Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare (OBHC)
Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare (OBHC) is a unique way for consumers to participate in the therapy process. OBHC sessions take
place at local parks or other natural setting and include participation in a variety of outdoor activities (e.g., camping, geocaching, low ropes elements, rambles, sailing, etc.). Time in nature provides an opportunity to Disconnect from the pressures and distractions that are common to daily life, participate in Quiet Introspection, Challenge existing norms and Expectations, learn New Skills, and experiment with Flexibility and adaptation.
“Kids who do play outside are less likely to get sick, to be stressed or become aggressive, and are more adaptable to life’s unpredictable turns.”
Egan, 2012, para. 8
Benefits of a Nature Experience
According to Allred (2011), “A growing body of research into child development shows consistently and clearly that; 1) exposure to nature, especially with focus on free play, is cognitively beneficial to a child’s growth and resulting mental health as an adult and that; 2) the current trend toward indoor, technology-based entertainment results in problems in the area of Attention, Behavior, School Achievement, Self–Discipline, Loneliness, and Depression” (emphasis added, p. 12). According to Ewert (1997), nature experiences have been shown to facilitate a variety of helpful Psychological, Sociological, Educational, and Physical changes including:
• improved problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills;
• development of appropriate and adaptive social skills;
• improved self-esteem, self-concept, and self-efficacy;
• improved achievement motivation and initiative;
• decrease in conduct disordered behaviors;
• behavioral and cognitive development;
• overall positive behavioral changes;
• increase in pro-social behaviors;
• interpersonal development; and
• decrease in depression.
Russell (2000) found that children who participate in a wilderness therapy program report a desire to reconnect with family, enjoy healthier relationships with their family, express a desire to improve school performance, and make a personal commitment to steer clear of harmful substances.
Does insurance cover the cost for OBHC?
The Outdoor Achievement Group, L.L.C. does not bill insurers directly for OBHC activities. The family is responsible for satisfying the cost for OBHC activities and submitting a claim to their
insurance company. We will provide a coded bill that includes the information most insurers require for reimbursement. Some insurers require additional forms. We will help you complete any necessary forms so that you can be reimbursed for any covered services. Increasingly, insurers will reimburse families for a portion of the cost for their therapeutic camping experience. For example, your insurer may cover the cost for any individual, family, or group therapy that happens during wilderness treatment. Please contact your insurance provider regarding coverage.
References
Allred, D. (2011). Nature deficit disorder: Causes and consequences. Sonoma State University: EDEC 420. Retrieved from http://www.sonoma.edu/users/p/pollack/edu420/nature%20deficit%20disorder.pdf
Egan, T. (2012, March 29). Nature-deficit disorder. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/29/nature-deficit-disorder/
Ewert, A. (1997). Research in outdoor adventure: Overview and analysis. The Bradford Papers Annual, Vol. II
Russell, K.C. (2000). Exploring how the wilderness therapy process relates to outcomes. The Journal of Experiential Education, 23(3)