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Wilderness Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40 day experience. The process includes what we refer to as Retreat, Restore ...

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40 day experience. The process includes what we refer to as Retreat, Restore ...

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40 day experience. The process includes what we refer to as Retreat, Restore ...

Field Therapist Seeds Wilderness Way (Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40 day experience. The process includes what we refer to as Retreat, Restore ...

Thanks for your interest in volunteering at Seeds Wilderness Therapy. We are currently looking for volunteers that can donate 2-5 hours per week. If that is you then we would love to hear from you!

Thanks for your interest in volunteering at Seeds Wilderness Therapy. We are currently looking for volunteers that can donate 2-5 hours per week. If that is you then we would love to hear from you!

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where social influence and feedback can be given and received. * Wilderness therapy involves the entire family ...

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where social influence and feedback can be given and received. * Wilderness therapy involves the entire family ...

Previous wilderness therapy experience. * Must be able to pass a background check, and random UA's * Must be physically and emotionally capable of spending extended time outdoors, away from cell ...

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where social influence and feedback can be given and received. * Wilderness therapy involves the entire family ...

Day Shift - ThreePeaks

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$139 - $207/day

This unique program enables us to leverage the advantages of wilderness therapy while incorporating elements of traditional residential treatment. This new program will increase the accessibility of ...

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Wilderness Therapist information

See salary details

$35.5K

$63.9K

$112K

How much do wilderness therapist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness therapist in the United States is $63,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wilderness therapist?

A wilderness therapist is a licensed mental health professional who uses nature-based settings and outdoor activities as part of therapeutic interventions to help individuals, often youth or adolescents, address emotional, behavioral, or substance use challenges. They combine traditional therapy techniques with experiential activities like hiking, camping, or group exercises in wilderness environments. This approach is designed to foster personal growth, build resilience, and promote healing by removing individuals from their usual environments and encouraging self-reflection and healthy coping strategies.

How does a wilderness therapist typically collaborate with field staff and clinical teams to support clients' progress?

Wilderness Therapists regularly work alongside field instructors, program directors, and other clinical professionals to ensure each client receives holistic support. They coordinate with field staff to monitor client behaviors and emotional well-being during outdoor activities, and often hold team meetings to discuss treatment plans and progress. Collaboration is essential for integrating therapeutic goals with daily wilderness routines, allowing for real-time feedback and effective crisis intervention when needed. This teamwork approach helps create a safe and consistent environment where clients can thrive.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wilderness therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wilderness Therapist, you need expertise in mental health counseling, outdoor leadership, and crisis intervention, often backed by a relevant degree and state licensure. Familiarity with therapeutic models, risk management protocols, and outdoor expedition tools is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and adaptability help you connect with clients and handle unpredictable wilderness environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring client safety, delivering effective therapy, and fostering personal growth in challenging outdoor settings.

What is the difference between Wilderness Therapist vs Outdoor Behavioral Therapist?

AspectWilderness TherapistOutdoor Behavioral Therapist
CredentialsOften requires certifications in wilderness therapy, CPR, and first aidRequires similar certifications, including CPR and behavioral therapy credentials
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, remote wilderness settings with therapeutic programsOutdoor settings, often in camps or outdoor therapy centers
Employer & IndustryResearched-based wilderness therapy programs, mental health organizationsBehavioral health clinics, outdoor therapy programs, youth treatment centers

Wilderness Therapists and Outdoor Behavioral Therapists share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on outdoor settings to provide mental health support. The main difference lies in terminology and specific program focus, with Wilderness Therapists often working in remote wilderness areas and Outdoor Behavioral Therapists in camp or outdoor therapy centers. Both roles are vital in outdoor mental health treatment and often overlap in job duties and qualifications.

More about Wilderness Therapist jobs

What cities are hiring for Wilderness Therapist jobs?

Cities with the most Wilderness Therapist job openings:

What states have the most Wilderness Therapist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wilderness Therapist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,943 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Field Therapist


Seeds Wilderness Way(Seeds) works with families with troubled teens. We take teens on an intensive 40 day experience. The process includes what we refer to as Retreat, Restore, Revive-- where as we invite our students to retreat to the mountains with Jesus, find heart restoration with Jesus, and go home to revive friends and neighbors with the gospel. Seeds combines the best practices in therapy with the teachings of Jesus and solid discipleship.


In this role, the Field Therapist interacts directly with students 14-18 years old and their families, as well as assist in communicating with continuing programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship building, increase self-efficacy, strengthen self-determination, as well as provide life-long tools for students and families.


This is a seasonal gig, with significant time in the summer months. Thursdays and Fridays therapists are in the field with students doing 1 on 1 therapy, group therapy, or running initiatives for experiential learning. Mondays through Wednesdays are reserved for sessions with parents and notes. (There would likely be room to squeeze in some private practice therapy sessions as well.)


Extra work may be available in off seasons for other programming (i.e. youth pastor or parent seminars), curriculum, recruiting/marketing, and conference engagements, etc.


The Field Therapist interacts directly with the Clinical Director, Executive Director and the Director of Operations, and the job will encompass a variety of duties.


The duties and expectations include:


  • Primary therapist to students, caseload based on assigned group
  • Run group sessions
  • Meet with each student twice per week
  • Participate in staff training
  • Help with facilitating field instructor training sessions.
  • Assist with on-call schedule
  • Facilitate updates and collaboration to support team members. This could include (but is not limited to): Parents, caregivers, legal guardians, educational consultants, prescribers, transition personnel, medical practitioners, previous therapists, clinical director, clinical staff, guides, executive director, insurance case managers, or other need to know clinical staff.
  • Documentation including progress notes, clinical summaries, discharge summaries, assessments, treatment planning, diagnosing, phone log summaries, on-call clinical recommendations, and email communications to need to know support staff.
  • Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure.
  • Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding the treatment of the adolescents to the team - ie. field therapists, field directors/instructors, and logistics.
  • Facilitation of graduation ceremonies.
  • Alumni support
  • Attendance at conferences and other marketing events
  • Attendance of weekly staff meetings and weekly supervision/collaboration.
  • Collaboration with admissions and clinical staff on group dynamics and cohesion.
  • Writing assignments for students should include Hope letter, Letter of responsibility, Forgiveness letter, etc.
  • Adhere to state regulations regarding mandated reporting
  • Developing and implementing student and parent curriculums.


Qualifications

  • Minimum of Master's degree in Social Work, Clinical or Counseling Psychology, Family Therapy, or related field
  • Colorado License or eligible and working towards CO licensure
  • 2+ years of clinical experience working with adolescents in a wilderness, residential or outpatient setting
  • Confident in relationship building capabilities with students, families, referring professionals, and team members
  • Ability to maintain clinical records in a timely manner, and in compliance with state and company regulations and requirements
  • Ability to demonstrate understanding of sound ethical practice
  • Ability to respond to a range of clients' needs using differential diagnoses and treatment approaches
  • Ability to utilize safe de-escalation skills in a volatile situation
  • Ability to provide appropriate crisis intervention services and reach out for additional support in critical situations
  • Current CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Must possess a valid Colorado Drivers License or willing to obtain within 60 days of being hired
  • Fluent English - both oral and written
  • Supports the company values
  • General knowledge of google G-suite software - e.g. doc, sheets, slides, calendar, etc
  • Knowledge of BestNotes preferred, but not required
  • Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team
  • Experience in wilderness therapy or counseling helpful
  • Comfortable working in a wilderness environment
  • Willing to travel to and from the field area (up to 3 hour drive)
  • Loves to learn new things
  • Ability to hike on uneven terrain, while carrying a pack or other equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.