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Adventure Therapy information

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How much do adventure therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure therapy in Michigan is $15.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is adventure therapy?

An Adventure Therapy job involves using outdoor and experiential activities to support individuals in improving their mental health and overall well-being. Practitioners, often therapists or counselors, guide clients through activities like hiking, rock climbing, or team-building exercises to promote personal growth, resilience, and self-confidence. These activities help clients process emotions, develop coping skills, and build stronger relationships. Adventure therapists work in various settings, including wilderness programs, residential treatment centers, and outpatient therapy practices. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in adventure therapy?

To thrive in Adventure Therapy, professionals generally need a background in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with expertise in outdoor education or wilderness leadership. Certifications such as Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and sometimes clinical licenses (e.g., LPC, LCSW) are commonly required, as are competencies with risk management systems and activity-specific equipment. Strong soft skills include communication, empathy, adaptability, and teamwork, given the need to support clients in unpredictable outdoor settings. These abilities are vital for ensuring participant safety, fostering therapeutic rapport, and effectively facilitating personal growth through adventure-based activities.

What are some typical challenges faced by adventure therapy professionals?

Adventure Therapy professionals often work in dynamic outdoor environments where they must adapt to changing weather, participants’ varying physical abilities, and evolving group dynamics. Managing the safety and emotional well-being of participants while facilitating therapeutic outcomes can be demanding, especially during extended trips. It’s important to be comfortable making quick decisions, effectively managing crises, and balancing therapeutic goals with risk management. However, overcoming these challenges is part of what makes the role rewarding, as it allows for meaningful breakthroughs and strong, supportive relationships with clients.

How do you become an adventure therapist?

To become an adventure therapist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, followed by specialized training in adventure therapy techniques. Many pursue a master's degree and obtain certifications such as the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) credential, gaining experience through internships or supervised practice in outdoor or therapeutic settings.

How much do adventure therapists make?

Adventure therapists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the setting, such as clinics, schools, or outdoor programs, and may include additional benefits or opportunities for advancement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Adventure Therapy jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Adventure Therapy jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Adventure Therapy jobs in Michigan?

For Adventure Therapy jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Adventure Therapy jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Adventure Therapy jobs in Michigan are:

Adventure Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adventure Therapy job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 15% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,466 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

TRILLIUM BEHAVIORAL PATHWAYS LLC

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Trillium Behavioral Health is a Joint Commission–accredited acute inpatient psychiatric hospital located in Warren, Michigan, and dedicated to serving Central Michigan’s adult population. We place a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, providing 24/7 referral and clinical liaison services, seamless admissions, and holistic treatment environments designed for safety and dignity.

If you are interested in joining an amazing group of people who are passionate about helping others during their inpatient psych journey, please keep reading!

Our Recreational Therapist is responsible for delivering therapeutic recreation programs that support the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of patients in an inpatient behavioral health setting. 

Full-Time, in person

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology, or a related field. 
  • Minimum: 2+ years of experience in recreational therapy, preferably in a behavioral health setting.
  • Required: Certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Helpful: Additional certification in specialized therapy modalities (such as music therapy, art therapy or adventure therapy)
  • Knowledge of behavioral health treatment models, including trauma-informed care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties set forth below describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a CTRS. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, as they include all tasks requested to meet the needs of Trillium Behavioral.

  • Establishes treatment goals and objectives to meet individual patient needs and determines the appropriate therapeutic recreation modality
  • Evaluates each patient’s progress and the effectiveness of therapy, recording results on daily progress notes and adhering to documentation policies
  • Develops and applies clinical skills by assessing patient’s level of functioning and observing participation in Activity Therapy (AT) sessions
  • Attends treatment team conferences to exchange information and assist with treatment plans and progress summaries
  • Records behaviorally stated problems and interventions pertinent to AT on the Master Treatment Plan (MTP) and discharge summaries in a timely manner
  • Implements individual treatment plans using an interdisciplinary team approach
  • Participates in developing new treatment programs based on changes in the mental health field
  • Instructs patients in the proper use of equipment during therapy sessions
  • Follows patient safety protocols during therapy and completes safety checklists as required
  • Attends lectures, seminars, and in-services to stay updated on current trends in therapeutic recreation
  • Provides in-services for Trillium Behavioral staff as needed, based on expertise
  • Sets therapeutic limits on patient behavior, identifies verbal and non-verbal cues for potential aggression, and applies de-escalation techniques when necessary
  • Observes and acts upon safety issues for patients, especially related to sensory perceptual images such as illusions, delusions, or hallucinations
  • Performs other duties as requested by the Activity Therapy Coordinator