Outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) is an emerging intervention and treatment method in mental health practice which helps adolescents overcome emotional, adjustment, addiction, and psychological problems. OBH programs apply wilderness therapy as a treatment approach, which involves immersion in an unfamiliar environment, group living with peers, individual and group therapy under the supervision of licensed professionals, and educational curricula. The goal of OBH treatment is to reveal and address problem behaviors, foster personal and social responsibility, and enhance the emotional growth of adolescent clients. A nation-wide survey of 86 OBH programs that annually serve over 10,000 clients and their families showed that over 80% of all OBH programs are licensed by state agencies. Results also showed that there are more private placement than adjudicated programs by nearly five to one, and that less than 25% of client treatment costs are covered by insurance payment. OBH program models vary and are often used as an alternative treatment for adolescents not reached by traditional counseling services.
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