This May 15th, 2021, outBACK Therapeutic Expeditions will celebrate its 20th birthday. While outBACK has shifted and grown in the last 2 decades, some things have always remained the same: outBACK’s dedication to all clients, its commitment to a thorough, individualized therapeutic process, and a nurturing staff morale that spills over into the culture in the field. 

Rick Meeves, Ph.D., CEO, and founder of outBACK Therapeutic Expeditions, brought the program to life 20 years ago and says the people who have contributed to and those who have attended during the last 2 decades are what makes outBACK what it is today. He says, “All of us at outBACK — from founding folks to our fabulous field staff over the years; from the high shoulders we all stood upon to the great minds, compassionate hearts and dedicated gritty souls, so many of mother nature’s miracles and crucibles, we pause to THANK ALL who have contributed so much to the founding, furtherance, and fabulous memories!! We are so excited and to celebrate 20 years of outBACK. Would you join our current amazing outBACK team in a moment of silence and reflection—since we can’t be with you— for all of the families who have trusted us with their adolescents at the adolescence themselves, who have helped write the outback story.” 

The past 20 years of program development has built a sturdy foundation for outBACK to grow and continue to provide excellent therapeutic care. In this moment of reflection, outBACK Therapeutic Expeditions is excited to see what the future holds as well as how the Wilderness Therapy industry will continue to shift with the expanding needs of the adolescent population.  

About outBACK Therapeutic Expeditions

outBACK Therapeutic Expeditions is a highly effective, clinically informed treatment program dedicated to bringing families BACK together. Utilizing the wilderness as an alternative to traditional treatment settings, we guide students (13-17) and families in their process of reconnecting to Self, re-engaging with Family, and recommitting to Purpose. outBACK provides an innovative clinical structure designed to yield the highest clinical value for students and their families by providing access to multiple therapists for each student; Primary Therapists who oversee treatment plans and Associate Therapists who are in the group daily. outBACK is a licensed wilderness therapy program in the state of Utah and helps teens with various areas of difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, engagement in dangerous behaviors, neurodiversity, ASD level I, electronic and gaming addiction, and more.