We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
From New York to Utah: Our Wilderness Therapy Program
Legacy Outdoor Adventures offers evidence-based, empathetic adventure therapy that focuses on helping you develop healthy skills. Our trained and licensed professionals help adults heal by recognizing that behavioral health is as important as physical health. We offer the latest in behavior and adventure therapy in a quiet, safe, and supportive environment.
Why NY Families Seek Out-of-State Treatment
Legacy’s treatment approach focuses on creating adventures tailored to your needs. There are times when space between your environment and treatment creates a sense of comfort and privacy. Legacy offers a blend of outdoor adventure with clinical therapy that supports healing in a serene, private setting.
What Makes Wilderness Therapy in Utah Different From Local Options
Our location is between five national parks, providing access to:
- Desert Red Rocks
- Mountains
- Farm Land
- Lush Green Forests
The variety of green spaces is unlike any other outdoor therapy program in New York. At Legacy, you will be engaging in world-class experiences that include:
- Outward bound adventures
- Rock climbing
- Outdoor activities such as mountain biking and canyoneering
Furthermore, you can also choose to participate in full-on backpacking adventures. Our backpacking adventures include overnight camping under the stars, allowing you to enjoy the healing properties of the outdoors.
When a Higher Level of Care Becomes Necessary for Young Adults
A higher level of care, such as residential treatment, becomes necessary when an individual struggles with a mental health and/or substance use disorder and has not found success with outpatient treatment. Residential care is also appropriate for those who need a safe and supportive environment to recover.
Adventure-Based Clinical Care for Young Adults from Albany, NY
Legacy Outdoor Adventures is a licensed 90-day program that supports changing your internal story narrative. The first step is to join others at “Base.” This is what we call our cabins and lodges. While you are at Base, you will engage in individual and group therapy that focuses on the Three “I’s”:
- Investment
- Identification
- Internalized
Once you have completed your first steps to treatment, you will meet with your therapist to create a treatment plan and design weekly adventures. From Thursday until Monday morning, individuals are out engaging in activities that foster trust and increase insight and self-awareness. The other days are spent participating in therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to work on harmful behavioral issues and mental health issues like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder.
Why Albany, New York, Families Choose Us
Our approach to treatment goes beyond traditional models by combining clinical sophistication, structured care, and measurable outcomes. At Legacy, every aspect of the program is intentionally designed to support deep, lasting healing, not just short-term stabilization.
Adventure Therapy Integrated With Clinical Treatment
Our program combines adventure therapy three days per week with over 20 hours of structured clinical therapy. This balanced approach helps clients apply therapeutic insights in real-world settings, building resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation in a way that traditional settings often cannot replicate.
Individualized, Whole-Person Treatment
Plans
Every client receives a personalized treatment plan based on a comprehensive evaluation of their mental health, substance use, trauma history, and lifestyle factors. We treat the whole person by integrating clinical care, experiential work, and personal development into one cohesive process.
Trauma-Informed, Clinically Sophisticated
Approach
All care is delivered through a trauma-informed lens, ensuring emotional safety while addressing the underlying drivers of substance use and mental health challenges. Our licensed clinicians provide advanced therapeutic interventions in a structured, supportive environment.
Structured Residential Setting With High Clinical Engagement
As a licensed residential treatment center (RTC), we provide a highly structured environment that supports consistency, accountability, and focus. Clients engage in a full weekly schedule of therapy, adventure-based experiences, and guided reflection designed to promote sustainable change.
Low Client-to-Staff Ratio and Personalized
Attention
With a limited number of clients, our team can provide focused, individualized attention. This allows for deeper therapeutic relationships, more responsive care, and a treatment experience tailored to each client’s needs and goals.
Aftercare & Long-Term Recovery
Planning
We believe in comprehensive care and, as such, work with clients for long-term recovery planning. The Summit Graduation Phase is our way of ensuring that clients transition from treatment with the skills and planning needed for success. This program is embedded in our 90-day program and includes referrals and resources for post-treatment support.
Getting Started Is Easy
Our admissions team makes it easy for individuals and families to get the help they need to successfully recover from substance use disorder.
Step 1: Call to Speak to Admissions
Reach out to our compassionate admissions team for a confidential discussion about your unique needs and to begin the assessment process.
Step 2: Complete Application
Our specialists will help you verify your insurance and explore personalized treatment options, including our 90-day residential program.
Step 3: Verify Benefits
We’ll coordinate your arrival at our Utah location and begin your personalized treatment plan, ensuring a smooth start to your recovery.
Our Residential Adventure Therapy Program Features
Legacy offers a hybrid treatment program that combines CBT, DBT, and outdoor therapeutic programs. The integration of these programs helps you build confidence, increase self-esteem, and learn healthy coping skills. Outdoor behavior therapy is an effective treatment that helps you find yourself and the path to becoming the person you want to be.
Gender-Specific Programming
Men and women need to feel safe and comfortable when they’re healing. Treatment programs can help men and women face and talk about their traumatic experiences, addiction, and mental health issues freely. For example, male-only therapy can help men feel more comfortable opening up about sensitive topics like masculinity because it provides a shared understanding of male experiences. Gender-specific therapy may also reduce perceived judgment and make it easier to practice emotional vulnerability.
Individual and Group Therapy
During your stay, you will engage in individual and group therapy sessions. Our therapists use evidence-based psychotherapy to help individuals identify, discuss, and face their trauma. Two types of psychotherapies we utilize include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: CBT is often used to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. CBT is often used because it quickly helps you identify challenges and cope with them. Your therapist may give you assignments to complete between therapy sessions.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: DBT is clinically effective at helping people with mental health disorders or who are at risk of suicide. Research has shown it’s effective at changing unhealthy habits with healthy ones. It’s used to treat substance use disorders.
Wilderness Expeditions for Self-Esteem
Adventure therapy utilizes the healing benefits of nature to support and maintain long-term recovery. When individuals participate in adventure therapy, they will build a support system while learning about teamwork and how their substance use disorder affects their overall well-being.
Furthermore, another advantage of wilderness expeditions is green exercise. Green exercise is any activity performed outdoors in nature that can improve short- and long-term health outcomes. For example, hiking in the mountains can improve self-confidence and physical and mental health.
Furthermore, another advantage of wilderness expeditions is green exercise. Green exercise is any activity performed outdoors in nature that can improve short- and long-term health outcomes. For example, hiking in the mountains can improve self-confidence and physical and mental health.
Medication Management (when needed)
Our treatment includes medication management if needed. We know it’s important to make sure the dose and type of medication you’re receiving are effective and safe.
Admissions Pathway for NY Clients and Families
Legacy is here to help make the admissions process smooth. We are available during our business hours (6 am to 10 pm MST), but we also have an emergency line.
Comprehensive Assessment
We know you may need a more or less intensive treatment program than someone else. When you call us to begin your path to healing, you may not know what level of care you need.
Intake Process
Legacy’s Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment and BioPsychosocial Interview, given by our therapists, will determine the care you need. We then use the results to develop a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs. If there are any concerns about your assessment, your therapist will consult with our clinical director and the clinical team.
Accreditations
The State of Utah licenses Legacy Outdoor Adventures as a provider of mental health and addiction treatment and as a Residential Treatment Center (RTC). This includes accreditation from the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council (OBH), as well as from other leaders in mental and behavioral healthcare.
Treating Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Legacy’s treatment team uses innovative approaches to address mental health issues, trauma, and substance abuse issues. When you enter our treatment facility, you will take a comprehensive assessment to determine your diagnosis. The assessment helps us create a treatment plan with you because we want you to have ownership over your journey.
How Substance Use and Mental Health Are Treated Together
Our hybrid treatment program combines CBT, DBT, and outdoor therapeutic programs. The integration of these programs helps you build confidence, increase self-esteem, and learn healthy coping skills. Outdoor behavior therapy is an effective treatment that helps you find yourself and the path to becoming the person you want to be.
Physical or creative activities help you connect with your mind and body. They can also create the focus necessary to overcome feelings of withdrawal, loss of control, or self-defeating thoughts. The combination of various therapies, including experiential therapy, a type of therapy that uses hands-on activities to help you express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Experiential and adventure therapy use the outdoors as a part of your recovery journey. Our dual-diagnosis treatment is tailored to address your unique needs while providing the foundation you need for a long-lasting recovery.
Physical or creative activities help you connect with your mind and body. They can also create the focus necessary to overcome feelings of withdrawal, loss of control, or self-defeating thoughts. The combination of various therapies, including experiential therapy, a type of therapy that uses hands-on activities to help you express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Experiential and adventure therapy use the outdoors as a part of your recovery journey. Our dual-diagnosis treatment is tailored to address your unique needs while providing the foundation you need for a long-lasting recovery.
How Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma Present in Young Adults
Young adults often express the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma through feelings of:
- Persistent worry
- Hopelessness
- Emotional distress
The symptoms of these mental health conditions can severely disrupt everyday life and social interactions. Often, these feelings decrease young adults’ overall mental health and well-being.
How Integrated Care Supports Dual Diagnosis Recovery
Legacy Outdoor Adventures is a premier, evidence-based residential treatment program. Our therapists use a client-centered approach that integrates comprehensive healthcare with cutting-edge interventions, including outdoor activities that harness the healing power of nature. As national leaders in adventure therapy and outdoor behavioral healthcare, we encourage individuals to participate in activities like backpacking, mountain biking, and canyoneering.
Ready for an adventure in healing?Discover our unique wilderness therapy programs.
Meet Your Care Team
Dr. Madolyn Liebing
Clinical Consultant
Ph.D. Psychologist, LMFT
Ph.D. Psychologist, LMFT
Devon Nanton
Primary Counselor
SUDC
SUDC
Justin Swensen
Clinical Director
LMFT
LMFT
Troy Faddis
Clinical Supervisor & Family Therapy Specialist
LMFT
LMFT
Building Community Through Alumni Programs
When you complete your treatment with us, you’re still a part of our community. Alumni programs keep you engaged in your recovery while helping you share your journey with others. You can stay involved by:
- Returning to certain events
- Becoming a field guide if qualified and at least one year sober
- Making monthly phone calls to individuals in the program
Relapse Prevention for Lifelong Wellness
Relapse during treatment can happen. However, the structure of our programs reduces the risk of relapse occurring during treatment. Furthermore, we have on-site staff to help on a case-by-case basis, ensuring you receive the specific, empathetic care you need.
Treating the whole person is a proven, effective way to support recovery. Holistic therapy includes the mind, body, and spirit to reinforce your well-being. It uses alternative practices that integrate your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
Treating the whole person is a proven, effective way to support recovery. Holistic therapy includes the mind, body, and spirit to reinforce your well-being. It uses alternative practices that integrate your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
Recognizing When a Young Adult Needs Residential Treatment
Significant changes in behavior, a decline in academic or work performance, social isolation, and increased secrecy are signs a young adult needs residential treatment. When substance use significantly interferes with daily functioning, it is time to reach out for help.
How Early Intervention Changes Long-Term Outcomes
Early substance use disorder treatment can:
- Decrease the severity of a substance use disorder
- Minimize damage to physical and mental health
- Reduce damage to relationships
- Increase the chances of long-term sobriety
What others are saying
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this wilderness therapy program different for Albany residents?
Wilderness therapy for Albany, NY residents at Legacy means you will receive care with long-lasting effects on your recovery journey. Legacy Outdoor Adventures is a national leader in adventure therapy. Legacy is committed to helping you recognize progress, face obstacles, and discover effective ways to address challenges.
How long does the treatment process usually last?
The typical length of stay is 90 days, and it can be adjusted based on your needs.
Do you provide family involvement during treatment?
Yes. Legacy Outdoor Adventures understands the importance of healing families. Before you came to us, your family may have tried a therapeutic intervention to help you. Our team encourages families to become involved because family is essential to your recovery.
That’s why we offer family therapy that includes support and education for you and your loved ones. We use the attachment theory framework to help you mend relationships, improve communication, and learn about family dynamics during these sessions.
Do you treat adolescents or only young adults?
We treat young adults aged 18 and older.
