Located in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest, Emerald Arrow at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is an outdoor therapeutic program for young adults aged 18–29. The program blends in-depth clinical insights, comprehensive assessments, and creativity-driven experiences to empower participants to deepen their understanding of themselves, their families, and their communities. Developed by Clinical Director and Primary Therapist Anne Wilzbacher, LCMHC, Emerald Arrow continues to evolve alongside the needs of young adults while staying rooted in its mission of fostering meaning, purpose, and connection.
Since its inception in 2018, Emerald Arrow has enriched its programming to help students navigate the complexities of young adulthood with confidence, curiosity, and resilience. The program offers a wide array of activities, including skill-building workshops, cooking classes, mindfulness sessions, creative intensives, and a professional guest speaker series. These offerings give students the tools to address challenges such as living independently, starting new jobs, or pursuing higher education.
At Anchor Point, Emerald Arrow’s student retreat property, participants enjoy hands-on experiences like cooking in a commercial kitchen, self-care days with warm showers, and opportunities for self-led activities such as gardening, mural painting, journaling, and organizing peer ceremonies. These experiences foster a sense of self-reliance and community while encouraging creativity and personal growth.
Recognizing the unique talents and passions of its participants, Emerald Arrow has also expanded its adventure programming to nurture purpose and motivation. Students can now explore activities such as fly fishing, equine therapy, and individualized pursuits alongside basketball, frisbee golf, archery, and yoga. The program also includes specialized workshops in areas like woodworking, carpentry, bow drilling, spoon carving, and trail work, further broadening the range of opportunities for personal development.
The program’s clinical approach is guided by Anne Wilzbacher and a dedicated team that works closely with students and their families to provide tailored care. This work is enriched by the expertise of Emerald Arrow’s Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Lorena Bradley, who conducts a series of multidisciplinary assessments, including the Campbell Interest and Skills Survey (CISS). These evaluations uncover each student’s strengths, personality traits, and areas for growth, forming the foundation for individualized treatment plans and aftercare options.
Emerald Arrow remains committed to helping young adults build the self-esteem, adaptability, and sense of purpose needed to thrive. The program continues to empower students to connect deeply with themselves and their communities by combining clinical expertise with experiential learning and outdoor adventure.
About Emerald Arrow at Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness is a licensed and accredited outdoor child-caring program that provides mental health treatment from licensed therapists and skilled outdoors professionals. Removed from the distractions of daily home life, students (ages 12-18 and 18-29 in the Emerald Arrow young adult program) experience the abundance of the nature-based setting of the North Georgia Chattahoochee National Forest. Blue Ridge Wilderness and Emerald Arrow provide clinically-focused assessment and evidence-based therapeutic approaches that teach students communication skills, emotional regulation, healthy habits, and other skills needed to be aware of and act on their values. To learn more about Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness and Emerald Arrow, visit blueridgewilderness.com or call an admissions counselor at (888) 914-1050.