Veterans report enhanced openness to mental health treatment following wilderness therapy

Abstract: Many veterans struggle with their mental health, and wilderness therapies offer promising unconventional approaches that improve psychological symptoms. However, less is known about broader psychosocial benefits, such as post-trip attitudes toward treatment and mental health or the degree and longevity of related improvements in social connection, coping, and life skills. Our study investigated whether veterans who had undergone a 3-day wilderness therapy program during the preceding 2 years would report relatively high treatment-seeking willingness, sense of social connection, and improvement in and continued use of coping and life skills. Among 28 participants from the 2 prior years of the Huts for Vets wilderness therapy program, the veterans reported high openness to a range of further treatment options, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and therapies with other veterans. They also reported improved social connection and strong coping strategy continuance and benefits. Open-ended responses supported these findings, with veterans reporting increased feelings of camaraderie, improved confidence and self-perception, and help-seeking willingness. These results extend previous findings and suggest the potential for the spreading activation of wilderness therapy benefits for veterans.

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