Who We Serve

“Our therapist's insight into our son's personality and problems was impressive.....she won over his trust and our trust with great communication and great compassion. We really feel she pulled him back from the brink.”

Second Nature Parent 2009

Student Profile

Adolescents struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, behavioral problems, developmental issues, learning disabilities, substance abuse/dependence, school problems and relational difficulties find effective healing at Second Nature. The highly experienced admissions team at Second Nature is able to match your child’s unique circumstance to one of our many niche groups and therapists specializing in a specific population.

Second Nature’s student population includes, but is not limited to, the following profiles, diagnoses and conditions:

Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety

Second Nature addresses chronic behaviors associated with mood disorders such as cutting, suicidal ideation, or withdrawal from others. When necessary, Second Nature facilitates medical supervision of psychotropic medication.

Substance Abuse/Dependence

Second Nature is able to assess the level of involvement with substance and the appropriate level of treatment needed. Clinicians are also able to determine whether substance use is a primary treatment issue or more a symptom of other problems.

Computer and Internet Addictions

Second Nature staff are skilled at addressing an emerging set of issues (such as social, school and family problems) relating to Internet and gaming.

Academic Failure

Second Nature is able to assess emotional and/or learning based issues relating to poor performance in school, school refusal, and motivational problems. On site Psycho Educational testing is available. See information packet for fee schedule.

Low Self-Esteem

Often a root of many adolescent difficulties, wilderness therapy is extraordinarily effective at addressing issues of poor self-worth, confidence and self-esteem. Wilderness provides numerous opportunities to confront self-imposed limitations and achieve small successes, thus building self-confidence.

Low Frustration Tolerance and Difficulty Delaying Gratification

Second Nature's staff are skilled at addressing adolescent difficulties relating to finishing tasks, coping with everyday life challenges and facing disappointment. Students learn appropriate coping techniques and practice these techniques experientially.

Life Stage Adjustment Problems

Second Nature works effectively with adolescents who may be experiencing unresolved grief relating to divorce, a move, or other life changing events. Therapists work closely with each student and family to carefully tailor assignments and effective experiential interventions to address life stage adjustment issues.

ADHD/Learning Difficulties

Second Nature therapists address behaviors associated with ADHD or other learning differences such as impulsiveness, distractedness, poor decision-making, or classroom disruption. Whether specific learning differences are identified or discovered through psychological testing at Second Nature or identified prior to enrollment, Second Nature can help foster skills and tools leading to future success.

Identity Issues

Staff at Second Nature are highly skilled at working with identity related challenges such as “who am I” and/or difficulties associated with gender identity and/or gender orientation.

Attachment and Adoption Issues

Second Nature employs highly skilled therapists, expert in exploring and unraveling the specific dynamics of the adopted adolescent as well as other life-circumstances that may lead to difficulties in attachment.

Social Problems

Through the therapeutic milieu at Second Nature, students who suffer from poor peer relationships, who experience difficulty reading social cues and who lack age appropriate social skills, gain awareness and the tools necessary to find happiness with peers and others.

Family Conflict

Therapists work well to challenge each student to explore and identify their family’s unique strengths, values and spiritual foundations. Families learn to work through anger and hurt, gaining new communication skills.

Grief and Loss

Therapists expert in addressing grief and loss are matched with students who have suffered the loss of a parent, family member or friend. Caring staff create access to the pain, and challenge the maladaptive coping so that students may work towards healing and integration.

Sexual Acting Out

Age-inappropriate relationships, sexual promiscuity, and other sexual acting out behaviors can be explored and treated effectively with expert therapists in small group settings.

NLD and Aspergers

Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, our expert therapists will assess and provide specialized treatment. Self-esteem, social problems, and school struggles common to students with these diagnostics, are also addressed.

Victims of Abuse

In safe, small group settings with highly skilled therapists, students are encouraged to explore the pain and shame that often leads to dangerous and destructive behaviors.

Exclusionary Criteria

While wilderness therapy is often recognized as one of the most effective treatment modalities for treating adolescent problems, there are characteristics and diagnoses that present challenges to safety and efficacy. Our exclusionary criteria are designed to assure that your child receives effective treatment without compromise to health and safety, and include:

  • Active suicide attempts
  • Psychotic symptoms
  • Acute/Chronic violence outside the home

Medical conditions that may require emergency services during routine wilderness living, including:

  • Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent)
  • Allergies that may lead to anaphylactic shock
  • Significant obesity
  • Cardiac conditions or other organ dysfunctions that may lead to emergency care

Each case will be evaluated individually with consideration to the client's experience and willingness, doctor recommendations, and the history and context of the above conditions.