Early Adolescent Profile

Open Sky Wilderness Therapy treats early adolescent boys and girls, ages 13 and 14 (12 year olds accepted on a case-by-case basis; contact Admissions for more information). Using an individualized, strengths-based approach, Open Sky can effectively treat early adolescents struggling with a wide range of mental health issues.

Open Sky’s team of licensed, highly experienced therapists use the most current, research-proven treatment modalities and pursue continuing education to stay current and increase their effectiveness. Training and specialized subject areas include assessment and diagnosis, early adolescent development, family systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, transpersonal psychology, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.

Open Sky provides clinically sophisticated and comprehensive treatment to address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:

Anxiety
Depression
Defiance
Entitlement
Emotional Dysregulation
Unhealthy Coping Skills
ADD & ADHD
Learning Differences
Social Skills Deficits
Anger Management
Identity Issues
Poor Self-Care or Hygiene
Eating Issues
Relationship Issues
School Problems/Avoidance
Grief & Loss
Family Problems
Attachment Issues
Negative Life Patterns
Technology Addiction
Trauma
Adjustment Issues
Manipulation, Lying and/or Stealing

Exclusionary Criteria

Wilderness therapy is often recognized as one of the most effective treatment modalities for adolescent issues, however, certain diagnoses and characteristics present challenges. Our exclusionary criteria are designed to ensure that each student receives effective treatment, without compromising safety or efficacy.

We do not treat current untreated sex offenders, severe eating disorders that require hospitalization, students with a history of significant mood instability, aggressive or assaultive behavior inside/outside the home, certain severe clinical diagnoses (e.g., extreme conduct disorder, serious attachment disorders/issues), certain severe health conditions, and very low cognitive function. For more information on the exclusionary criteria, please contact our admissions team: 970-758-8324.

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Admissions

About Open Sky

At Open Sky, we assist early adolescents, adolescents, and young adults struggling with difficult challenges and life circumstances. Nestled in the mountains of southwest Colorado and the canyon country of southeast Utah, the Open Sky approach transcends traditional wilderness therapy by emphasizing treatment for the whole family.