Program Overview
Adventure Based Counseling (ABC) is a dynamic, group-oriented therapeutic program that harnesses the power of experiential learning and the outdoors to foster personal growth. We utilize a variety of challenge activities, including outdoor adventures and team-building games, to create unique opportunities for self-discovery and positive change.
The goal of ABC is to help participants increase self-awareness, accept responsibility for their choices, and build stronger connections with others. By stepping outside their comfort zones in a supportive setting, individuals learn practical coping and relational skills that translate directly to everyday life.
Services Offered
Activities include, but are not limited to:
After-school programming
Rock climbing
Backpacking
Canoeing/Kayaking/Paddle boarding
X-country skiing
Community service
These activities are the foundation of a framework designed to build self-confidence and teach individuals how to effectively work well with others.
Additional Services Offered
Adventure Based Group Counseling
Team-building workshops
Training
Program Qualifications
ABC services are geared towards the youth population. They also provide services to adult PROS participants.
Adventure based counseling can be a very effective treatment for many different mental health disorders, challenging life issues, and other conditions and problems with which people struggle. Studies have shown it to be beneficial in the treatment of:
Adolescents with substance abuse issues
Behavioral problems in adolescents
Juvenile offenders
Conduct disorders in teens
Anger management issues
Eating disorders
Recovery from trauma
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety disorders
Individuals with developmental disorders
Adolescents with emotional problems
Grief and loss issues
Depression
Adults with substance abuse problems
Relationship problems
Issues with codependency
ABC can also benefit families in conflict, individuals struggling with low self-esteem or lack of self-confidence, and those who struggle with taking initiative.
Ages Served
Primarily the youth population; also serves adult PROS participants.
Eligibility
Children living with SED (Serious Emotional Disturbance criteria).
Adults living with SMI (Serious Mental Illness).
Insurance & Payment
Adults must have Medicaid.
Other services are covered through grants and contracts.
Additional Information
Upstate New York is a vast and beautiful area for your child to explore. From the Adirondack Mountains to Lake Champlain to Cumberland Bay to the AuSable River … there is no shortage of adventure activities to challenge the individuals we serve to build skills and confidence. There are several different types of approaches and activities that are utilized in adventure therapy. These include:
Cooperative activities or games
Wilderness excursions (e.g. camping, backpacking, hiking in the mountains and other remote areas)
Problem solving initiatives
Trust activities
Outdoor activities (e.g. kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling, horseback riding)
Ropes courses (high and low)
Each of these activities is designed to be therapeutic in nature. They may focus on fostering communication and cooperation, building trust in self and others, or developing and improving problem-solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
Question 2
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
Question 3
Collapsible text is perfect for longer content like paragraphs and descriptions. It's a great way to give people more information while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, including an external website or a different page. You can set your text box to expand and collapse when people click, so they can read more or less info.
