who we are
Passages To Recovery is a recognized leader in the effort to treat young men by merging the 12 Step process with outdoor rite-of-passage experiences. By focusing on time-tested techniques and philosophies – while also embracing innovative methodologies that are applicable to our efforts – Passages remains a dynamic, highly responsive, and effective option for young men who are struggling to overcome their addictions and regain control over their lives.
Our clinical team is comprised of licensed master's level therapists who have been trained in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and human patterning. Their clinical emphases and strengths complement the counseling and teaching efforts of our residential staff and field guides, creating a unified effort to bring clarity to our students' understanding of recovery and well-being. Our clinicians' expertise in addressing the underlying mental health problems that often co-occur with substance abuse and chemical dependency issues are the foundation upon which Passages To Recovery's success is based.
Our clinical team works with referring professionals throughout the nation, and many interventionists regard our program as exemplary and ideally suited to their clients. Many of our students are referred from extended care programs whose clients are seeking to re-commit to a sober lifestyle, and who need the powerful and life-changing outdoor rites of passage experience to heighten their motivation and clarity of purpose. Educational consultants and clinical professionals find our team to be highly supportive and superbly communicative, which results in the development of accurate needs assessments for effective placements.
Our senior field guides are all Wilderness First Responder certified, as required by Aspen's Outdoor Best Practices, and our staff-to-student ratio is an effective 1:3. Because of this high level of personalized attention, Passages To Recovery has an immaculate safety record. Our groups are small enough to support strong rapport between staff and clientele, thus making the expedition powerfully positive for all involved. The majority of our field guides are experts with personal recovery and are licensed substance abuse counselors in the State of Utah. Our students consistently report admiring and trusting our field staff, attributing many of the insights they've gained to conversations with them or examples they've set.
During the 40-day outdoor portion of the Passages To Recovery experience, our students and field staff members receive round-the-clock support from the members of our field, medical and logistics departments. New students who are preparing for the field and experienced students who are processing the lessons they learned in the wilderness are supervised and supported by our Valley Site staff, which includes members who have degrees in art, nutrition and outdoor recreation – several of whom are also Licensed Substance Abuse Counselors in the State of Utah.
Throughout the duration of a student’s stay at Passages to Recovery, he will receive the highest quality of care and supervision from a dynamic, experienced, and dedicated team of treatment professionals.