Why Second Nature?

“Simply the gold standard in wilderness therapy.”

Educational Consultant, California

There are several compelling reasons for choosing a wilderness program as an intervention. But what sets Second Nature apart?

Clinical Sophistication

Second Nature features a clinically driven treatment model vs. a program driven treatment model. Second Nature’s program was created and implemented by licensed clinicians. A licensed clinician develops an individualized treatment plan for each entering student, tailored to the specific therapeutic needs of each student.

Specialized Groups

Second Nature features unique "niche" groups. This ensures each child is placed with the therapist and group best suited to meet his/her specific clinical needs.

Employee Experience and Retention

Second Nature has assembled the most clinically sophisticated team in the country. Second Nature employs only Masters and Ph.D. level clinicians as group leaders. Therapists often begin their Second Nature career in the field working as instructors, training under a lead therapist for a year or more, prior to assuming their own caseloads. Second Nature therapists and field staff are continually involved in a rigorous and extensive training program, including weekly, mandatory in-service trainings, offsite seminars and educational and therapeutic conferences. Paramount to Second Nature’s reputation for success with students and families is the incredible retention rate of its employees, which is consistently among the highest in the industry. Second Nature boasts an impeccable safety record, and adheres to safety standards more conservative than state licensing requires.

Owner Operated

Second Nature is owner operated. Owners participate in all facets of daily operations as managers and therapists guiding treatment, running groups, and carrying caseloads.

Quality Communication

Each Second Nature family receives weekly therapeutic conference calls with a Masters or Ph.D. level therapist. Families also have access to each therapist’s personal cell phone. Second Nature staff members have direct communication ability in the field 24/7 through satellite phons. Families enjoy 24-hour access to Second Nature’s secure, Parent Portal website which includes an extensive database of webinars, digital pictures of each child’s group, journal postings, letters and group reports.

Unmatched Parent Support and Education

A hallmark of the Second Nature experience is Second Nature’s unparalleled commitment to ongoing family education and support. Each Second Nature family has complete access to an extensive therapeutic library with recommendations tailored to each family's unique circumstances. Families also receive the support of Second Nature Alumni Parent Mentors; carefully selected to mentor current parents throughout the Second Nature journey. On-site Second Nature Family Workshops, National Parent Meetings, regional Support Groups and Sibling Support Groups, access to twice-weekly Parenting Webinars and the opportunity to subscribe to ongoing Webinar support post Second Nature. Families also receive Second Nature’s quarterly Compass Newsletter, filled with articles and topics relevant to treatment, parenting and on-going support and guidance.

Admissions: (866) 205-2500