Six years after arriving at Blue Ridge as an adolescent struggling with his mental health, a former student has returned to the program in a new role: field staff. His return marks a full-circle moment for a family who once faced an incredibly difficult decision about how to support their son when outpatient therapy, psychiatric care, and medication changes were no longer creating the progress they hoped to see. “Choosing to send our son to Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness was the most difficult decision we ever made as parents,” his mother shared.
During his 16 weeks at Blue Ridge, the former student began to develop greater emotional awareness, communication skills, and an understanding of how his actions affected those around him. At the same time, his parents participated in their own therapeutic work, learning new ways to communicate, listen, and respond within their family. His treatment journey continued after Blue Ridge in a residential program, while the family carried the skills and insights they gained there into the next phase of their work together.
Looking back six years later, the former student describes his relationship with his parents as “infinitely better” than it was before and says he is grateful they had the courage to make that decision. His own experience at Blue Ridge was shaped in part by a staff member who was also a former student. Seeing someone return and use their experience to support others planted the idea that he might one day do the same. “I wanted to give back the love and care that I was so freely given,” he shared.
Today, at 21, he has done just that. His mother describes him as healthy and stable and says returning to Blue Ridge as a staff member had become one of his goals. Now, his lived experience gives him a unique point of connection with the adolescents he supports in the field. For his family, his return represents not a single moment of transformation, but the continuation of a journey that began at Blue Ridge six years ago.
About Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness:
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness works with adolescent girls and boys ages 12-18 who are navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, family conflict, low motivation, school refusal, substance use concerns, trauma, identity development, and difficulties with communication, self-esteem, and peer relationships. Those interested in learning more about Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness or making a referral are encouraged to reach out to the admissions team by calling 888-914-1050, emailing admissions@blueridgewilderness.com, or visiting blueridgewilderness.com.