Trails Carolina is proud to announce the publication of a white paper presenting the results of a pioneering research initiative that sheds light on the remarkable therapeutic effectiveness of its program for youth, adolescents, and their families. With a strong emphasis on deep family involvement and rigorous, data-driven methods, Trails Carolina is setting new standards in nature-based outdoor therapy.

Since launching its research initiative in 2014, Trails Carolina has enrolled approximately 1,200 families in an extensive study conducted in collaboration with the Center for Research, Assessment, and Treatment Efficacy (CReATE) and the University of Arkansas. The program’s focus on utilizing evidence-based therapies in a hybrid wilderness and base-camp model, combined with intensive family engagement, sets them apart in the field.

Notably, Trails Carolina has been recognized as a Research Designated Program (RDP) by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) each year since the inception of this designation, affirming their commitment to evidence-based practices, quality control, and decision-making rooted in research.

The recently released white paper presents comprehensive findings from the research center, examining whether children, adolescents, and families experience therapeutic improvements during their time at Trails Carolina and whether these improvements endure after program graduation. The study is Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved and includes a thorough assessment featuring standardized instruments that gauge child, adolescent, parental, and family functioning. This assessment encompasses mental health, skill acquisition, family functioning, and treatment satisfaction. Importantly, it incorporates feedback from the children/adolescents and their parents, providing a comprehensive view of the participants’ progress.

Key findings of the research indicate that youth and adolescents admitted to Trails Carolina previously faced significant mental health challenges and environmental stressors. For example, 80% of participants had clinically elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression upon enrollment. Additionally, 75% presented with significant symptoms of ADHD, and 63% experienced suicidality. Moreover, disruptive behavior, school-related problems, and sleep disruption were common issues.

The data from the study underscores the positive impact of Trails Carolina’s therapeutic approach. The research reveals that youth and adolescents demonstrated considerable improvements during their time in the program, which continued for an entire year after graduation. Furthermore, the study shows that the improvements extend beyond just the participant, with family communication and satisfaction significantly improving while students participate in the program.

One remarkable statistic is that 98.9% of participants reported significant improvements in challenging behavior and mental health symptoms one year after graduating from Trails Carolina. This outcome can be seen in students who return home and those who continue on to longer-term care.

In summary, Trails Carolina’s decade-long commitment to providing research-informed clinical services has yielded impressive results. Their therapeutic program is demonstrated to be highly effective in helping youth, adolescents, and their families overcome significant mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. These findings emphasize the critical need for innovative and evidence-based approaches in addressing the growing crisis of youth mental health.

For more information about Trails Carolina and their groundbreaking research or to obtain a copy of the white paper, please contact Julia Andrick at jandrick@trailscarolina.com. 

About Trails Carolina:

Trails Carolina is an outdoor behavioral healthcare program for youth and adolescents aged 10-17. The program integrates wilderness therapy, mindfulness, equine relational therapy, intentional transitions, academic engagement, and parent education to help families reconnect and heal.

About the Center for Research, Assessment, and Treatment Efficacy (CReATE):

CReATE is a clinical service and psychological research organization based in Asheville, NC. They provide data-driven assessment and evaluation, empirically-supported mental health treatment, and bridge the gap between science and practice.