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Wilderness Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

We blend the transformative power of wilderness therapy with traditional residential treatment, offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience, accredited by The Joint Commission.

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

We blend the transformative power of wilderness therapy with traditional residential treatment, offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience, accredited by The Joint Commission.

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

We blend the transformative power of wilderness therapy with traditional residential treatment, offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience, accredited by The Joint Commission.

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

We blend the transformative power of wilderness therapy with traditional residential treatment, offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience, accredited by The Joint Commission.

ThreePeaks Ascent

Night Shift

Enterprise, UT · On-site

We blend the transformative power of wilderness therapy with traditional residential treatment, offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience, accredited by The Joint Commission.

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 ...

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Wilderness Therapy information

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$16.5K

$47.7K

$82.5K

How much do wilderness therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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, and strong interpersonal and outdoor skills are essential. Some positions may also require background checks and training in crisis intervention.

How to get a job in wilderness therapy?

To work in wilderness therapy, candidates typically need relevant experience in outdoor education, counseling, or healthcare, 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 is the typical career path in wilderness therapy?

A career in wilderness therapy typically begins with entry-level roles such as wilderness therapy guide or field staff, focusing on outdoor supervision and client support. Advancement often involves gaining experience, obtaining certifications like Wilderness First Responder, and moving into supervisory, clinical, or program management positions over time.
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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,693 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Night Shift

ThreePeaks Ascent

Enterprise, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

We encourage women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you're passionate about the outdoors and committed to making a difference, we want to hear from you.
Full time 7 nights on/7 nights off $165+/night Benefits
Orientation Weeks: January 29th, March 26th, & April 23th
Join the ThreePeaks Ascent Team: Transform Lives Through Innovative Therapy
ThreePeaks Ascent is a short-term residential treatment program located within the RCA field. Our unique approach combines the benefits of wilderness therapy with the structure of traditional residential treatment, making therapeutic interventions more accessible to students and families who previously could not afford them.
Why ThreePeaks Ascent?
  • Innovative Therapy: We blend the transformative power of wilderness therapy with traditional residential treatment, offering a comprehensive and holistic healing experience, accredited by The Joint Commission.
  • 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.
  • Collaborative Approach: We work closely with RedCliff Ascent's wilderness therapy program, providing a seamless transition for students. Our team assesses and screens students before they enter RedCliff Ascent, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Our Mission: ThreePeaks Ascent's students face a range of mental, behavioral, and substance abuse challenges and may have struggled in other treatment settings. We are often the last hope for families in crisis, dedicated to replacing pain and suffering with genuine change and healing. Through shared growth and experiential therapy, we create lasting positive impacts on students' lives.
Make a Difference: Join us in our mission to heal families and transform lives. Be part of a dedicated team that finds profound reward in seeing the gradual replacement of pain with hope and resilience.
Become a part of the ThreePeaks Ascent team today. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Responsibilities
  • Night Shift works 7 consecutive nights in the backcountry, 13 hours a night. You will be in the backcountry for a whole week, the entire week, each shift.
  • Ensure the supervision and safety of students
  • Properly document the supervision of students
  • Assist students in their curriculum work
  • Share appreciation and knowledge of nature and the outdoors
  • Lead students through experiential activities
  • Facilitate group discussions
  • Create a safe environment for students to process their emotions
  • De-escalate and manage crises within group
  • Provide support, direction, and feedback to coworkers during shifts
  • Creatively, collaboratively, and safely address challenges and obstacles
  • Follow all company policies and procedures
  • Follow all local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and law

Requirements
Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements at the time they submit their application will not be considered.
Hard Skills
  • High School diploma or equivalent, college degree preferred
  • Must be1st Aid & CPR certified (30 day grace period), WFR (Wilderness First Responder) preferred
  • Fluency in spoken and written English
  • 19+ years of age, per state regulations
  • Able to pass criminal investigation background check
  • Able to pass pre-employment health assessment
  • Eligible to work in the USA
  • Able to transport self to and from base for each shift

Soft Skills
  • Work well within a team
  • Leadership skills and ability to make decisions
  • Strong problem-solving aptitude
  • Able to emotionally self-regulate
  • Good judgement
  • Safety-oriented
  • Able to give and receive feedback
  • Firm, healthy boundaries

Benefits
  • Full-time job
  • Discounted membership at local gym
  • Health, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, and other insurance plans available after first 60 days
  • Employer contributions to Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Significant discounts for hundreds of professional outdoor gear brands
  • Long off-shifts ideal for planning trips
  • A few hours from Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell
  • A few hours from many world-class ski resorts
  • Close to Mccarran International Airport in Las Vegas
  • A supportive and close-knit community

Apply