Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs announced that Santiam Crossings' academic program has been accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS).

"We are delighted to now be able to grant diplomas to our students. This accreditation also allows us to give credits for our adventure activity weekends and service learning projects," explained Brian MacInnes, executive director of the school.

Santiam Crossing's academic curriculum is designed to enable students to work at their own pace and academic level. Recently a student completed a full academic year in five months. Another entered the school as a sophomore and in six months earned nine full year credits and returned to her hometown high school as a senior.

Santiam Crossing is a six to twelve month school appropriate for at-risk adolescents ages 13 to 18 that have completed a therapeutic wilderness program. Here students can resume academic study while continuing to build on their treatment gains.

Students enrolled in Santiam Crossing participate in a curriculum that integrates academics, therapy, wilderness experiences, and service learning. The school's mission is to engage the whole child in an individualized program that addresses emotional needs, learning styles, academic history, and adolescent development.

At Santiam Crossing, students' progress through a level system that mirrors their growth and maturation within the school. Each level has a focus, contains expectations, responsibilities
and privileges.

Family reunification is a key component of the curriculum. Parents are asked to take part in monthly parent weekends filled with workshops and family initiatives and to participate in bi-weekly family therapy sessions via telephone with their child and a therapist.

To learn more about Santiam Crossing visit their web site at www.santiamcrossing.com or call (800) 390-3983.

About Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs
As an employee owned and operated company, Catherine Freer Therapeutic Wilderness Programs has been providing adolescent treatment programs since 1988. The Albany, Oregon, based company operates wilderness therapy expeditions, Santiam Crossing and Oregon Transition Homes. Licensed by the state of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program, Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. For more information, please visit the web site at www.cfreer.com or call 800-390-3983.