Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs
Albany, OR

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Freer Teams With Humboldt State University

Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs, an adolescent treatment program that provides therapeutic wilderness experiences to struggling teens, teams with Humboldt State University's Social Work Department to offer a graduate-level certificate program in wilderness therapy.

"Research indicates that wilderness therapy is an effective method for treating adolescents with behavioral, substance abuse, and mental health issues," explains Catherine Freer's Wilderness Director Kirk Shimeall. "We've excited to be able to join forces with Humboldt State University's Social Work Department and to share our expertise in using adventure-based and wilderness activities as part of a therapeutic change process."

The course is designed for post-baccalaureate students, graduate students, and mental health professionals who are looking to add to their experience base. Students will gain clinical skills and knowledge of wilderness therapy, receive hands-on experience working directly with adolescents, complete coursework that enables them to meet requirements to become a certified/licensed substance abuse counselor in their state, and earn six graduate credit that are fully transferable.

Course content includes theoretical and philosophical foundations of experiential and adventure-based practice, appropriate use of activities with different client groups, experience facilitating activities, and use of activities in assessment and intervention.

Students will gain clinical skills and knowledge of wilderness therapy, receive hands-on experience working directly with adolescents, complete coursework that enables them to meet requirements to become a certified/licensed substance abuse counselor in their state, and earn six graduate credit that are fully transferable.

To learn more or register call 800-390-3983 or visit http://www.cfreer.com/universityprogram.

About Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs
Catherine Freer is an adolescent treatment program specializing in wilderness therapy. Troubled teens take part in a backpacking and adventure expedition that combines outdoor
living, physical activity and extensive psychotherapy. A master's level therapist with substance abuse counseling experience is a member of the staff team that resides in the field
with the adolescents. Opportunities for "in the moment" therapy and individual and group therapy are abundant. Outcome research indicates that 83 percent of teens report they are "doing better" after their wilderness therapy experience.

Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs serves approximately 300 adolescents annually. The employee owned and operated company was founded in 1988 and is licensed by the State of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) accredits the program.

The company also operates Santiam Crossing, an outdoor therapeutic school and Oregon Transition Homes. For more information, please visit the web site at http://www.cfreer.com or call (800) 390-3983.

About Humboldt State University
Humboldt State University is the northern most campus of the California State University system. It is a comprehensive university offering a range of bachelor and master degrees. The Master of Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Learn more at: http://www.humboldt.edu.