While the wilderness provides a therapeutic background and impetus for behavioral change, our clinical theory- and evidence based practices - address the unique developmental and psychological needs of each student.

                        Our values have been clinically designed to promote positive change, fostering feelings of                accomplishment and self worth while developing new patterns of behavior.  The integration of experiential           activities offers opportunities for "peak experiences," key psychological moments of self-actualization and     breakthrough insight.

Traditional Therapies

The peaceful landscape provides the perfect backdrop for our proven, traditional therapeutic methods. Students participate in regular and group therapy sessions with seasoned therapists. The utilization of evidence-based therapeutic practices ensures positive outcomes, while the open, natural environment imparts lessons of resilience, trust and respect.

Proven Methodologies

Research has proven the success of wilderness interventions in helping troubled adolescents overcome psychological problems and change destructive behavioral patterns. Powerful lessons are learned on the trail as the wilderness becomes a compelling metaphor for struggles encountered in the 'real world.' Experiential activities trigger 'peak experiences' and help students harness their own internal power and self-confidence. New patterns of maturity emerge as children begin developing our core values of teamwork, respect, accountability, integrity, leadership and service. In the process, they gain valuable insight and learn real-world skills for cultivating healthy behaviors and authentic relationships.

Boot camps or military schools, on the other hand, rely on force and aggression to achieve a desired result. If the student doesn't buy into the program and create an internal desire to change, then they adapt for a time in order to diffuse the tension but quickly return to their old habits once they leave that environment. For this reason our staff are hired as much for their character and personality as they are their credentials and experience. Unless our staff are able to connect with the student and help achieve an internal desire for change, the long term success of the student is in question.

Clinically Proven... Safety Driven... RESULTS FOCUSED!

The Treatment Team

Upon admission, each student is assigned a therapeutic treatment team that provides ongoing support and pragmatically guides clinical decisions. The team consists of:

• A Primary Therapist/Counselor
• A Clinical Supervisor
• A Family Therapist
• A Group of Seasoned Field Guides
• An Equine Specialist
• An M. Ed. Level Academic Advisor

Therapists perform an in-depth assessment for each arriving student and creates an individualized treatment plan that builds upon each student's unique strengths and provides a framework for ongoing therapy. Each student meets with his or her primary therapist weekly for one-on-one sessions and also participates in weekly group therapy sessions led by their Trails therapist. Family involvement in the therapeutic process is accomplished through weekly phone calls, family sessions and a family curriculum. In order to maintain the continuity and integrity of wilderness experiences, therapists travel to wilderness campsites to meet with students on the trail.

Transition Planning

After successful completion of the Trails program, the therapeutic benefits continue: the treatment team collaborates with each family to create a transition plan ensuring that each student generalizes their newfound skills to the next setting. Whether the child returns home or transitions to another placement, the treatment team works closely with aftercare providers to ensure that care continues in an effective manner.

Psychological Testing

In partnership with CReATE Psychological Services, Trails Carolina offers optional, in-depth and comprehensive psychological testing. At the family's request, each child can receive a full battery of psychological, psychoeducational, and personality assessments that will provide a detailed profile of the student's functioning. This assessment can provide valuable information regarding pharmacological and psychological needs that could supplement the initial treatment plan.

 

Clinically Proven...
            Safety Driven...
                      Results Focused!

 

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