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Adventure Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Therapist

VT · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

The program combines wilderness adventure therapy with a residential experience, farm programming, and comprehensive health and wellness services to guide young adults facing mental health challenges ...

Therapist

Leicester, NC · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Each campus offers a unique blend of clinical rehabilitation, 12 step addiction recovery, proven addiction therapy services, family counseling, and experiential and adventure therapy. We are seeking ...

Therapist

Fletcher, NC · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Each campus offers a unique blend of clinical rehabilitation, 12 step addiction recovery, proven addiction therapy services, family counseling, and experiential and adventure therapy. We are seeking ...

Therapist

Ellenboro, NC · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Each campus offers a unique blend of clinical rehabilitation, 12 step addiction recovery, proven addiction therapy services, family counseling, and experiential and adventure therapy. We are seeking ...

Showing results 21-40

Adventure Therapy information

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How much do adventure therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure therapy in the United States is $17.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.71 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.

More about Adventure Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Adventure Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Adventure Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Adventure Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Adventure Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Adventure Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Adventure Therapy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Adventure Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,101 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Experiential Therapist - Program Lead

Calo Programs

Columbia, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

OverviewExperiential Therapist - Program Lead

Location: 130 Calo Lane, Lake Ozark, MO 65049 Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 

Relocation Assistance Provided!

Ready to get out of the therapy room and make a meaningful impact through connection and engagement? If you're a clinician who enjoys building relationships, leading groups, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and creating engaging therapeutic experiences, this role offers the opportunity to support youth in a dynamic and highly interactive environment.

Here, therapy happens in motion: through group challenges, outdoor experiences, and animal-assisted work. You'll work side-by-side with our youth by helping them build trust, regulate, and breakthrough in ways traditional settings often can't reach.

At CALO, our mission is to heal generations through a holistic, family-driven model, and you will be at the heart of that work.

Apply today if you're looking for a highly engaging environment where no two days are the same. Ideal for clinicians who enjoy group work, program development, and building connections.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and facilitate therapeutic groups, experiential activities, and animal-assisted programming that support student growth and treatment goals.
  • Coordinate, organize, and oversee the day-to-day flow of adventure therapy and experiential programming to ensure a structured, engaging, and effective student experience.
  • Partner closely with Adventure Therapy Coordinators to develop, implement, and enhance programming, activities, and therapeutic experiences.
  • Build strong therapeutic relationships with students through mentorship, daily engagement, hands-on support, and meaningful shared experiences.
  • Integrate animal-assisted interventions, including work alongside CALO's canine companions, to promote connection, regulation, and growth.
  • Provide clinical support through assessments, treatment planning input, real-time coaching, and crisis intervention as needed.
  • Ensure timely documentation, family communication, regulatory compliance, and overall program quality while helping maintain a positive, relationship-focused treatment environment.
Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Recreation Therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
  • Fully licensed clinicians (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist) preferred; provisional licensure will be considered.
  • Recreational Therapy certification may be considered based on education, experience, and credentialing requirements.
  • Experience facilitating groups and working with adolescents in a therapeutic, residential, or experiential setting.
  • Interest in or experience with adventure-based, experiential, and animal-assisted interventions.
  • Strong leadership, organization, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
  • Must be at least 24 years of age and able to pass required background and drug screenings.
Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Multiple plan options including PPO and HDHPs with HSA eligibility and company contributions.
  • Paid Parental Leave - Up to 6 weeks fully paid for exempt employees and 4 weeks for non-exempt.
  • Life & Disability Coverage - Company-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability; voluntary life and optional short-term disability available.
  • 401(k) with Company Match - Retirement savings with matching contributions after eligibility period.
  • PTO & Holidays - Competitive PTO accrual plans and paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges.

CALO is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to enriching the therapeutic and healing experience we offer through the diversity of our employees and community. We actively seek to recruit and support a broadly diverse staff who contribute to our excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, and relevance in a global society. 

CALO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. #ALLCALO #onsite #LI-KK1 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME