Deschutes Wilderness Therapy (DWT) is a nationally recognized outdoor behavioral healthcare and trauma-informed wilderness therapy in the majestic Cascade mountain range of Central Oregon that provides teens and young adults immediate intervention and intensive mental health treatment. The wilderness experience allows teens, young adults, and their families to have the opportunity to heal their relationships and foster personal growth.

DWT sets the standard in therapeutic outdoor programming. All students are empowered to improve their decision-making skills and build healthy and safe relationships. Working with the individual and the family, DWT students are encouraged to focus on their strengths and use them to launch lasting change.

DWT focuses on stabilizing through the nervous system and body leading to neurological release and somatic stabilization. With emotional literacy and self-regulation training, DWT teaches students to manage the inner world to change their outer world. Finally, the team at DWT works to heal relationships through attachment and relational immersion, utilizing adventure and canine-assisted therapy.

Each student has a licensed, primary therapist who directs their therapeutic journey, adventure education experiences are tailored to their specific needs. When students complete the program, they leave with continuing care plan recommendations. DWT is a nationally accredited school and supports students academically by providing experiential learning and credit transfer to support their educational goals.

In addition to research-backed and outcomes-focused wilderness therapy, students develop deep relationships with each other and the staff while improving relationships with their families. Families are deeply engaged in parallel process work while their child is enrolled and have regular contact with their child's therapist, parent coaches, parent forum and participate in an in-person family therapy session during their child's stay.

Conditions We Treat

  • Anxiety
  • Mood Regulation
  • Family Conflict
  • Bullying
  • Other Mental Health Issues

Start your healing journey

Call or fill out the contact form below.

Phone: 866-282-3024

  • (*) Age limits vary by services.
  • WE DO NOT ACCEPT MEDICAID.

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Deschutes Wilderness Therapy

160 SW Scalehouse Loop,
Bend, OR 97702

NVW Deschutes RGB