The Quest for Therapeutic Excellence

Boy in desertEvery teen enrolled in the RedCliff Ascent wilderness therapy program brings a unique set of circumstances and problems. The one commonality they typically share is the avoidance of the “business of life,” or developmental stagnation. They expect everyone around them to compensate for their own lack of responsibility.

Each struggling teen differs in his or her system of avoiding responsibility. Consequently, they require individualized intervention. This will help them understand that their previous way of life is no longer beneficial. For this reason, RedCliff emphasizes individual treatment above a predetermined length of stay.

Achievement-Based Length of Stay

Length of stay is not about when a student finishes a predetermined amount of work he must do for us. A student finishes the program when he has completed the work he must do for himself.

Because they are clinically complicated, each teen progresses at a different rate. It’s important for students to understand their graduation is dependent upon their therapeutic achievements. They cannot simply “wait out” a predetermined program length of stay.

Boy making a bow

Since the program is achievement-based, the length of stay will vary from student to student. Our goal is to help teens advance to their next developmental level as soon as it is therapeutically wise to do so. We focus on building positive relationships with students that open the door to therapy. Clinicians and field staff serve as guides and observers, not drill sergeants.

This unconventional approach is based on the quest for therapeutic excellence, not what is convenient. What is best for the student, not what is happening in the marketplace, is at the heart of our open enrollment policy.

RedCliff Ascent wilderness camps for teens are dedicated to helping teens work through behavioral or emotional difficulties, build trusting relationships with their family and peers, and achieve academic success.

Call an admissions counselor at 801-921-8488 for additional information about how RedCliff Ascent can help your family.