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"I hope you tell kids that this really does work and I am an example."

Research Results Summary

Two large studies we conducted jointly with other wilderness treatment programs using good community norms for comparison, show that wilderness treatment at the high quality OBHRC programs is effective in returning most adolescents to functioning within or near community standards, and that they continue to get better during the year following treatment. (Please see references No. 17 and 18.) A qualitative follow-up study indicates that two to three years after wilderness treatment 83 percent of clients are "doing better" according to their parents and themselves, while only 17 percent are "still struggling." (Ref. 19.)

At Freer and OBHRC we have conducted four studies of depression, enough to be confident that Freer wilderness therapy is effective in dealing with it. The large 2006 OBHRC study of substance abuse and client changes in readiness to make changes in their use, along with OBHRC follow-up interviews (2004) and three smaller questionnaires used by Freer, strongly indicate that Freer is effective in reducing substance abuse by its clients. Dr. Jeff Clark's excellent research strongly supports the Freer program's ability to assist teenagers suffering from incipient character disorders. An OBHRC study showed positive results from treatment of anxiety and adolescent stress. Two studies included tests on the strength of the therapeutic alliance of kids with their field staff, and indicated that this, which is considered to be a crucial element of successful treatment, is a strong component of wilderness therapy. Three Freer studies of family changes following treatment of one of their children are very positive in terms of improved performance by the child after returning home and improved family relationships.

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