Adolescent residential treatment center for adolescent addiction treatment and teen substance abuse, a wilderness treatment center.

Wilderness Recovery Center

Wilderness Recovery Center is a wilderness treatment center,
an adolescent residential treatment center for adolescent
addiction treatment and teen substance abuse for adolescent
males 14-18.

Our program is designed to address emotional, behavioral, and
developmental disorders that are often associated with the
substance abuse issues our boys are currently experiencing. In
addition to being licensed by the California Department of Social
Services our program is certified by the State Department of
Alcohol and Drug to provide adolescent addiction treatment.
Our ranch provides an excellent setting for the educational and
therapeutic programs we offer. We are located approximately
35 miles east of Redding, California on a 200 acre apple ranch.
Our physical layout allows us to function much like a small
community with the residents living in three six-bed houses; of
which one is large enough to function as a community center for
therapeutic groups, dining and an occasional social gathering.
This location allows us access to many northern California
wilderness areas, including the Trinity Alps, Shasta Lake, Lassen
Volcanic National Park and many other recreational areas that
are the foundation for the wilderness component of our program.

Typical resident profile

The typical resident at WRC presents addictive and/or
compulsive behaviors common to teen substance abuse. As a
result of this they more often than not have legal issues that
prompted their placement at WRC. Common issues include:
•        They come from dysfunctional families
•        They act out in self-destructive ways
•        Are unable to maintain “normal” relationships with peers
•        Often have moderate attachment disorders
•        Express antisocial behaviors
•        Have difficulties in school
•        They are often depressed
•        Have repressed anger
•        Exhibit low self-esteem

Our services and how we provide them

Our adolescent residential treatment center incorporates a
treatment model that is integrated to present therapeutic
principles involving all life aspects of the resident on the
facility. From “get up” to “lights out” therapy is an ongoing
process that includes:
•        Individual and group therapy
•        Cognitive behavior modification
•        Staff modeling and mentoring
•        12-Step Principles and meetings
•        Ranch work and recreation
•        Wilderness trips

The adolescent addiction treatment plan is central to each
resident's recovery process.
•        Designed to meet the individual’s needs
•        Formulated to develop self-awareness
•        Enhances self-esteem

A psycho-drama (role play) group that is conducted by a
licensed professional addresses:
•        Negative family dynamics
•        Aggressiveness
•        Anti-social behaviors

Ranch work is also designed as part of the therapeutic
adolescent addiction treatment plan:
•        Promoting a new and strong work ethic
•        An introduction to vocational skills such as vehicle
maintenance or food service

The Wilderness Program follows for the most part the structure
and philosophy of the Colorado Outward Bound School; a
wilderness program founded by an innovative German Educator,
Kurt Hahn. Our wilderness treatment center program develops:
•        A realization of camaraderie and trust
•        An awareness of personal individuality
•        A realization of personal potential
•        Builds emotional strength
•        Character and maturity

Family visitation and therapy formatted to the particular needs
of the resident and his family:
•        Designed with reunification its primary focus
•        Addresses communication pitfalls
•        Develops an awareness of negative family dynamics and
the “roles” that foster them.

Other factors in the therapeutic process:
•        School on grounds
•        Vocational training
•        After care plans
•        Independent living skills
•        Transition into “mainstream” society

Typical Stay

A minimum planned stay can vary per the individual. We
provide adolescent addiction treatment, care, education and
therapeutic counseling for as long as the resident is on the
facility. Typical time is as little as 9 months to 24 months. Total
length of stay is customized to the therapeutic process of each
boy. Progressing through the program depends upon the
resident’s degree of willingness and ability to move ahead. The
average stay is between 12 and 18 months.

How we make evaluation easier for the
placement officer

Communication is a key element in making joint decisions
between the facility and the placement agency and officer.

Intake
•        Easy access to our intake officer for placement needs and
questions
•        Thorough assessment of the perspective client’s needs to
determine the appropriateness of each client prior to placement

DSS required reports (Needs and Services & Quarterly reports)
•        Thorough and timely

Facility availability
•        Counselors available for site visits and telephone
communication
•        Accessibility to administration records, schedules of
resident duties and activities

Joint cooperation in all decision making regarding the resident.