dynamic team of three female staff will lead the expedition. Start dates are July 6 and August 3. Space is limited. Reserve a spot today. For more information contact the admissions department at (800) 390-3983.
It's A Wrap
(Dec. 2007) - Catherine Freer and a German television film crew recently completed filming a documentary which will air in Germany this spring. Eight German adolescents, three German speaking Freer staff, including a therapist, along with an extensive film crew set off on a 54-day wilderness therapy expedition. The first 21-days of the expedition were spent backpacking and the emphasis was on self-reflection. During the second phase, additional peer interaction was initiated and group work began. Group activities included rafting, horseback riding, climbing and service work.
Freer Donations Help Flood Victims
(Dec. 2007) - The recent storm that swept through the Pacific Northwest left numerous waterways brimming and in some cases resulted in flooding. Catherine Freer donated 200 pounds of bulk dried foods to a group of volunteers who headed to northern Oregon to aid those impacted by the flooding. At Freer, we are always focused on the weather and our groups in the field were aware that a storm was on the way, were well-prepared, and safely rode out the inclement weather.
1470 to US Forest Service
(Dec. 2007) - The Willamette National Forest Service is again lauding the efforts of Catherine Freer's participants. This year 1,470 total hours of service work was completed. Participants, along with staff, helped to complete a new trail, maintained existing trails, and stocked ski shelters with wood. Learn more about our wilderness therapy expeditions at http://www.cfreer.com.
Freer Successfully Completes JCAHO Review
(Nov. 2006) - Catherine Freer just completed an onsite survey by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Freer was one of the first wilderness therapy programs to become fully certified by JCAHO in 2000. Joint Commission accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Catherine Freer is committed to upholding industry-leading standards and belongs to numerous national organizations that promote high quality throughout the industry. Learn more at http://www.cfreer.com/About/LicensingAccreditation.html.
Freer Clinical Director Earns CADC III
(Nov. 2006) - Catherine Freer Clinical Director Kevin Riley, LCSW, has obtained the highest level of certification available to alcohol and drug counselors. He has earned Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III credentials. As a dual diagnosis program, all of Catherine Freer’s direct care staff are either certified alcohol and drug counselors or are working towards certification. To learn more visit http://www.cfreer.com/About/OurCounselingApproach.html.
Satisfied Santiam Crossing Parents
(Nov. 2006) - “Never before have I seen Tyler so confident and pleased with himself.. He’s making new friends and has shown no interest in reconnecting with anyone from before. At home, he still knows what buttons to try to push, and I think we are doing a good job… Share with the other students Tyler’s successes and tell them that Tyler said he misses them and wants to hear how they’re doing. Thanks for all your help!” - Karen S. (Oct. 2006). To learn more about Santiam Crossing School visit their web site at http://www.santiamcrossing.com
Extended Expeditions Now Features Open-Ended Length of Stay
(Nov. 2006) - Participants taking part in Catherine Freer's Extended Expeditions program can now have their stay extended to further accomplish treatment plan objectives. Originally clients would move from Freer's fundamental 21-day program directly into the Extended Expeditions program for a total of 51-days. Now the length of stay can be extended beyond the 51-days as deemed necessary. Learn more about the Extended Expeditions program at http://www.cfreer.com/Programs/.
Freer Receives Recognition from US Forest Service
(November 2006) - Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs has been awarded the Middle Fork Ranger District Forest Service Blanket Award in recognition of their volunteer service.
One blanket is awarded each year to a volunteer group that has done outstanding work. Catherine Freer employees and wilderness therapy participants were recognized for their efforts. They built nearly one-quarter mile of the North Fork Trail and filled four cross-country ski shelters with wood this year.
“Working with Catherine Freer has always been fun, easy and productive. Your crews are hard working, respectful, productive and well mannered. Even though the work is hard, your attitude is always great. Thank you for your contributions to the public and the Middle Fork Ranger District,” said Stacey L. Smith, Willamette National Forest Middle Fork Ranger District Recreation Supervisory Forester.
“Service learning is a powerful component of our wilderness therapy programs. We believe that participation in service learning helps young people make meaningful contributions to the environment and to their community. This then becomes an important as part of their recovery,” explained Robert Cooley, Ph.D., Catherine Freer executive director.
Catherine Freer operates wilderness therapy programs for at-risk youth. Each week, three staff members along with up to eight adolescent participants depart Albany for a wilderness therapy backpacking expedition. One staff member is a master’s level therapist. During the expedition adolescents hike approximately eight miles per day, participate in individual and group therapy, and learn new tools and healthy coping mechanisms for addressing emotional and behavioral issues.
Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs serves approximately 350 adolescents annually. The employee owned and operated company was founded in 1988 and is licensed by the State of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) accredits the program.
The company also operates Santiam Crossing, an outdoor therapeutic school, and Oregon Transition Homes.
Santiam Crossing School Celebrating
(October 2006) - Now entering its third year, Santiam Crossing School is celebrating. This year alone the school has had some noteworthy milestones: 28 students completed the program, 5 students met the requirements to graduate from their hometown high school, 7 students completed their GED, 4 students completed more than a full year of academics in nine months, and the remainder successfully transitioned to other academic settings. Santiam also received provisional accreditation from the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS). To learn more about Santiam Crossing call Sarah Mack at (800) 390-3983 or visit www.santiamcrossing.com/.
Academics - Got You Covered
(October 2006) - Each graduate of our 21-day wilderness therapy expedition receives an academic transcript. While in the field participants spend at least 30 hours on cooking skills, 40 or more hours on journal writing, 80 or more hours hiking, and more than 60 hours in formal individual and group counseling. Most local school districts grant credit in these areas. For more information contact our admissions office at (800) 390-3983.
Top Marks From Parental Survey
(July 2006) - Ninety-eight percent of parents polled from 2005 to date agree that they would recommend our wilderness expedition programs to another family. Ninety three percent indicate that they have seen positive changes in their children since completing one of our programs. If you have a client that would like to speak with an alumni parent, please call our admissions department at (800) 390-3983 for a referral list.
Freer Quoted in Social Work Today Magazine
(July 2006) - The nation’s leading newsmagazine for social workers published an article entitled “Mother Nature’s Medicine – Wilderness Therapy.” Catherine Freer Program Director Paul Smith was quoted extensively in the article, which offers an in depth look into wilderness therapy and the healing power of wilderness. Read the article ...more
Knight to Lead Oregon Transition Homes (OTH)
(July 2006) - Darcy Knight has been appointed director of Oregon Transition Homes, an adolescent transition program operated by Catherine Freer. Knight replaces Sarah Mack who created and has been successfully running this program for more than 10 years. Mack chose to hand over the reins so she can focus on referral development and on her role as an executive team member. Learn more at http://www.strugglingteens.com/.
Freer Participates in New Outcome Study
The Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Cooperative (OHHRC) is conducting another study on adolescent wilderness therapy. This time the researchers will examine family involvement in adolescent wilderness therapy. The research will result in new data on adolescent outcomes, family outcomes, and therapeutic relationships over time in wilderness therapy. Catherine Freer was one of two programs selected to receive a personal site visit from University of Minnesota Researcher Nevin Harper. For more information on outdoor behavioral healthcare research, visit http://education.umn.edu/kin/research/OBHRC/.
Freer Client In the News!
Four year’s ago Cody Traub arrived at Catherine Freer suffering from depression and behavioral issues. Today, as he graduates from high school, he is being recognized for his role in updating the Washington state high school curriculum and student leadership roles statewide. He even has a personal letter of recommendation from Washington Gov. Christine Gregorie. Read more about Cody in Longview, Washington’s The Daily News at http://www.tdn.com/articles/2006/06/03/area_news/news07.txt.
OTH Alumni Returns for Annual Mule Endurance Race
Oregon Transition Home (OTH) alumni Chas Biederman returned to join current OTH participants in the Winnemucca Mule Days Marathon. Biederman completed his stay in the OTH program in 2004, but returns annually to participate in the mule marathon. Biederman created lasting relationships while at OTH and explains, “my Freer trek and my time at OTH were definitely life-changing experiences.” Today he is living with sobriety and with the values that he established at Catherine Freer. Chas will spend the summer helping on the OTH mule ranch. In August he returns to Warren Wilson College to complete his junior year. To learn more about OTH visit http://cfreer.com/Programs/OregonTransitionHomes.html or call Sarah Mack at (800) 390-3983.
Freer Nominated for Excellence in Family Business Awards
Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs was nominated by West Coast Bank to receive a 2006 Excellence in Family Business Award. These prestigious awards recognize family-owned or closely held businesses that excel in their professionalism, commitment, and innovation. Oregon State University’s Austin Family Business Program presents the awards. For more information on the adolescent treatment programs offered by Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs visit http://www.cfreer.com.
Oregon Transition Homes Client Wins Endurance Race
No, it wasn’t a foot race. It was a 50-mile endurance horse race in which 14-year-old River, an Oregon Transition Homes (OTH) client, competed. But it wasn’t a horse he was riding. He rode a mule from the OTH ranch where he has been living for the past six months. His mule was far from stubborn as he helped River to come in first place in the junior level and fourth place in the overall race. Prior to enrolling into OTH, River had no horseback riding or mule experience. Nor did his parents who joined him in the race, also riding upon mules.
Upon completing a Freer wilderness expedition, River needed more time to assimilate his therapeutic experience. He didn’t require the intensity of a residential treatment program and he also wasn’t ready to return home. Through the OTH program, he is living on a mule ranch with a highly qualified and trained family. Here he is benefiting from living in a nurturing home environment, where there are clear and consistent rules and expectations. For more information call Sarah Mack at (541) 928-2749.
Cooley Presents at JCAHO Conference
(December 2005) – Freer Executive Director Rob Cooley, Ph.D., presented at the second annual JCAHO Behavioral Health Care conference held this month in Chicago. The conference focused on bridging the gap between scientific theory and practice by incorporating outcome research and results into an organization’s systems. Catherine Freer was the first therapeutic wilderness program to be endorsed by JCAHO, a not-for-profit health care accreditation organization, and has taken part in numerous outcome studies. To learn more visit http://cfreer.com/long-lasting-results/.
Freer Therapists Top of Their Game
(November 2005) – Few, if any, other programs offer the depth of staff training that Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs provides to its employees. Weekly clinical trainings are held for therapists and field staff. Moreover, all therapists are required to complete 40 hours of certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) training annually. At Catherine Freer, we have created an innovative learning environment that fosters unique opportunities for personal and professional growth for our employees. This creates a healthy work environment that permeates the company, contributing to our outstanding client service. For more information on Catherine Freer’s staff team visit http://cfreer.com/Staff.
Santiam Students Swept Away By River Expedition Experience
(November 2005) – Negotiating difficult situations, learning tools to help them handle unforeseen obstacles, and facing challenges – this is not the description of a typical group therapy session, but rather the details of the exhilarating rafting experience from which the students of Santiam Crossing School recently returned. The academic block break on the Deshutes River was lead by Catherine Freer Founder and Executive Director Rob Cooley, Ph.D., and Program Director Brian MacInnes. The students returned invigorated from the adventure. Learn more about Santiam Crossing School at http://www.santiamcrossing.com.
Shimmeal Presents at Wilderness Risk Manager’s Conference
(November 2005) – Experts in risk management from around the country gathered recently in Utah at the Wilderness Risk Manager’s Conference co-sponsored by NOLS, Outward Bound, and the Student Conservation Association. Catherine Freer’s Wilderness Program Manager Kirk Shimmeal gave a training entitled “Risk Management in Therapeutic Wilderness Programs.” Kirk discussed the unique risk management issues inherent in working with clients who have mental health and/or substance abuse problems and other issues. Kirk has managed Catherine Freer’s wilderness department and has been responsible for the company’s risk management for nine years. The four years prior he worked with Freer clients as a lead wilderness guide.
Kudos All the Way from Ireland
(November 2005) – “Thought it was about time to thank you for all the wonderful work you did with Sam. We are all moving along is a much more positive way – and it never would have changed without the Catherine Freer intervention – we have no doubt about that. Sam says that the expedition was really good for him, but very hard. He is most excited and especially loved his time at Oregon Transition Homes. He came home determined not to use drugs anymore and that is still the case. If anything, his resolve has grown as he looks around him and sees what is happening to some of the kids in his school…For us the most important change is that he is now able to discuss issues with us, he is more talkative generally, has tools for dealing with conflict, and he is much more reflective. Best of all – he is happy.” - Jane T. (October 2005), Ireland
Oregon Transition Homes Girl Plays Football
(November 2005) – When the call went out for anyone interested in playing on the school football team, Katie didn’t hesitate to sign up. As one of the three eight graders in the rural eastern Oregon country school, Katie wanted to be a part of the team. She has had a wonderful experience playing football. Far from the large suburban community that she is accustomed, Katie is living on a remote cattle ranch as a participant in Catherine Freer’s Oregon Transition Home Program (OTH). Upon completing a Freer wilderness expedition, Katie needed more time to assimilate her therapeutic experience. She didn’t require the intensity of a residential treatment program, but she also wasn’t ready to return home. Thorough OTH she is living in a private home with a highly qualified and trained family. Here she is benefiting from living in a nurturing home environment, where there are clear and consistent rules and expectations. For more information call Sarah at (541) 928-2749.
Freer Breaks Records This Summer
(September 2005) – From June through August, Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs enrolled 152 adolescents into one of their wilderness therapy expeditions, a 23 percent increase over 2004. Since 1988, the company has been offering high quality, therapeutically rich, wilderness therapy programs for struggling adolescents. Learn more at http://www.cfreer.com
Catherine Freer Offers Free CEU Certification
(August 2005) – The first in a series of free CEU trainings for mental health professionals will be held at the Santiam Crossing campus in Scio, Oregon, on Aug. 19th. The presentation, “Adolescent Self-Harm – Causes and Treatment” will be presented by Catherine Freer Clinical Director Kevin Riley, LCSW, CADC. Lunch will be served and a tour of the outdoor therapeutic school’s campus will follow the lecture. For information on upcoming CEU certification courses, contact Sarah Mack at (800) 390-3983.
Circumnavigating Islands
(August 2005) – All Santiam Crossing students are departing for an adventure in the San Juan Islands that includes sea kayaking, circumventing an island via kayak, whale-watching, and experiential marine biology and natural history lessons. A therapist is traveling with the group to facilitate group processing and to hold “in the moment” therapeutic consultations. Director of Outdoor Programming Brian Rossiter is leading the weeklong journey, which ends with a “solo” experience. Here students will spend individual reflection time and prepare for reuniting with their families at a parent weekend upon their return. This trip is taking place during an academic block break, which is held every 10 weeks. For more information on Santiam Crossing visit their web site at http://www.santiamcrossing.com or contact an admissions counselor at (800) 390-3983.
Parents Recommend Catherine Freer Programs
(August 2005) – We regularly survey our participants’ parents to ensure that we are meeting their needs and providing them with outstanding service. One hundred percent of parents surveyed this year agree that they would recommend a Catherine Freer wilderness therapy program to another family. Eight-nine percent of families indicate that they have seen positive changes in their children since completing one of our programs. To learn more, contact our admissions office at (800) 390-3983.
Freer Client Quoted in Newsweek Magazine
In the Dec. 12, 2005 issue of Newsweek Magazine a former Catherine Freer client is quoted in an article regarding a health care gap for teenagers. The reporter spoke with Curtiss Schreiber. He was 17 years old, abusing drugs and alcohol, and finally admitted that he needed help. He participated in Catherine Freer's 21-day wilderness therapy expedition and the Extended Expeditions program and from there went to a halfway house in Washington state. He has now been sober for two years. Read more at http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10312474/site/newsweek/.
Catherine Freer Client Crowned Strawberry Queen
Erin VanAtta was running away from home and abusing alcohol. After participating in our 21-day expedition she has turned her life around. She recently graduated from High School with a 3.38 grade point average and was named as her hometown's Strawberry Queen. Read more in the Lebanon Express Newspaper.
Catherine Freer Clinical Director published in Counselor Magazine
ALBANY, Ore. (July 6, 2005) - Catherine Freer Clinical Director Kevin Riley, LCSW, CADC, will have an article published in the August issue of Counselor Magazine.
Riley's article, entitled "Sobriety Grows in Trees: Wilderness Therapy Continues to Gain Credibility" discusses the value and outcome of utilizing wilderness therapy to reach troubled teens.
Counselor, the Magazine for Addiction Professionals, is a national, peer-reviewed publication with a circulation of more than 21,000 addiction treatment professionals. The August issue will hit the newsstands on July 15.
"In a wilderness therapy program, clients spend the majority of their time outside, in a natural area, far from urban or suburban life. They are given the equipment and taught the skills that they need to flourish in that environment and then held accountable for putting in the effort. This type of informal process helps to reduce typical teen defensiveness about walking into an office to be 'therapized,'" explained Riley.
He added, "I have seen the effects that therapy which takes place under the open skies has on adolescents. They are profound."
Riley has been with Catherine Freer for five years. Before coming to Catherine Freer he worked with adolescents and families in many arenas, including tutoring and mentoring in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, adolescent service trips to Nicaragua, and working as a family therapist in Seattle. Riley received his MSW from the University of Washington. His clinical areas of interest include group therapy, family systems, and adolescent rites-of-passage.
About Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs Catherine Freer's therapeutically enhanced wilderness programs have given thousands of troubled teenagers youth the tools necessary to make a new start. Founded in 1988, the Albany, Oregon, based company operates 21 and 51-day wilderness therapy expeditions, Santiam Crossing, an outdoor therapeutic school, and Oregon Transition Homes. Licensed by the state of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program, Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. For more information, please visit the web site at http://www.cfreer.com or call (800) 390-3983.
Catherine Freer Featured on ABC's Prime Time
Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions was featured on ABC's Primetime Thursday. Six families agreed to have producers and a film crew accompany their children on one of our 21-day expeditions. The broadcast took an in-depth look at the intense emotional and physical journey of three of our participants as they experienced the challenges of the 21-day expedition. Over 12 million people tuned in to watch the documentary, which was intended to provide viewers with information about the benefits of wilderness therapy for families in crisis.
If you would like to see a copy of the program that aired in 2002, please give us a call at (800) 390-3983 or click here to read an online discussion with ABC News readers and Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs Executive Director Dr. Rob Cooley.
Oregon Company identified as one of the nation's top teen drug providers, recognized for groundbreaking and comprehensive youth treatment program
Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions was recently selected as one of the nation's top teen drug treatment providers by Drug Strategies, a Washington, DC-based non-profit research institute. The ranking was published in the first-ever comprehensive guide to drug treatment programs for teens, Treating Teens: A Guide to Adolescent Drug Programs, published in 2003, which brings together current research and clinical practice in the area of adolescent drug treatment to provide helpful and clear guidance for parents, counselors and others struggling to help a teenager overcome addiction. Developed with an advisory panel of 22 nationally-recognized experts, including leading academics, clinical researchers, treatment providers and adolescent development specialists, the book was supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
"We are delighted to receive this recognition from Drug Strategies," said Dr Robert Cooley, Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Catherine Freer Program. "We have worked hard to develop this new approach to adolescent treatment. We believe good wilderness therapy is ideal for most young people, and hope that it will soon become the treatment of choice."
The guide lists 144 exemplary programs around the country, and takes an in-depth look at seven of those programs. Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions was selected as one of the seven highlighted programs in the directory. A complete profile of each program, including how it incorporates the key elements of effective treatment, is available on Drug Strategies' companion web site at http://www.drugstrategies.org/teens/index.html.
Treating Teens looks at drug abuse in the context of adolescent development and provides a framework for understanding what has been learned about effective adolescent drug treatment over the last decade. The guide underscores the need to address developmental issues when treating adolescents, provides concrete ways to assess treatment programs, including the key elements of effective adolescent drug treatment and questions to ask of treatment providers. It also includes hotline numbers and web site addresses for finding treatment in each state and definitions of frequently used treatment terms.
Teenage drug abuse: An epidemic
Teenage substance abuse in the United States has reached epidemic proportions and, unfortunately, there is little information available to adults about treatment options. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, more than one million young people between the ages of 12 and 17 need treatment for substance abuse, but only one in ten receives help. In addition, those who are in drug treatment programs may be in one that doesn't address their particular needs.
"Without question, we must better identify, diagnose and refer those teens in need of care. This important guide to treatment services can help families help their children toward lives free of drugs and full of opportunity" said Charles G. Curie, Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
According to Treating Teens, there are nine elements that are crucial to effective adolescent drug treatment including: assessment and treatment matching; a comprehensive, integrated treatment approach, family involvement in treatment, developmentally appropriate program, engage and retain teens in treatment, qualified staff, continuing care, and evidence-based treatment outcomes.
Treating Teens: A Guide to Adolescent Drug Programs. It can be ordered online at www.drugstrategies.org.
About Drug Strategies
Drug Strategies, a non-profit research institute promotes more effective approaches to the nation's drug problems and supports initiatives to reduce the demand for drugs through prevention, education, treatment and law enforcement.