Second Nature Family Therapy

About Second Nature Family Therapy

Second Nature works with adolescents struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, behavioral problems, development issues, learning disabilities, school problems, and relational difficulties. The highly experienced admissions team at Second Nature is able to match your child's unique circumstance to one of our many niche therapy groups and therapists specializing in a specific population.

Second Nature was founded in 1998 by a small group of clinicians who believed that bringing more therapeutic focus to the wilderness would create life-changing results for families. Second Nature was the first wilderness program to employ a therapist-driven model, using proven therapeutic methods to draw the most benefit out of the calming effects and inherent growth of nature and the therapeutic wilderness experience. Since that time, Second Nature has been the leader in innovation and setting the standard for effective care. From pioneering services such as niche groups, individualized treatment, and variable length of stay, to services such as comprehensive family support, integrated academic curriculum, and the Family Dynamics Assessment, we are committed to providing the most effective care and profound results that bring a new found sense of peace and confidence to your family. Second Nature is licensed and monitored for adherence to established State guidelines, and all therapists/psychologists we employ are licensed and highly experienced.

Second Nature uses a nomadic backpacking approach with proven efficacy. Increased self-esteem, confidence, and internalized happiness are ingrained more naturally than in wilderness models which use artificially created distractions that simply mask client struggles. At Second Nature students engage in low-impact hiking (1-4 miles per day) 3-4 days per week. Layover days include individual and group therapy, medical visits, and the delivery of fresh food and laundry. A typical day will include a combination of wilderness skills, hiking, group therapy, chores and responsibilities, fun and play, teamwork initiatives, therapeutic reading and assignments, academic homework, and downtime.

Adolescents struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, behavioral problems, developmental issues, learning disabilities, substance abuse/dependence, school problems, and relational difficulties find effective healing at Second Nature. The highly experienced admissions team at Second Nature is able to match your child’s unique circumstance to one of our many niche teen wilderness therapy groups and therapists specializing in a specific population.

Second Nature is a full-service intensive therapeutic experience. We average two support professionals for each student. This support includes areas such as individual, group, and family therapy, medical, professional field guides, mindfulness and yoga training, family intensives, psychiatry, safety, education, logistics, gear, nutrition, transportation, communications, and case management. Second Nature has long been known as the leader in wilderness therapy programs for teens, in clinical expertise, safety, and positive outcomes. We bring our experience, passion for this work, and intensive therapy to your family.

Insurance & Financials

Self-pay options
Private insurance

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Outpatient rehab programs enable clients to integrate addiction treatment with their routine work and home life. Many facilities offer virtual services and evening, night, and weekend sessions to accommodate clients' schedules. Outpatient care typically includes rigorous psychotherapy, including group and family counseling. Most programs also prioritize addiction education and recovery-focused life skills training. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is common for clients with alcohol and/or opioid dependency.

Inpatient

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Intensive Outpatient

Clients often choose to enter intensive outpatient programs (IOP) when they exit inpatient rehab. Others turn to IOP as an alternative to hospitalization. Intensive outpatient rehabs offer high-level care for clients in early recovery and those at an elevated risk of relapse, typically requiring them to commit to between nine and 20 hours of treatment per week. The most prevalent treatment modalities include psychotherapy, recovery education, medication assisted treatment (MAT), and holistic therapies, such as meditation.

Aftercare

Clients receiving services in a rehab aftercare program have generally been stable and sober for a period of weeks and months and no longer require high intensity treatment. Many have stepped down from inpatient rehab to outpatient treatment. Others have been discharged from formal treatment but need support in maintaining their sobriety. Clients typically work with their case manager and care team to develop a long-term care plan that aligns with their unique needs and goals.

12-Step

12-step programs are addiction recovery models based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A number of substance abuse programs (including some drug and alcohol rehab centers) use the 12 steps as a basis for treatment. Beginning steps involve admitting powerlessness over the addiction and creating a spiritual basis for recovery. Middle steps including making direct amends to those who've been hurt by the addiction, and the final step is to assist others in addiction recovery in the same way. 12-Step offshoots including Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

Sober Living Homes

Each sober living home in Utah is a residence, not a treatment center. This setting does not provide clinical or medical treatment, but many residents attend recovery groups or outpatient rehab while staying at the home. The setting, also called a halfway house, offers a balance between structure and accountability and living in the "real world," to help people transition from treatment to everyday life.

Intervention Services

If your friend or family member is suffering physically or psychologically from substance use but denies there is a problem, it might be time for a drug intervention in Utah. This process involves meeting with an intervention specialist from a facility's intervention services program. This specialist will interview family members to gain an understanding of the situation, then facilitate the intervention. Their expertise can prove invaluable in navigating this complex confrontation.

Medically Assisted Detox

Medical detox is the safest way to remove addictive substances from your body under the care of medical professionals. In an inpatient environment, you'll be monitored 24/7 by doctors, nurses, and clinical experts, who will help keep you as safe and comfortable as possible and administer medication if needed to treat any withdrawal symptoms. The process may take up to a week or longer depending on your needs, and is often at least partially covered by insurance.

Programs

Adolescence program

Adult program

Program for men

Program for women

Young adult program

Children program

Elderly program

LGBTQ program

Settings and Amenities

Recreation room
Art activities
Yoga studio
Meditation room
Massage room
Acupuncture room
Private rooms
Music room
Hiking
Day school
Spa
Mountain Views
Gardens
Walking Trails
Wilderness setting

Treatment

Alcoholism

The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment. For these people, success is measured by longer periods of abstinence, reduced use of alcohol, better health, and improved social functioning. Recovery and Maintenance are usually based on 12 step programs and AA meetings.

Drug Addiction

When you enter a drug rehab in Utah, the process usually involves four stages: treatment initiation, early abstinence, maintaining abstinence, and advanced recovery. Treatment methods can rely on medications, counseling, or both, in either an outpatient or inpatient setting.

Dual Diagnosis

Many of those suffering from addiction also suffer from mental or emotional illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety disorders. Rehab and other substance abuse facilities treating those with a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder administer psychiatric treatment to address the person's mental health issue in addition to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

A combined mental health and substance abuse rehab has the staff and resources available to handle individuals with both mental health and substance abuse issues. It can be challenging to determine where a specific symptom stems from (a mental health issue or an issue related to substance abuse), so mental health and substance abuse professionals are helpful in detangling symptoms and keeping treatment on track.

Opioid Addiction

Opioid rehabs specialize in supporting those recovering from opioid addiction. They treat those suffering from addiction to illegal opioids like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like oxycodone. These centers typically combine both physical as well as mental and emotional support to help stop addiction. Physical support often includes medical detox and subsequent medical support (including medication), and mental support includes in-depth therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction.

Clinical Services

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Group Therapy

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members. The facility provides Milan group, this form of group therapy was derived from a therapeutic school in Italy renowned for its effective intervention techniques, including one where clients listened behind a one-way mirror as the therapists discussed their case. At Second Nature, Milan Group includes staff both entering and leaving the field at the culmination of the week for a full exchange of information about the student. Feedback and narratives for each of the students are presented with students listening. Student participation varies as appropriate. A Standing Group is a spontaneous group called by any student, therapist or Field Instructor. This is usually a short ,while everyone is standing in a circle, exchange where emotions are appropriately expressed and peers practice reflecting another's perspective without judgment. Interpersonal problem-solving skills are developed.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life. The therapist conducts a formal individual session each week ,1-2 hours, with each student. Family letters the staff report for the week, historical issues, and in-the-moment issues are discussed. The therapist usually invites the Field Instructor assigned to supervise the child for the week into the session. The therapist updates the student’s treatment plan with written notes, assignments, and themes for the following week.

Motivational Interviewing

The foundation of motivational interviewing in Utah rests on four pillars: partnership, evocation, acceptance, and compassion. The therapist collaborates with the client, encouraging them to explore their options and make informed decisions about making changes in their lives.

Couples Therapy

Couples at any stage of their relationship may benefit from couples therapy in Utah. It is designed to keep relationships on the right path by teaching both partners healthy forms of communication and conflict resolution.

Family Therapy

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Life Skills

Life skills trainings involve all the skills a person must have in order to function successfully in the world. These include time management, career guidance, money management, and effective communication. Truly successful addiction recovery is based on the ability to not only live substance-free, but to thrive. Life skills teaches the practical necessities of functioning in society, which sets clients up for success in life, and therefore sobriety.

Nutritional Therapy

Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy helps you in your addiction recovery program by improving your overall well being. Activities can include sports, music, and nature excursions that give you positive experiences, reduce your cravings, and offer the opportunity to reduce your stress. These aid in your addiction recovery.

Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.