Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness

Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness Nature based therapy programs for early adolescents, teens and young adults.

Anxiety is a nervous system response. When a teen feels chronically anxious, their body is often operating in a prolonge...
02/19/2026

Anxiety is a nervous system response. When a teen feels chronically anxious, their body is often operating in a prolonged state of fight-or-flight activation.

Time in nature has been shown to support nervous system regulation. Predictable daily routines, natural light exposure, fresh air, and physical movement help shift the body out of chronic stress.

At Blue Ridge, teens wake with the sun, move their bodies throughout the day, and wind down around a campfire in the evening. This rhythm supports more balanced sleep, steadier energy, and improved emotional regulation.

Unlike the overstimulation of constant notifications and screen use, nature provides a quieter sensory environment. This reduction in digital input alone can significantly lower baseline anxiety for many adolescents.

Read more on our blog! Link in bio.

Anxiety in teens is more than just “worry", it shows up in avoidance, sleep disruption, irritability, and physical tensi...
02/19/2026

Anxiety in teens is more than just “worry", it shows up in avoidance, sleep disruption, irritability, and physical tension. While traditional talk therapy has its place, a growing body of clinicians and researchers are recognizing the powerful role nature-informed therapy can play in improving mental health outcomes.

Outdoor programming offers something fundamentally different from traditional office-based therapy. In a wilderness setting, treatment is not confined to a 50-minute session. It is integrated into daily life, movement, relationships, and real-world experiences. For many teens, this immersive model can significantly reduce anxiety and help them build lasting confidence.

Discover how outdoor programming helps reduce anxiety in teens through movement, nature, peer connection, and real-time clinical support: https://blueridgewilderness.com/blog/how-outdoor-programming-reduces-anxiety-in-teens

When screen time becomes a teen’s primary way of coping with anxiety, loneliness, boredom, or overwhelm, it can quietly ...
02/18/2026

When screen time becomes a teen’s primary way of coping with anxiety, loneliness, boredom, or overwhelm, it can quietly reinforce avoidance and dysregulation.

In wilderness therapy, stepping away from technology isn’t a punishment, but a recalibration. Without constant notifications and comparison, students have space to regulate their nervous systems, build real-time peer relationships, practice conflict repair, and tolerate discomfort with support.

Nature slows things down. Identity forms without performance, and confidence grows through lived experience. The goal isn’t lifelong disconnection from technology, but to help teens (and families!) develop the skills so screens are a tool and not a coping strategy.

If your family is feeling stuck in the screen-time cycle, we’re here to talk. Reach out to learn how Blue Ridge can create space for real change by calling 888-914-1050 or sending an email to admissions@blueridgewilderness.com 💚

02/17/2026

Post #3: excerpt from "Chasing Carson: A Family's Journey through Adolescence, Addiction and Recovery"

'Our "team" with all their researching for us has figured out the cost of long-term treatment programs and my cousin tells me we should look into doing a "Go Fund Me" to help pay for the cost. I reply to her that Sloan will not go it. He is so private. She says to me, "People want to help and you don't need a casserole, give them a chance to."

'Sloan has agreed to let me start a Plumfund and share our story on Facebook.....'

"To all our family and friends, near and far...it pains us to put this out there...our business, our secrets, our private life....why? Because, it's not pretty...it's not a praise or a brag about achievements...it's ugly, it's dirty and we are devastated. Carson has struggled with substance use since he was 16...what started as typical teenage experimenting, slowly turned into regular use. He has been in rehab and therapy 3 times. He works recovery but can't seem to "shake that monkey off his back." Sending him away will get him away from his environment and into a longer treatment program. 70-90 days inpatient then sober living for 6-9 months. The cost is high, insurance covers a fraction if any...here's the kicker... it might not work...he's 18 years old...he's an addict...but we have to give him an fighting chance. What else is the alternative? Please don't feel pressure to give...but do pray for him and us! Love. Dawn and Sloan"

'I look over at Sloan and tears just stream down his face. Tears were streaming down mine. We cry a lot and often....I hit post...'

I just read through what I wrote and still today after nearly 7 years, I am shaky, having shortness of breath and on the verge of tears...Some of you reading this are probably wondering why I am putting myself through this again...reliving it...I am sure you are wondering if Carson is ok with this...He is, I am, we are "ok" with being vulnerable and transparent. Our hope is that other families see this and know that they are not alone, there are options out there and there is always Hope!

Stay tuned.....

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️🌸🌻
02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️🌸🌻

Comprehensive assessments are the foundation of effective therapy for teens and young adults. At Blue Ridge Therapeutic ...
02/09/2026

Comprehensive assessments are the foundation of effective therapy for teens and young adults. At Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, our multidisciplinary intake process includes psychological, psychiatric, medical, and family systems evaluations to ensure every student receives precise diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing progress monitoring.

By identifying underlying needs early and adjusting care in real time, we improve safety, engagement, and long-term outcomes for adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and family conflict. Learn how thorough assessments lead to stronger retention, better clinical results, and smoother transitions home in our outcomes-focused nature-based therapy program.

https://blueridgewilderness.com/blog/how-comprehensive-assessments-improve-outcomes-in-therapy

“We are truly very grateful and there are no words we can ever express to show you how much this program has meant to ou...
02/09/2026

“We are truly very grateful and there are no words we can ever express to show you how much this program has meant to our daughter and our family. I think it is saving her life and giving her a life - thank you to everyone - great team and exceptional therapist!!”

Stories like this are why we do this work. Grateful to walk alongside families and witness the kind of change that gives a young person their life back. Thank you for trusting our team. 🤍

Last week, our young adult students in enjoyed a day hike at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, a nearby park just minutes ...
02/02/2026

Last week, our young adult students in enjoyed a day hike at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, a nearby park just minutes from our property, Anchor Point. The land was once home to a family, and the original farmhouse still stands today. These days, it’s home to countless species of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

The creek that runs through Anchor Point, Nichols Branch, flows into Tessentee Creek, which meets the Little Tennessee River right at this park, and eventually continues all the way to the Mississippi. Students were especially interested in reading the plaques about how these waterways are managed and protected.

Although the farmhouse itself was closed, the group spent time peering through its hundred-year-old windows, catching glimpses of old farming tools and a fireplace inside. Reflecting on the history of the land sparked curiosity and meaningful conversation, including wonder about the stories that may be tied to our own property.

📸🏈 Thank you to our wonderful EA Field Manager James for sharing this adventure!

Sunny day hike in our girls’ group after a long weekend inside!
01/29/2026

Sunny day hike in our girls’ group after a long weekend inside!

Winter weather is making its way toward Clayton this week, with colder temps and the possibility of a rain, ice, or snow...
01/23/2026

Winter weather is making its way toward Clayton this week, with colder temps and the possibility of a rain, ice, or snow mix. As always, mountain forecasts can shift, so we’re keeping a close eye on conditions.

In preparation for the cold front, students are safely indoors. Groups came in early to stay warm and comfortable, with plenty of time for movement, games, cooking over the fire, and connection.

We’ll continue to monitor the weather throughout the weekend and adjust plans thoughtfully if anything changes. Safety, care, and comfort remain at the center of everything we do! ❄️

Sunday night creativity at base!Before heading back out to the field, Regan’s group spent time together in the bunk room...
01/20/2026

Sunday night creativity at base!

Before heading back out to the field, Regan’s group spent time together in the bunk room for a collaborative painting initiative. Each person began with a mini canvas and a single paint pen color. With music playing, they painted for two minutes, then passed the canvas to the next person. This continued until everyone received their original canvas back, now shaped by the whole group.

Here are a few of the finished pieces! 🎨

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Clayton, GA
30525

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+18889141050

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