Who We Serve

"I have been extremely pleased with the whole program. It has certainly helped our son go onto his new school. We learned to communicate many feelings and understand each other. This will always be a cherished experience and the best gift I could have given my child."

Jenny, Parent

Client Profile

Second Nature Footsteps’ student population includes, but is not limited to, the following profiles, diagnoses and conditions:

  • Oppositional Defiance
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Non-Verbal Learning Disorders
  • Mild Eating Disorders
  • Depression
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Substance Abuse Issues
  • Self Harm
  • Adoption/Attachment Issues
  • Parent/Child Conflict
  • Trauma Recovery
  • Low Self-Esteem/Negative Self-Image
  • Difficulty in Relationships
  • Processing Issues
  • Manipulative Behaviors
  • Learning Differences
  • ADHD
  • School Motivation/Underachievement
  • Grief and Loss Issues
  • Sexual Identity Issues

Exclusionary Criteria

While wilderness therapy is often recognized as one of the most effective treatment modalities for treating adolescent problems, there are characteristics and diagnoses that present challenges to safety and efficacy. Our exclusionary criteria are designed to assure that your child receives effective treatment without compromise to health and safety, and include:

  • Active suicide attempts
  • Psychotic symptoms
  • Acute/Chronic violence outside the home

Medical conditions that may require emergency services during routine wilderness living, including:

  • Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent)
  • Allergies that may lead to anaphylactic shock
  • Significant obesity
  • Cardiac conditions or other organ dysfunctions that may lead to emergency care

Each case will be evaluated individually with consideration to the participant’s willingness, doctor recommendations, and the history and context of the above conditions.