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Wilderness Therapy Programs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Confluence Behavioral Health LLC

Clinical Therapist

VT · On-site

$59K - $79K/yr

The program combines wilderness adventure therapy with a residential experience, farm programming, and comprehensive health and wellness services to guide young adults facing mental health challenges ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Clinical Intern

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$14/hr

Familiarity with wilderness therapy or experiential education. Embrace this opportunity to learn ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Continued professional development & certification ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Clinical Intern

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$14/hr

Familiarity with wilderness therapy or experiential education. Embrace this opportunity to learn ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Continued professional development & certification ...

ThreePeaks Ascent

Clinical Intern

Enterprise, UT · On-site

$14/hr

Familiarity with wilderness therapy or experiential education. Embrace this opportunity to learn ... Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Continued professional development & certification ...

Becket Family of Services

Clinician

Campton, NH · On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

The VPI Program, located in Campton New Hampshire, utilizes an outdoor education and wilderness therapy approach seeking to replace maladaptive behavioral patterns with lifelong pro-social skills.

Becket Family of Services

Clinician

Campton, NH · On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

The VPI Program, located in Campton New Hampshire, utilizes an outdoor education and wilderness therapy approach seeking to replace maladaptive behavioral patterns with lifelong pro-social skills.

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Wilderness Therapy Programs information

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.
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:

Wilderness Therapy Programs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wilderness Therapy Programs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Outdoor Gear and Operations/Logistics Specialist

Seeds Wilderness Therapy

Montrose, CO • On-site

$18.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about the outdoors? Outdoor gear? People? Then this position will be a great fit for you! Seeds Wilderness Therapy is looking to hire a Gear and Operations Specialist to organize all gear, food, and operational tasks.
Seeds Wilderness Therapy is a backpacking outfitter taking teenagers in crisis... and their families into the beautiful Uncompahgre Plateau in Montrose Colorado. Teens spend 40 days in the backcountry at a time revolving enrollment; the peer group itself is in the backcountry 24/7 and does not return to the front country. As students come to Seeds, we outfit them in all the technical clothing and gear. In addition, we also maintain staff group gear such as Garmin Inreach, Satellite phones, radios, Whisperlite stoves, and four-wheel drive trucks, and other gear for all of our field instructors.
This specialist position is to work with and maintain an inventory of all our backcountry gear and food. This position will directly report to the Logistic Manager but will support and assist the Field Director as well. (The Field Director is handling operational personnel while logistics handles transportation, inventory, and resupply.) Because of the complexity of the work we do, the specialist will be involved in many other supportive tasks as well.
Responsibilities and Expected Duties
    • Maintains organized gear, clothing, and food systems
    • Support and lead field resupply for restocking gear and food needs in the field each week
    • Assist the Logistics manager with shopping and/or purchasing/pick up of food or supplies.
    • Supports Field Director for with forest service permits, maintains existing agreements, and serves as a liaison between BLM and Forest Service representatives.
    • Participate in regular staff training throughout the year.
    • Errands, tasks, 4x4 driving, and other roles as assigned by Logistics Manager or Field Director.
    • Meet, greet, assist and transport the new students arriving into the program
    • Transports clients and/or employees adhering to state and federal law and established company transportation policies, procedures, and safety guideline
    • Conducts vehicle maintenance and safety inspections, reporting immediately any vehicle safety concerns.
    • Collaborates and participates as a team member.
    • Helps wash laundry as required.
    • Supports the field staff by assembling gear, supplies, etc, and transport in a timely manner.
    • Count and record inventory as directed.
    • Participate in daily prayer and staff devotions.
    • Other duties as assigned

Skills
      • Off-road experience (preferred).
      • Ability to read maps and use a GPS, compass.
      • Experience driving vehicles with manual transmissions and 4x4 locking hubs(preferred).
      • Excellent Customer Service.

Qualifications
      • 2+ years of working in an outdoor industry
      • Extensive knowledge of hard skills (i.e. ropes, cookware, backpacks, etc...)
      • Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team
      • Valid, clean driving record.
      • 21 or older and can pass CO background check.
      • Fluent English - both oral and written
      • Ability to lift at least 50lbs, and be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and to be able to lift, bend, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
      • Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift and grasp.
      • Must be able to stand up and move around most of the workday
      • Supports the company values

** This job becomes full time with including 1/2 time admin support.
Perks:
Seeds employees are extended all of seeds pro-deal agreements with various outdoor gear companies.

Apply