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Wilderness Therapy Programs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

... programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship ... Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing ...

... programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship ... Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing ...

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Pro deals! Significant discounts for ...

... programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship ... Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing ...

... programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship ... Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing ...

... programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship ... Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing ...

... programs and therapists. With this approach, Seeds is striving to support healthy relationship ... Continued professional development specific to wilderness therapy outcomes and necessary continuing ...

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Pro deals! Significant discounts for ...

Wilderness Therapy Guide

Klawock, AK · On-site

$215.50/day

You will not be functioning as a fishing guide, but fishing is an integral part of our program ... Previous wilderness therapy experience. * Must be able to pass a background check, and random UA'

Outdoor Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Pro deals! Significant discounts for ...

Wilderness Therapy Guide

Klawock, AK · On-site

$215.50/day

You will not be functioning as a fishing guide, but fishing is an integral part of our program ... Previous wilderness therapy experience. * Must be able to pass a background check, and random UA'

Accessibility: Our program opens doors for more families to benefit from wilderness therapy, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to essential mental health support.

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Pro deals! Significant discounts for ...

Outdoor Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Pro deals! Significant discounts for ...

Outdoor Field Guide

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$153 - $260/day

Wilderness therapy occurs within the context of healthy relationships , in small groups where ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Paid Time Off (PTO) * Pro deals! Significant discounts for ...

Accessibility: Our program opens doors for more families to benefit from wilderness therapy, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to essential mental health support.

Accessibility: Our program opens doors for more families to benefit from wilderness therapy, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to essential mental health support.

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Wilderness Therapy Programs information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Wilderness Therapy Programs, and why are they important?

To thrive in Wilderness Therapy Programs, you need a background in psychology, counseling, or outdoor education, often supported by certifications like Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and experience in outdoor leadership. Familiarity with GPS navigation, risk management systems, and therapeutic assessment tools is commonly required. Strong communication, empathy, resilience, and teamwork are vital soft skills for supporting participants through challenging experiences. These competencies are essential to ensure client safety, foster personal growth, and effectively facilitate therapeutic interventions in remote wilderness environments.

What is the difference between Wilderness Therapy Programs vs Wilderness Therapists?

AspectWilderness Therapy ProgramsWilderness Therapists
CredentialsProgram directors often have backgrounds in psychology, counseling, or outdoor education; certifications varyLicensed mental health professionals with degrees in psychology, counseling, or social work; required licenses and certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor settings, wilderness expeditions, group activitiesClinical settings, outdoor therapy sessions, individual or group therapy in wilderness environments
Employer & Industry UsageRehab centers, youth treatment programs, outdoor education organizationsTherapists employed by treatment centers, clinics, or private practices specializing in wilderness therapy

Wilderness Therapy Programs oversee the entire therapeutic experience, including logistics and program structure, while Wilderness Therapists are licensed professionals providing direct mental health treatment within these programs. Both roles are essential but differ in responsibilities and credentials.

What are wilderness therapy programs?

Wilderness therapy programs are structured treatment programs that use outdoor expeditions and nature-based activities as therapeutic interventions for adolescents and young adults facing emotional, behavioral, or substance abuse challenges. These programs combine traditional therapy methods with experiential learning in a natural setting to promote personal growth, resilience, and healthy coping strategies. Trained therapists and outdoor guides lead participants through activities such as hiking, camping, and group counseling, helping them develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills. Wilderness therapy is often used as an alternative or complement to traditional mental health treatment. Outcomes can include improved self-esteem, better communication skills, and stronger emotional regulation.

What are some typical challenges faced by staff working in Wilderness Therapy Programs, and how are they supported in overcoming them?

Staff in Wilderness Therapy Programs often face challenges such as managing group dynamics in remote outdoor settings, maintaining safety during unpredictable weather, and supporting participants through emotional and behavioral crises. These roles require strong teamwork, flexibility, and resilience. Employers typically provide comprehensive training in risk management, crisis intervention, and wilderness first aid, as well as regular debriefings and access to mental health support to help staff cope with the emotional demands of the job. Collaboration with clinical therapists and outdoor guides is common, ensuring a supportive environment for both staff and participants.
More about Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs
What states have the most Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs? States with the most job openings for Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs are:
Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapy Programs job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Outdoor Youth Mentor

Star Guides Wilderness Therapy

Saint George, UT • On-site

$165 - $246/day

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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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.