Safety
Safety isn't one protocol or one person. It's a commitment shared by every member of our team, every day.
Our Commitment to Safety
For more than 28 years, safety has been woven into every aspect of the Second Nature experience. It shapes how we admit students, train our staff, provide medical care, supervise daily activities, prepare for emergencies, and support every stage of treatment.
This thoughtful, comprehensive approach allows students to focus on what matters most, their healing, growth, and building the skills they need for lasting success. Over the years, we've had the privilege of caring for more than 10,000 adolescents and families with compassion, experience, and clinical excellence.
Safety At a Glance
Medical Oversight
Physical exam • Ongoing assessments • 24/7 support
Close Supervision
1:3 staff-to-student ratio
Qualified Staff
Background checked • CPR/First Aid • WFR in every group
Reliable Communication
Starlink • Radios • Cell phones
What The Reserach Shows
36,000+ Adolescents
Included in one of the largest safety reviews of licensed nature-based therapeutic programs.
2.2 Million+ Program Days
Demonstrating consistently strong safety outcomes across licensed programs.
Approximately 2%
Most medical needs were managed within the program. Only about 2% of students required outside medical care, which is a rate comparable to emergency department utilization among all U.S. adolescents.
0.04%
Students remained engaged in treatment. Only 0.04% of adolescents in licensed nature-based programs left treatment without permission.
Source: BestNotes Wilderness Therapy Safety Report.