Our Commitment

Support the entire family. Adolescents in crisis, abusing drugs and alcohol, have a devastating impact on the entire family. The family needs help and support to understand that impact and how to deal with it. We partner with the family to reduce anxiety, make the family an integral part of the treatment process, and connect them with others going through the same experience.

Set appropriate expectations up front. We believe that it is critical for parents to make an informed decision about Phoenix Outdoor. Our commitment is to fully inform about what the family and their child will experience at Phoenix before enrollment and immediately after the child enters the program. We believe in full disclosure of all aspects of the program by providing a detailed Parent Guide, significant up-front conversations, and references from other families who have utilized the program.

Help students feel better about themselves. Behaviors leading a student to be placed in a wilderness program are generally indicators of a student's lack of self-worth and self esteem. We create an environment of positive reinforcement, recognition, and respect. We exhibit patience, avoid unnecessary punitive actions and behaviors, and celebrate all of the student's progress and accomplishments.

Communicate specifically, frequently, objectively and honestly. Parents need to know everything that happens during their child's time at Phoenix Outdoor. This information is vital so that parents can be an integral part of the treatment team and help drive the after care decisions. Phoenix commits to provide frequent and detailed information about each student's health, behaviors, relationships, disclosures and progress. We proactively communicate any issues or concerns we have as soon as we know them. We will never hide or distort information to our own benefit.

Create a long-term strategy for success. We believe that wilderness therapy sets the stage for long-term positive change, but is not enough to ensure that this change is lasting. Careful thought needs to be given to life after Phoenix Outdoor and should take into account the family system, the adolescent issues, and the goals and objectives of the family. Behaviors leading to wilderness are not corrected overnight and the key to success is a long-term plan.

Provide value. We recognize that wilderness therapy is an expensive treatment option and as such commit to providing value for that investment. We will always use experienced, trained therapists and provide the maximum access possible to those therapists for the student and family. Our wilderness staff will be the highest caliber, best trained, and most qualified in the industry. We will engage students physically, intellectually and emotionally for the entire time that they are at Phoenix to best facilitate change and gain a positive outcome. We will help parents carefully craft an appropriate after care plan.