This year, Second Nature proudly celebrates 27 years of guiding teens and families through meaningful, lasting change. Since day one, Second Nature has been grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that healing happens through connectionto self, to others, and to the natural world. What began as a bold vision shared by a few dedicated clinicians has grown into a trusted, research-informed therapeutic program that has helped thousands of adolescents and their families find clarity, resilience, and renewed connection.
Over nearly three decades, Second Nature has evolved and expandedbut its core mission remains the same: to provide clinically sophisticated, relationship-based therapy in a nature-immersed setting. It has had the privilege of supporting teens facing a broad range of issues and challenges. Time and again, Second Nature has seen how the combination of immersive nature-based experiences and thoughtful, individualized clinical care leads to deep, lasting transformation.
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The Heart of the Work
Second Nature often hears from alumni students and parentssometimes years laterabout how their time there became a turning point in their lives. Over the past 27 years, it has had the honor of working with more than 15,000 families, each with its own unique journey. Parents describe renewed relationships with their children; students share stories of transformation, resilience, and growth sparked by quiet evenings under the stars or meaningful moments of reflection and accomplishment in natureguided and supported by its compassionate team.
"We're still here doing this work because it matters," saysCo-Founder Devan Glissmeyer. "We've seen what happens when an adolescent feels the power and peace of nature as well as commits to treating themself and others in a way that brings awareness and connection - when therapy isn't just a weekly appointment but is continuous throughout the day. It's humbling to know that 27 years in, we're still part of those life-changing moments."
Here's what one parent recently shared about his family's experience:
"Throughout my son's journey at Second Nature, I was impressed weekly by what he was learning. But honestly, it was what I was learning too. It has been a life-changing experience for us both!" - Alumni Parent (June 2025)
Committed for the Long Haul Many members of the leadership and clinical teams have been doing this work for decadesa testament to their dedication and belief in the impact of nature-based therapy. This kind of longevity reflects a shared commitment to a model that continues to change lives. Nature-based therapy isn't a trend; it's a time-tested and proven approach that helps build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful connection in ways traditional settings often cannot. As it celebrates 27 years and looks toward the future, the team at Second Nature remains grounded in its belief that healing happens through connectionconnection to self, to family, to others, and to the natural world.
About Second Nature Nature-Based Residential Treatment: Since its founding in 1998, Second Nature has set the standard in nature-based treatment for adolescents ages 13-17 and earned a well-deserved reputation as a pioneer in the field. With a strong commitment to clinical excellence, exceptional service, and an exemplary safety record, Second Nature has helped thousands of adolescents and their families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. By integrating evidence-based therapeutic approaches, comprehensive family involvement, a strong academic program, and the transformative power of nature, Second Nature promotes resilience, supports healthy decision-making, and fosters meaningful personal growth. Our experienced team of therapists employs advanced, individualized interventions while actively engaging families throughout the treatment process. The result is a dynamic and effective model that continues to transform livesone family at a time. EmailJulia Andrick atJuliasecond-nature.com to learn more at second-nature.com.