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:
Fred, Father
Trusting others with the care of your child in need of help is one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make. Bluefire and all of the administrative staff, field guides, and therapists were instrumental in giving our child the help, respect and space needed to start their journey toward the right path in a way that we were not able to at home. All the while, we were kept informed with family sessions, letters and photos of that growth. Bluefire is heavily invested in the family relationship and we could not have asked for a better experience or outcome for our child.
Anonymous, Parent
Everyone at Bluefire was helpful and understood that our family is in a difficult and confusing situation. Our therapist was Charles. In 8 years of therapy, he was the only that reached my son in a way that will change his life for the better. My son came out with a greater understanding of what he needs to work on, and of others. He now knows that he can be a leader, and he doesn’t have to feel bad about himself.
We think he’s on the right path, and Bluefire was the right place for him.
Debbie, Parent
Our son went to Blue Fire depressed and had no self confidence. He left with leadership skills he never knew he had. It was a difficult journey but it changed him in a good way. We are thankful for his wonderful therapist and staff.
blueFire Wilderness is Accredited and a Member of
