Programs

If you have a teenager who is disrespectful, making dangerous choices and who is turning your home into a battle zone, then you’ve come to the right place for help. We are experts in adolescent treatment. We’ve been working with families in similar circumstances to your own for more than 20 years and we have outcome research that proves our program can help. In addition, ours is the only outdoor youth program in the country where a therapist, who specializes in adolescent treatment and has drug and alcohol counseling experience, resides in the field with your child for the entire expedition, not two days a week which is the industry standard. This results in remarkable outcomes for our participants.

First Step:

Wilderness Therapy Expedition

Here your child will participate in a backpacking expedition that combines the benefits of outdoor living, physical activity, and extensive psychotherapy. This is our fundamental program and it provides your child with a life-changing experience. Learn more.

Next Steps:

Santiam Crossing School

Our therapeutic boarding school provides extensive therapy, substance abuse treatment, academic credit recovery and an academically rigorous adventure education program for students struggling with behavioral, mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Here adolescents ages 13 to 18 can resume academic study and build on the treatment gains they made while in a wilderness therapy program. Students also benefit from taking part in the family reunification program. Learn more.

Wilderness Therapy Aftercare


When your child returns home after their wilderness therapy expedition, the period of transition that follows is critical for determining the long-term success of your child. Our Certified Parent Coaches can offer invaluable assistance to your family. Our coaches have many years of experience working specifically with Catherine Freer clients and their families and therefore have a deep understanding of the challenges you will face as you transition your child home or on to a therapeutic school or program. Let them assist you during this critical time. Learn more.

Parent Coaching


For parents wanting help creating change in their family's dynamics, we offer parent coaching. Our certified Parent Coaches help empower you to generate new and creative solutions in order to promote long-term change within your family. Our coaches work to develop successful strategies for relating to your teen, to implement effective rules, and to create healthy boundaries within the home. Learn more.

Please contact our admissions department at any time at 800-390-3983 and we’ll be happy to access your specific situation to determine if we can help your family. We’ll also put you in touch with parents whose teen has participated in our program and you can ask them about their experience.