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Wilderness Therapy Programs Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Wilderness Therapy Programs information

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$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:

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.

Physical Therapist: Highlands Ranch CO

Health & Rehab Solutions

Highlands Ranch, CO • On-site

$69.75 - $85.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Practice Somewhere You Want to Build a Life

There are places you take a job, and there are places you build a life. Highlands Ranch sits at the edge of both worlds — minutes from Chatfield and Roxborough State Parks, 30 minutes from Red Rocks, and close to the world‑class skiing in the Rockies. Backcountry wilderness trails are practically out the back door. If your ideal weekend involves elevation gain, this is where you want to land.

The team at Highlands Ranch PT reflects the community it’s in — clinicians who hike, bike, ski, and trail run, treating patients who do the same. That shapes everything from the cases you see to the culture you work in. Colorado’s Front Range isn’t just a backdrop here. It’s the reason people come, the reason they stay, and the kind of place that makes the drive to work feel like the best part of living somewhere that actually fits.

About Epic Physical Therapy

Epic Physical Therapy is a physical therapist‑owned outpatient practice, which means clinicians have a real voice in patient care and clinic culture. Owner Ryan Palkoner brings 20 years of practice across Florida, California, and Colorado — Ironman medical staff, national lecturer on manual release techniques, and someone who has worked in enough PT environments to know exactly what good looks like. He built Epic around it.

You’ll join a team where mentorship is part of the job, collaboration is real, and professional growth is actively encouraged. Epic clinics consistently rank in the top tier nationally for patient outcomes, and the environment is built for clinicians who want to thrive both professionally and personally — not just fill a schedule.

The Physical Therapy Career You Want

You’ll spend most of your time directly with patients, designing and delivering hands‑on care. Key responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating patients and creating individualized, evidence‑based treatment plans
  • Providing interventions such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and specialty modalities
  • Educating patients and families on exercises, recovery, and injury prevention
  • Tracking progress and adjusting plans as patients progress
  • Collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care
  • Maintaining clear documentation in line with HIPAA and state/federal rules using state‑of‑the‑art AI technology
Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a PT who is passionate about helping patients move better and grow professionally. Ideal candidates have:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited program
  • Licensed or eligible for licensure in Colorado
  • New graduates are encouraged to apply. Experience is a plus, not a requirement
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Motivation to grow into leadership opportunities
  • Current CPR certification
Compensation Package

This position starts at $77,500+ annually, with bonuses that reward the work you put into your career. The benefits package is built to actually matter to clinicians at this stage of their career:

  • $10,000 in tax‑free student loan repayment over 5 years, paid monthly
  • Unlimited continuing education funds plus a $500 travel stipend, starting at 90 days
  • Medical insurance with the employer covering roughly 75% of your premium, plus an HSA option with employer contributions
  • 401(k) with an employer match that is immediately vested
  • Dental and vision coverage available
  • Short‑term disability and life insurance options
  • 17 days of PTO in year one, growing with tenure
  • License reimbursement and tuition reimbursement
  • Referral bonus program
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Virtual urgent care available 24/7
  • A clear path to leadership for those who want it
Where Great Clinicians Go Further

At Epic Physical Therapy you’ll get more than a paycheck—you’ll get a career path, mentorship, and the chance to work in one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Some highlights:

  • Clinical autonomy: Make real decisions about patient care
  • Mentorship & professional growth:
    • New Grad Mentoring program with strategic case load build‑up
    • Unlimited continuing education and specialty certifications. Design your career, following your passions.
  • Leadership opportunities: Path to Clinic Director or advanced clinical roles
  • Supportive culture: Teams that genuinely care about each other and their patients
  • Work‑life balance: Reasonable caseloads, flexible scheduling, PTO
  • Lifestyle advantage: Live and play in Colorado, surrounded by hiking, skiing, fishing, and biking
Physical Requirements

You’ll need to:

  • Lift up to 50 pounds
  • Stand, bend, reach, and use fine motor skills regularly
  • Assist patients with mobility, transfers, and therapeutic exercises
Equal Opportunity Employer

Epic Physical Therapy is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

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