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Wilderness Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Star Guides Wilderness Therapy

Be Seen First

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Saint George, UT · On-site

$165 - $246/day

Star Guides is a wilderness therapy program that takes at-risk youth backpacking in Utah's desert backcountry. Our clients issues include ADD, depression, anxiety, sexual behavioral problems, and ...

Passages Alaska

Wilderness Therapy Guide

Klawock, AK

$215.50/day

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 ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure. * Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure. * Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure. * Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure. * Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure. * Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing education credits for licensure. * Collaborate and provide clear and precise direction regarding ...

Passages Alaska

Wilderness Therapy Guide

Klawock, AK · On-site

$215.50/day

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 ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

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 ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Volunteer

Montrose, CO · On-site

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!

ThreePeaks Ascent

Field Guide

Enterprise, UT

$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 ...

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Volunteer

Montrose, CO

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!

ThreePeaks Ascent

Day Shift - ThreePeaks

Cedar City, 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 ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

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 ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Day Shift - ThreePeaks

Cedar City, 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 Therapy information

See salary details

$16.5K

$47.7K

$82.5K

How much do wilderness therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness therapy in the United States is $47,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $53,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals working in wilderness therapy programs?

Professionals in wilderness therapy often face challenges such as adapting to unpredictable outdoor conditions, maintaining client safety in remote settings, and balancing therapeutic goals with physical demands. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm during emergencies. Additionally, practitioners must foster trust and rapport with clients who may be resistant to traditional therapy, all while working closely with multidisciplinary teams to create individualized treatment plans.

How to become a wilderness therapist?

To become a wilderness therapist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, along with experience working with youth or in outdoor settings. Certification in wilderness therapy or outdoor leadership, such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA), is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to work in remote environments are essential for this role.

What is wilderness therapy?

Wilderness therapy is a therapeutic intervention that combines traditional therapy techniques with outdoor expeditions in natural settings. It is designed to help individuals, often adolescents or young adults, address behavioral, emotional, or mental health issues through structured activities, group work, and counseling in a wilderness environment. The goal is to foster personal growth, self-reliance, and healthy coping mechanisms by removing individuals from their usual surroundings and placing them in challenging but supportive outdoor experiences. Wilderness therapy programs are typically led by licensed therapists and experienced outdoor guides. These programs may vary in length and approach, but all focus on holistic healing through nature-based activities.

What is the difference between Wilderness Therapy vs Outdoor Education Specialist?

AspectWilderness TherapyOutdoor Education Specialist
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, sometimes mental health certificationsWilderness First Aid, teaching or environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentTherapeutic settings in wilderness areas, working with at-risk youthEducational settings, outdoor programs, camps
Employer & IndustryTherapy centers, mental health organizationsSchools, camps, outdoor education companies

Wilderness Therapy and Outdoor Education Specialists both work outdoors and require certifications like First Aid. However, Wilderness Therapy focuses on therapeutic interventions for at-risk youth, often in clinical settings, while Outdoor Education Specialists primarily teach outdoor skills and environmental awareness in educational or recreational settings.

How to get a job in wilderness therapy?

To work in wilderness therapy, candidates typically need relevant experience in outdoor education, counseling, or mental health, along with certifications such as CPR and first aid. Many positions require a background check, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in remote, outdoor environments. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering can also improve job prospects.

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 generally need a background in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, often supported by licensure and experience with youth or at-risk populations. Familiarity with outdoor safety protocols, wilderness first aid certification, and knowledge of experiential therapy models are typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, adaptability, and strong leadership skills help foster trust and guide participants through challenging outdoor experiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring client safety, therapeutic effectiveness, and positive growth in unpredictable wilderness settings.

What is wilderness therapy?

Wilderness therapy is a type of treatment program for individuals with emotional or behavioral issues, including substance abuse. Wilderness therapy involves leading clients on a set of outdoor activities or wilderness adventures to help treat particular mental and behavioral health diseases or conditions. The theory of wilderness therapy is that by engaging in the physical and mental demands of outdoor exploration, participants can overcome or mediate underlying psychological and emotional problems by learning alternative coping strategies.

More about Wilderness Therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Wilderness Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Wilderness Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wilderness Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Wilderness Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Wilderness Therapy jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Wilderness Therapy jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Therapy jobs are:

Wilderness Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,693 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Star Guides Wilderness Therapy

Saint George, UT • On-site

$165 - $246/day

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

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Job description

If you're driven to do work that matters,
If you're passionate, and don't mind pushing your comfort zone,
This is the place for you.

Star Guides is a wilderness therapy program that takes at-risk youth backpacking in Utah's desert backcountry.
Our clients issues include ADD, depression, anxiety, sexual behavioral problems, and more.
We teach our staff during their internship primitive skills such as fire-building and trap-setting then mentor our students.

This job may be the most challenging yet rewarding job you've ever had. Personal growth should be expected. We can teach our employees all the required wilderness living skills, but the ability to embrace productive discomfort is a must.

A shift runs 8 consecutive days in the field, with 6 days off at a time.

Pay ranges from $165-$246/day, along with opportunities for bonus pay up to $5,500 within the first year of employment. You can expect to make up to $48,800 in your first year.

Must be 21 years old -or- 7 months out from your 21st birthday
Must be willing to make a 1-year commitment
Must pass a background check
Must have a high school diploma or GED

What might it look like to work with us?
https://youtu.be/7ErmJIBugZo

What our Alumni Students have to say:

https://starguides.net/alumni/

Salary: $165.00 - $246.00 per day

Benefits:

  • 401(k) Matching
  • 16 Days Paid Time Off Per Year

Company Description

Wilderness therapy company catering to teenage adolescents with trauma, behavioral problems, etc. Field staff are a close-knit team. Owners are the therapists who treat the clients.