Thirty one therapeutic wilderness programs specializing in mental health treatment were examined through both a mail survey and a telephone interview. Respondents provided information on sponsorship, type of clients served, outdoor modality, therapeutic modality, staff qualifications, and other professional issues. The results suggested that most programs were serving high-risk adolescents using a variety of outdoor modalities. Programs had a difficult time describing their therapeutic process, and there was a lack of research and follow-up in the programs. The lack of basic definitions of therapeutic, non-professional staff, and the lack of process and outcome research are discussed. Finally, the authors call for dialogue on these and other professional issues related to therapeutic wilderness programs.
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