WinGate Wilderness Therapy is excited to announce the expansion of their parent coaching services and commitment to continued Parent Education. Sarah Persha, MA, family systems therapist and learning specialist, is bringing her years of case management in teen and young adult education and healthcare to WinGate, and has begun coaching WinGate families and providing both thematic and personalized coaching. Her years of dedication to the intersection of education and mental health management are well known in both therapeutic programs and young adult programs, as well as education abroad.

Sarah began her career in experiential education and mental health in Central Oregon in 1988, and continues to serve on NW advisory boards; most recently she has supported a project in experiential learning with higher education and Gap member programs with training in young adult mental health. As well Sarah has founded and supported community integration-based residential programs both regionally, nationally, and abroad, and has traveled extensively when called upon to review and integrate the post-high school choices for teens and young adults whose educational path had been interrupted with mental health or school failure.

Coaching has been a perfected venue for Sarah, who brings the signature WISE parenting skills training to WinGate — years of on-the-ground work with teens and young adults post-(treatment) program — where the challenge of preserving skills learned while allowing individuation and independence to expand, has been her focus. “I am so lucky to have worked with some of the most progressive clinicians and educational consultants in the last 15 years while applying relevant therapy and psychiatry to the kids and young adults who re-engaged higher functioning skills towards more productive lives — while supporting the breathless parents to balance when to support, when to observe, when to intervene.” When asked how she feels about the wetter northwest and the dryer southwest, her comment: “WinGate uses land that I have loved since my parents first enjoyed snow-birding in the 1980s. It’s wonderful to have both.  Just remind me to use more sunscreen.”

About WinGate Wilderness Therapy 

WinGate Wilderness Therapy is located in southern Utah, in the Grand Staircase National Monument. The program provides personalized treatment for teens, ages 14-17; and young adults, ages 18 and over. WinGate passionately provides the best clinical service and highest quality of care in treating those who are struggling and need support. WinGate specializes in treating a range of issues, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, failure to launch, substance abuse, and mal-coping mechanisms. WinGate believes that establishing a respectful, and caring relationship with clients, allows for dynamic and lasting growth.