Who We Serve

“Enlightening!!! I gained insight, self-confidence, and a better understanding of myself. Second Nature has been a turning point in my life and essentially has saved my life and my relationships.”

Sean, Detroit

Client Profile

The experienced clinical team at Second Nature Entrada for Adults is sophisticated and capable of working with a variety of mental health diagnoses, developmental issues, learning disabilities, substance abuse or dependence, school and/or job problems and relational difficulties. Treatment resistant clients who have struggled in other treatment programs find effective ways to heal at Second Nature. The highly experienced admissions team at Second Nature Entrada is able to match each adult client's unique circumstance to one of its many groups and therapists specializing in a specific population.

Second Nature Entrada's adult population includes, but is not limited to, the following profiles, diagnoses and conditions:

  • Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety
    Second Nature addresses chronic behaviors associated with mood disorders such as cutting, suicidal ideation, or withdrawal from others. When necessary, Second Nature facilitates medical supervision of psychotropic medication.
  • Substance Abuse/Dependence
    Second Nature is able to assess the level of involvement in substance and the appropriate level of treatment needed. Clinicians are also able to determine whether substance use is a primary treatment issue or more a symptom of other problems.
  • Computer and Internet Addictions
    Second Nature staff is skilled at addressing an emerging set of issues (such as social, job, school and family problems) relating to Internet gaming.
  • College Difficulty
    Second Nature is able to assess emotional and/or learning based issues relating to poor performance in college and motivational problems. On-site Psychoeducational testing is available. See information packet for fee schedule.
  • Low Self-Esteem
    Often a root of many difficulties, wilderness therapy is extraordinarily effective at addressing issues of poor self-worth, confidence and self-esteem. Wilderness provides numerous opportunities to confront self-imposed limitations and achieve small successes, thus building self-confidence.
  • Low Frustration Tolerance and Difficulty Delaying Gratification
    Second Nature staff are skilled at addressing difficulties relating to finishing tasks, coping with everyday life challenges and facing disappointment. Clients learn appropriate coping techniques and practice these techniques experientially.
  • Life Stage Adjustment Problems
    Second Nature works effectively with clients who may be experiencing unresolved grief relating to divorce, a move, or other life changing events. Therapists work closely with each client and family to carefully tailor assignments and effective experiential interventions to address life stage adjustment issues.
  • ADHD/Learning Difficulties
    Second Nature therapists address behaviors associated with ADHD or other learning differences such as impulsiveness, distractedness, poor decision-making, or other disruptions. Whether specific learning differences are identified or discovered through psychological testing at Second Nature, therapists will assist clients in developing a broader understanding of these learning differences and assist with effective coping strategies.
  • Identity Issues
    Staff at Second Nature are highly skilled at working with identity related challenges such as "who am I" difficulties associated with gender identity and/or gender orientation.
  • Attachment and Adoption Issues
    Second Nature employs highly skilled therapists, expert in exploring and unraveling the specific dynamics of the adopted clients as well as other life-circumstances that may lead to difficulties in attachment.
  • Social Problems
    Through the therapeutic milieu at Second Nature, clients who suffer from poor peer relationships, who experience difficulty reading social cues and who lack age appropriate social skills, gain awareness and the tools necessary to find happiness with peers and others.
  • Family Conflict
    Therapists work well to challenge each client to explore and identify their family's unique strengths, values and spiritual foundations. Families learn to work through anger and hurt, and gaining new communication skills.
  • Grief and Loss
    Therapists expert in addressing grief and loss are matched with clients who have suffered the loss of a parent, family member or friend. Caring staff create access to the pain, and challenge the maladaptive coping so that adults may work towards healing and integration.
  • Sexual Acting Out
    Age-inappropriate relationships, sexual promiscuity, and other sexual acting out behaviors may be explored and treated effectively with expert therapists in small group settings.
  • NLD and Aspergers
    Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, our expert therapists will assess and provide specialized treatment with clients who suffer from similar problems. Self-esteem, social problems, and school struggles common to clients with these diagnostics, are also addressed.
  • Victims of Abuse
    In safe, small group settings with highly skilled therapists, clients are encouraged to explore the pain and shame that often leads to dangerous and destructive behaviors.

Exclusionary Criteria

While wilderness therapy is often recognized as one of the most effective treatment modalities for treating adult client problems, there are characteristics and diagnoses that present challenges to safety and efficacy. Our exclusionary criteria are designed to assure that you receive effective treatment without compromise to health and safety, and include:

  • Active suicide attempts
  • Psychotic symptoms
  • Acute/Chronic violence outside the home

Medical conditions that may require emergency services during routine wilderness living, including:

  • Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent)
  • Allergies that may lead to anaphylactic shock
  • Significant obesity
  • Cardiac conditions or other organ dysfunctions that may lead to emergency care

Each case will be evaluated individually with consideration to the client's experience and willingness, doctor recommendations, and the history and context of the above conditions.