ABSTRACT

Respondents believe that Adventure Therapy (AT) has the ability to rapidly and powerfully engage clients in the therapeutic process due to the strong therapeutic relationship that is established between clients and the treatment team through their unique interaction through adventure experiences. Adventure therapy professionals are beginning to engage in discussions on issues of equity and inclusion for all clients, which has been the subject of much recent work in the broader field of outdoor education and summer camps. Many clients in AT programs continue treatment in an aftercare program. When considering how AT programs fit in the continuum of care for adolescent mental health treatment, post-treatment placement in a less intensive therapeutic environment can provide a valuable bridge to help adolescents maintain the clinical progress they have made when returning home. The use of aftercare and its costs continue to be an important issue in AT treatment, especially for adolescents with more serious, or undiscovered diagnoses uncovered through AT treatment.