The Mountain Center is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) founded in 1979 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Originally a wilderness therapy program for adults and youth in the justice system, now a comprehensive adventure therapy provider led by licensed clinical counselors. Programs use cooperative games, ropes courses, backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling, and whitewater rafting as therapeutic vehicles. Accredited in Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Services and a Medicaid provider, making it uniquely accessible.

Best for

Adults in New Mexico seeking adventure-based therapy that is clinically grounded and Medicaid-funded.

Modalities

Depth elements

Founded in 1979 as a wilderness therapy program. Uses adventure and wilderness as therapeutic instruments rather than mere activities. Licensed clinical counselors lead programs incorporating interpersonal processing, reflection, and challenge-by-choice. Strength-based, positive development approach addresses underlying patterns rather than surface behaviors.

Populations served

Notable staff

Licensed clinical counselors.

The Mountain Center — Adventures in Recovery’s treatment philosophy Questions to ask before admission Comparable centers