Phoenix Outdoor Program
Phoenix Outdoor is a wilderness therapy program located near Asheville, North Carolina. We work with teenagers, ages 13-17 by stepping in when a teenage crisis has escalated. The program utilizes an outdoor setting to remove distractions, accelerating the process of understanding the issues that are driving negative behaviors. We help you create a plan and process for long-term success and get your teenager to buy into that process, making needed behavioral changes.
When do you need Phoenix Outdoor? Phoenix is an appropriate option when your child's behavior cannot be managed, they are unresponsive to attempts to change that behavior, and their choices put them at risk. A long track record of poor school performance, associating with a negative peer group, anger and opposition at home, depression, or drug and alcohol abuse indicate that there are underlying issues that need to be identified and corrected.
How does the program work? Students work in small peer groups managed by experienced field instructors. They camp and hike in the U.S. National Forest and recieve additional instruction during visits to base camp. Wilderness therapy uses the dynamics of a positive peer culture to challenge and encourage students to develop healthy relationships with each other through the cooperation required to manage through the routines necessary to live in the outdoors. Structured time in a tranquil environment offers students the opportunity to examine their lives, discusses their issues with others, and to accept accountability for their behavior. At camp, students meet in individual and group sessions with a trained therapist to help them process their experiences and work through the issues that they struggle with.
What is the next step? To determine if your child is an appropriate fit for Phoenix Outdoor contact admissions to have a confidential conversation about the program. Students can be admitted every day of the week and within 24 hours if needed.