800.817.1899

About UsPhilosophy Outback is a place where teens can be themselves. Because we celebrate each individual’s unique character, we don’t try to change who our students are. But we do want them to become the best of who they are by reinforcing their strengths and helping them make healthy decisions. A “No-Resistance” Approach to Wilderness Therapy The therapists and field staff at Outback reach struggling teens using a “no-resistance” approach to wilderness therapy. Unlike teen boot camps that engage students in power struggles or demand compliance, Outback’s approach is warm and nurturing. Rather than trying to push students in a certain direction, the field instructors guide them through the experience and help them process the many lessons that can be learned in the wilderness. The Power of Choice We believe that we all have a choice as to what we’ll make of our lives. Because most of our students are not happy with where their choices have led them, we offer guidance and support as they discover the rewards of a new way of life. But it’s up to them to make that choice. An Invitation to Change Realizing that we cannot force people to change, we invite teens to see the need for change for themselves and to affect that change in their own lives. Rather than demanding compliance or coercing young people to make different choices, Outback’s approach is to invite the students to re-evaluate their “way of being.” Positive Role Models One way we invite change is to show the students that we believe in what we teach and live it in our everyday lives. Our staff strives to live by this core set of principles in their own lives, setting a positive model for our students and their families. From admissions counselors to field staff to management, all Outback staff members participate in the “Choice” seminar, and work as champions for the power of choice. Natural Consequences We strive to let teens learn as much as possible from the natural consequences of their actions. For example, if the students want to leisurely get ready in the morning, the field guides don’t create artificial consequences or punishments, but let the students learn for themselves why it would’ve been a good idea to hike and set up camp before dark. A lesson learned through hands-on experience is far more valuable than compliance with a rule established by an authority figure.
- FAQ
- Testimonials
- Staff
- Affiliations
Treatment ProgramProgram Individualized Treatment At Outback, every adolescent is viewed as a unique individual with specific treatment needs. All of our students meet individually with their therapist to discuss their progress and opportunities for personal growth. After every individual therapy session, parents receive a phone call from their child’s therapist to discuss the student’s progress, goals and future treatment plans. This creates a truly individualized program for each student and family. The Wilderness Experience The wilderness is our greatest ally in treating troubled teens. Leaving behind the distractions of computers, television and negative peers, teens are free to shed their “image” and connect with themselves in a deeper way. When teens move outside their comfort zone, they begin to learn new skills and view life from a different perspective. As their struggles begin to surface, teens have 24-hour support from field guides and therapists who encourage them to begin replacing negative thoughts and habits with positive ones. Accredited Academics Outback offers a unique academic program that helps students continue their education and earn academic credits while participating in treatment. Outback’s academic program is accredited with the Commission on International and Trans Regional Accreditation and North Central Accreditation. Each student has the potential to earn one semester’s worth of academic credit in four different subject areas during a typical stay. Backed by Independent Research Independent outcome studies confirm that wilderness therapy programs like Outback are highly effective in treating troubled teens. Research shows that adolescents make significant improvements in school performance, substance abuse, defiance, impulsivity, aggression, interpersonal relationships and various other areas. In addition, they maintain the therapeutic gains for a full year after completing the wilderness program. Experienced Adolescent Specialists Our treatment team has an unparalleled ability to gain the trust and respect of troubled teens. Outback employs a diverse group of professionals with a range of talents who are all constantly trying to better themselves in the same way they’re asking their students to improve. Our staff is highly trained and dedicated to improving the lives of adolescents and their families. All staff members have passed an extensive background check and successfully completed training in first aid, CPR and outdoor living skills as well as the industry-leading Outback Training Program. Positive Peer Environment Teenagers are heavily influenced by their peers in both positive and negative ways. In single-gender groups of six to nine students, teens at Outback begin to form a “wilderness family.” Daily group sessions provide a forum for addressing group dynamics, individual character development and specific treatment goals. Students also mentor new arrivals, which provides support to new students and helps more senior students embrace personal responsibility and gain new insights. Focus on the Family Families are vital to the process of change that takes place at Outback. We provide parents with information, resources and weekly therapy sessions so that they can learn and grow at the same time as their child. Parents are also invited to write letters and attend a one-day seminar and an in-field family therapy session mid-way through the program. With both student and parents on the same path, the entire family begins to heal.
- Academics
- Typical Day
Parent’s CornerParent’s Corner Your Involvement This information will help your child’s stay here at Outback be a healing and uplifting experience for all of you. There are several things that you as parents can do as we begin the process of working with your child. Leadership and Self-Deception Purchase and read the book Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute. You can purchase this book online at Amazon.com or check with the nearest Barnes and Noble. This short, easy-to-read book will give you additional tools and skills that reflect how we work and interact with the children during their stay with us. We suggest reading this in the next couple of days, before writing the placement letter. Placement Letter Before writing your placement letter, please talk to your Outback Therapist. Please write a two-to-three page typewritten letter to your child explaining your placement decision. Please use the principles of Leadership and Self Deception to guide your words as you list the specific behaviors that led to your decision to place your child at Outback. This letter should also include your feelings regarding the placement, a paragraph of encouragement for your child, a list of his/her strengths and positive experiences, and your feelings about your child. This letter will be used to guide your child’s Outback process. Parent Manual The parent manual (which you will receive when your child is admitted to Outback) was prepared to help you find answers to your questions about our program. It also provides information that will help you assist us as we strive to provide a meaningful experience for your child. The Parent Manual contains detailed program information and is for parents’ use only. Please talk to your child’s Outback therapist before revealing any information from the manual to your child. It is crucial to your child’s progress through the program that you not share information with your child inappropriately, as this can reduce their ability to focus on their current experience, and can impair their ability to gain the maximum benefit from the program. If you have any questions or need any additional assistance, please feel free to call your Outback therapist or another office staff member. Weekly Letters Each week you can send letters to your child (FAX: (801) 766-3932; E-mail: mail@outbacktreatment.com). Please send these letters by noon on Fridays. The therapists will then take these letters to your child on therapy days. Any letters your child writes to you will be faxed to you on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Friday mornings. If you have questions or concerns regarding the letter process, please call Jeannine at our office number. Phone Calls After your child arrives, our admissions director will call you to confirm your child’s arrival and give you the name and contact information of the therapist assigned to your child. Please contact your therapist to set up your Wednesday appointments. You will be asked to call the office at your scheduled times to gain additional insights from you, involve you in the treatment planning, and start the aftercare process with you. Parent Workshop In addition to your weekly phone calls, Outback offers parent workshop seminars twice a month. Parents are asked to attend one workshop (usually around the fourth or fifth week of the child’s placement). This workshop starts with a one-day seminar to explore the underlying concepts, strategies, and philosophies of the Outback program, as well as ideas and skills for working with teenagers. The following morning you will drive out to the field to reunite with your child and participate in a family session. Although it is not required, Outback strongly recommends you attend this workshop. Please discuss the details of the seminar and your visit with your therapist.
AdmissionsAdmissions For specific information please contact our admissions director by phone at 800.817.1899 or click here. You may also fill out our secure, online application below. Outback works on a continuous flow basis with admissions and discharges happening regularly. This creates a positive peer culture and allows students to become mentors to “new-comers” in the group. We prefer to admit students Monday through Friday. Weekend admits can be arranged, but check with your Outback admissions counselor for details. Flights should arrive at the Salt Lake City Airport by 3:00 p.m. with a facility admission cut off time of 6:00 p.m. All students arriving outside of those timeframes will be placed at the Safe House facility for the night and admission will occur the following morning. Please contact our admissions director if special arrangements need to be made. Step 1 Online Application for Enrollment We are pleased to offer a secure online application for admission to Outback. An Admissions Counselor will review your application and contact you to discuss appropriate placement. If you would like to request a copy of our HIPAA privacy agreement, click here. If you are starting an application for the first time, or this is an application for a new student, click the button below: If you are returning to an application already in progress, click the button below: Step 2 IMPORTANT: Once you have completed and submitted the online application, you will need to download the signature documents linked below and mail or fax them to Outback Therapeutic Expeditions prior to enrollment date. Enrollment Forms (Signature Documents) Admissions Fax Line: 877.303.8458 If you encounter any technical difficulties with the online application, please fill out a technical support form by clicking here. Upon arrival at Outback, students receive their gear and clothing, are transported to the doctor’s office for a short physical exam, and then taken to the field and introduced to the group. All clothing and necessary gear will be issued to the students. Parents are asked to supply only the following: • Prescription medication (at least a 1 month supply). All refills of prescriptions will be filled through our contracted pharmacy Omni Care Superior Pharmacy. All prescription refills will be billed to your insurance provider and subject to plan limitations. • Prescription glasses (no contacts if at all possible) • Retainers with their cases • Disposable cameras (in their original packaging)
- Admissions Information
- Cost & Benefits
Contact Us.wpcf7 input, .wpcf7 textarea{ width:350px;} Contact Us Thank you for your interest in Outback Therapeutic Expeditions. A member of our Admissions Team will be happy to discuss with you if Outback is an appropriate program for your child. Please call 800.817.1899 or fill out the contact form below and someone from Outback will be in touch with you within one business day. You can also begin our secure online application for admission. After completing the form below, you will be able to watch the DVD presentation online if you have a high-speed internet connection. Thank you again for your interest in Outback Therapeutic Expeditions. We will be in touch with you soon!! [contact-form 1 "Contact form 1"]
- Employment

Outback Can Help

Are you experiencing family conflict in the home? Has your troubled teen recently changed to a negative peer group? Is he isolating himself or focusing an excessive amount of time on the computer? Is she struggling or failing academically? Are there issues with low self esteem, depression, or anxiety? Is your teen bright but underachieving? Has there been experimentation with drugs and alcohol?

Outback can Help.

Outback’s Wilderness Programs blend the best of the “ancient cultural systems” with the most effective and proven therapeutic processes. Your troubled teen will experience the highest standards of safety and therapy in the context of one of the most powerful settings for real change – the wilderness.

Why Outback? Outback offers the best in adolescent therapy, philosophy, staff training and overall quality care. Our dedication to teens and their families and our ability to get troubled teens back on track is unmatched.

Does Your Child Need Outback?
Read our student profile and assess where your teen stands.

Why We’re Affordable

Learn about cost-effective loans that can help you enroll your child at Outback.
Click here to learn how loan payments can be less than $500 a month!
Featured on Dr. Phil

During an episode of the Dr. Phil show, Outback Therapeutic Expeditions was presented to a family as a viable option to help their struggling son. Read more...
Assess Your Child’s Need

Take our free confidential online assessment. Click here to learn more.
Download our Brochure

Click here to download our informative brochure.

Contact Us

Outback Therapeutic Expeditions
50 North 200 East
Lehi, UT 84043

800.817.1899

Contact Us
Live Chat

Location

Accreditations

wilderness treatment programs | troubled teen | boarding schools | wilderness therapy | teen residential | wilderness programs