blueFire is a Wilderness Therapy Program that is proven effective in treating a variety of complex mental health issues. Studies have shown wilderness therapy is a thriving clinical modality for those who have exhausted traditional forms of treatment.
Clients within a Wilderness Treatment model leave behind environments that are often unstable or unsafe, finding space and time to heal in a natural setting.
Mental Health Problems that blueFire Helps with:
( This list is not all-inclusive )
Depression
Anxiety
Addiction
Bipolar
Trauma
Executive Functioning
Disorders
Dysregulated Moods
OCD
We ask all clients and their parents or guardians to complete an evidence-based and internationally used questionnaire called the Youth Outcome Questionnaire (Y-OQ 2.0). This questionnaire measures a client’s level of functioning in:
- Intrapersonal Distress
- Somatic Distress
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Social Problems
- Behavioral Dysfunction
- Related Critical Items
This data is collected from both parents and clients:
- Upon Admission
- Upon Graduation
- 6 Months Post-Graduation
- 12 Months Post-Graduation
Decreasing scores indicate improved mental wellness.
In accordance with the Y-OQ's Reliable Change Index (RCI):
Scores that decrease by 18 points indicate lasting, positive change.
blueFire parents report a
60pt
decrease in dysfunction
than what was measured at admission.
blueFire clients report a
36pt
decrease in dysfunction
than what was measured at admission.
blueFire's Y-OQ Outcomes
indicate 2x the change
needed to show lasting
clinical progress.
12 Months
Post-Graduation
Results from surveys taken a year post-graduation show continual improvement.
Clients are able to maintain and build upon the progress they gained at blueFire.
Studies show that nature itself has therapeutic benefits.
Nature helps blueFire clients:
Reduce Stress Levels
Getting outside naturally helps lower anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and the production of stress hormones.
Get Creative
Outdoor activities spark creative thoughts through visual, physical, or mental inspiration.
Improve Physical Health
Rock climbing, rafting, hiking —all our adventure activities improve our physical and mental health by releasing positive hormones.
Boost Mood
Getting sunshine and fresh air promotes the production of serotonin which boosts your mood naturally.
Be Present
Less electronic stimulation promotes mindfulness, relaxation, and connection, reducing anxiety and stress.
Research on nature's benefit
We benefit from “high quality” nature spaces (Nature Research Report, 2021)
Hear what our clients say about our program:
Anonymously, Client
I admire all the staff. It’s obvious that they are not here for the money. Rather they are here because of their desire to help us. I also look up to the way they are able to handle stressful situations without deviating from a regulated mood. I have come light years in self-regulation. I can stay calm and remain assertive even when others are visibly anxious. I have also learned how to be a better leader, as my assertiveness has improved. This place has set me up to find my own success.
Sarah, Mother
Our child was really struggling and involved in very dangerous activities. BlueFire saved his life. The whole community helped him look at himself and face the choices he’d been making, allowing him to change course. I can’t say enough about how helpful they were.
Anonymous, Parent
blueFire is an amazing program and I highly recommend it. The staff are experts in their field. They are professional yet caring. blueFire was a transformative experience for my son and our family.
blueFire Wilderness is Accredited and a Member of
