Wingate Wilderness Therapy Closes Amid Industry Controversy and Changing Views

Wingate Wilderness Therapy Announces Closure Amid Industry Changes

Wingate Wilderness Therapy, a prominent wilderness therapy program based in Utah, has announced its intent to close down operations. In an email to staff, Executive Director Chris Tarver cited a "shifting market" as the key reason behind this difficult business decision.

For years, Wingate offered behavioral modification and adventure-based therapy programs for struggling teenagers. Like others in the "troubled teen industry," they promised to help teens overcome issues like addiction, defiance, and mental health struggles through immersive time spent hiking, camping, and receiving counseling in the wilderness.

Criticisms and Controversy Plague the Troubled Teen Industry

However in recent years, the entire wilderness and residential therapy sector has come under intense public scrutiny and criticism. Accounts of abuse and excessive disciplinary tactics used at some programs, shared widely on social media through campaigns like #BreakingCodeSilence, have fueled public outrage.

High profile figures like Paris Hilton have brought further attention to the "troubled teen industry," speaking out about their own traumatic experiences at boarding schools and wilderness camps as teenagers. This mounting pressure seems to have initiated real change.

Impact of Survivor Activism on Enrollment

Industry experts argue that parenting styles and expectations have also evolved, leading to different preferences in how behavioral issues get addressed. But the vocal advocacy and raw storytelling of program survivors have likely had the biggest influence.

The accounts of former program participants have dominated the online conversation and shaped public perceptions around wilderness therapy. It's very possible Wingate struggled to attract enough enrollments in light of all the negative attention and scrutiny the broader industry has contended with lately.

What's Next for Struggling Teens and Families?

The forthcoming closure of Wingate Wilderness Therapy raises many questions. Where will struggling teenagers and their families turn now? What alternatives exist for addiction treatment or managing extreme behavioral issues?

The outdoor behavioral healthcare field finds itself at a crossroads moment. Either programs adapt substantially to address long-standing criticisms about overly punitive approaches, or they will likely close down one by one.

In the meantime, therapists recommend families do extensive research before choosing any behavioral modification program for their child. Scrutinizing reviews, looking deeper than glossy websites, and speaking directly to former clients can help uncover potential issues or red flags with specific providers.

A Chance for Rebuilding and Healing

While the imminent closure no doubt causes disruption and stress for impacted families and employees, many survivors see this as a positive stepping stone toward systemic change.

Perhaps the programs that emerge in the future will embrace empathy and compassion over confrontation. The providers that survive this period of turmoil may assist teens in a more nurturing, empowering fashion that promotes lasting growth.

With more humane therapy models and informed parental decisions, struggling teenagers can get the support they need without facing further harm or trauma. If the dominant culture shifts in that direction, the survivors speaking out can claim progress in their hard-fought battle for ethical care.

FAQs

Why is Wingate Wilderness Therapy closing down?

Wingate's executive director cited a "shifting market" in his announcement about the closure. This likely refers to declining enrollment due to growing negative publicity about the broader troubled teen industry's methods.

What kind of programs did Wingate offer?

Wingate was a wilderness therapy program focusing on adventure-based counseling and behavioral modification for struggling teenagers dealing with issues like addiction, mental health problems, and extreme defiance.

What happens to the teens enrolled there now?

The announcement did not provide details on what will happen to current Wingate participants. Presumably, their parents will need to urgently explore alternatives and transfer their teens to other programs.

What other options exist for families in this situation?

Experts advise families to thoroughly research any behavioral modification program before enrolling their child. Warning signs of abusive tactics include lack of transparency, no communication allowed with parents, and disciplining through denial of food or sleep.