Outcomes

Successful Outcomes For A Brighter Future

Trails Carolina‘s wilderness therapy program has helped hundreds of families rebuild their relationships with their son or daughter. Many of our families and students are so pleased with their experience that they have chosen to share their stories with you, to help you understand what an Impact Trails has had on their lives.

Trails Carolina Research Initiative

Trails Carolina began a research initiative in 2015, partnering with the Center for Research, Assessment, and Treatment Efficacy and the Arkansas Institute of Developmental Science. The objective of this study was to research the therapeutic effectiveness of wilderness therapy. This project represents the first investigation of wilderness treatment outcomes, with a particular emphasis on family functioning and improvements.

Clinical Outcomes

A preliminary look at the data reveals that the average participant is 14.9 years old, with approximately half male and half female participants. Upon admission, youth and their parents report significant problems (in the youth) associated with symptoms of:

Depression
ADHD
Disruptive behavior
Substance use
Suicidality
Academic struggles
Aggressive behavior

At graduation, symptoms and problematic behaviors are MUCH improved, based on adolescents’ self report and parent reports. In fact, across all domains, scores are in the normal range following treatment, with the exception of youth’s self report of substance use disorder symptoms, which although much improved, remains slightly elevated.