Programs> Outdoor Therapeutic Program

Outdoor Therapeutic Programs
A Leader in Year-Round Adolescent Residential Programs

Eckerd Youth Alternatives' Outdoor Therapeutic Programs are positive, nurturing residential programs for boys and girls ages 10 to 17 who have difficulty functioning in social, family and school environments. Youth are referred from a variety of sources, primarily through contracts with public agencies. (For more information about our Eckerd Academy outdoor residential programs for privately referred children, click here.)

Eckerd Youth Alternatives outdoor therapeutic programs combine fully accredited education with group and individual counseling, outdoor adventure activities and relationship- and communication-building skills. Youth live in rural, outdoor settings in small groups of 8 to 10 with trained, nurturing counselors.

In addition to helping children improve academically, the outdoor therapeutic program helps them develop skills in handling conflict successfully, taking personal responsibility, respecting themselves and others and building positive relationships.

Each child’s treatment plan is individualized and may include:

• Group, Individual and Family Counseling - children live, work, go to school, and play in a gender-specific group of 10 to 12 youth and two trained counselor/teachers. They spend the majority of time participating in therapeutic group activities, including problem solving sessions and conducting daily evaluations.
• Behavior Management - Through the repeated experience of therapeutic problem solving, children begin taking personal responsibility, building positive relationships and developing personal growth. 
• Accredited, Year-Round Alternative Education - Our outdoor therapy programs provide an on-campus alternative school that is fully licensed by the appropriate state education authorities and regionally accredited. Educational credits are transferable to the home school.
• Social Skills and Life Skills Training – Each child learn skills to help him or her get along with others and maximize potential.
• Family Support and Involvement – Families are fully supported while their child is in treatment. Family involvement is one of the keys to our high success rate.
• Transition Planning and Follow Up– A formal plan is developed to help ease each child’s transition back home. 

Eckerd Youth Alternatives operates Outdoor Therapeutic Programs in seven states Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire.