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Wilderness Therapy Programs Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

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

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

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

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO

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

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

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

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

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

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Field Therapist

Montrose, CO · On-site

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

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Wilderness Therapy Programs information

See Colorado salary details

$16K

$48K

$93.7K

How much do wilderness therapy programs jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for wilderness therapy programs in Colorado is $48,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,358.00 and $54,597.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in wilderness therapy programs?

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 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.

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.

How to become a wilderness therapy programs?

To work in wilderness therapy programs, individuals typically need a background in outdoor education, psychology, or social work, along with experience in outdoor or adventure activities. Certification in wilderness first aid or CPR is often required, and relevant experience working with youth or in therapeutic settings can improve job prospects.

How to get a job in wilderness therapy programs?

To work in wilderness therapy programs, candidates typically need relevant experience in outdoor education, counseling, or therapy, along with certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or CPR. Many positions require a background in mental health, youth work, or outdoor leadership, and applicants should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and comfort in outdoor environments.

What is the typical career path in wilderness therapy programs?

A typical career path in wilderness therapy programs starts with entry-level roles such as wilderness therapy guide or field staff, focusing on outdoor skills and client supervision. Advancement often involves gaining experience, obtaining certifications like Wilderness First Responder, and moving into supervisory or clinical roles such as program coordinator or therapist. Continuing education in counseling or psychology can also facilitate career growth within the field.

What are popular job titles related to Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs in Colorado?

For Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs in Colorado are:

Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapy Programs job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,041 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Field Therapist

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 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.

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