Santiam Crossing School, operated by Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs, is a co-educational outdoor therapeutic school for young men and women ages 13 to 18 years old. This program is designed for teens who have completed a therapeutic wilderness program and struggle with issues that may include alcohol and drug abuse, academic difficulties, anger and defiance, depression, low self esteem, negative peer relationships, impulsivity or hyperactive behaviors.

Founded in 2004, Santiam's team of key staff includes Kirsen Rostad, MA, the Director of Milieu Services, Dan Coyle, CADC-1, the Director of Program Services, David Scully, LCSW, CADC, Clinical and Family Services Manager and Kevin Riley, LCSW, CADC-1, Clinical Director of both Santiam Crossing and Catherine Free Wilderness Therapy Programs. Santiam Crossing is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and a member of NATSAP.

Students participate in academics, individual and group therapy, camp chores, homework and group projects on campus Monday through Thursday, leaving campus Thursday evening for a wilderness adventure activity that may include climbing, river rafting, mountain biking or horsemanship, returning to campus Sunday evening. Students reside in tent cabins equipped with wood stoves housing up to twelve students each and staffed by two live-in counselors. These same tent groups do their own cooking and clean up at a designated cooking area in their campsite.

Parents take part in family therapy with their child via twice-monthly conference calls and participate in on-campus therapy one weekend a month. Partnered with Next Step for Success, parents also participate in parent coaching sessions during their child's enrollment.

[This information came from the Santiam Crossing School website and brochure.]