What do wilderness therapy outcomes really tell us? In this episode, Will talks with researchers Dr. Joanna Bettmann Schaefer and Dr. Laura Mills, two leading researchers studying outcomes in wilderness therapy and residential outdoor treatment. Drawing on data from thousands of adolescents across multiple programs, they reveal what the evidence shows about who benefits most—and who may not—from outdoor behavioral healthcare.
Their conversation explores why family engagement is such a powerful predictor of success, how adopted and neurodiverse adolescents often experience different outcomes, and why a teen's sense of belonging in treatment matters. Joanna and Laura also discuss the importance of transparency, ongoing outcome measurement, and listening to those who felt harmed by treatment. For parents, professionals, and anyone seeking facts over assumptions, this episode brings clarity to what outcome research really shows about wilderness therapy today.
To find the research discussed in this episode:
Dr. Bettman-Schaefer research page- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joanna-Bettmann-Schaefer
To contact Dr. Bettman-Shaefer- u0046267@utah.edu
Dr. Laura Mills research page-
https://www.bestnotes.com/our-advisors/laura-mills-ph-d-qm-psych/
To contact Dr. Mills- laura@outcometools.com
This podcast is supported by White Mountain Adventure Institute (wmai.org), offering adventure inspired retreats for men.